What to know before you go, from transport and crowds, to weather and emergency prep
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Attending the Winter Olympics in Italy is the kind of trip people dream about for years. The setting and atmosphere couldn't be more perfect: world-class athletes competing against a backdrop of breathtaking alpine scenery, all while the electric energy of the Olympic spirit surrounds you. Add to that the fact that you’re in Italy—home to some of the best pasta you’ll ever taste—and it’s easy to see why these 2026 Games might be worth the splurge and the crowds.
Of course, as thrilling as the experience is, traveling to a winter sports destination comes with its own challenges. Icy streets, packed venues, sky-high hotel prices and steep mountain passes can quickly turn small inconveniences into major headaches. That’s why a little preparation goes a long way. From considering travel insurance to understanding local rules, these tips may help you stay safe, reduce stress, and make the most of your Olympic adventure.
- Plan Ahead: Understand Local Transport
- Avoid the Crowds
- Stay Connected, Safely
- Protect Your Belongings: Pickpocketing Precautions
- Stay warm, stay safe
- Emergency Medical Preparedness
- Local Laws and Customs
Plan Ahead: Understand Local Transport
When attending a major event like the Winter Olympics, knowing how to get around is key. Research shuttle services, ski lifts, and public transport schedules well in advance to avoid last-minute chaos. Look into the pros and cons of renting a car – it may be more hassle than it’s worth, depending on where you stay.
Having spent time in this part of Italy, I can say the views are stunning, but the mountains can be tricky to navigate, even on a calm summer day. You’ll want to download offline maps, as cell coverage can be patchy in certain mountain areas.
Avoid the Crowds
Crowds at the Olympics can be intense, so planning how to move through venues is crucial. Arrive early and familiarize yourself with the layout of each venue. Secondary entrances or early-access events can offer a calmer experience.
As exciting as this time is, it might be tempting to pack your schedule full of events. However, consider leaving plenty of time to get between venues and factor in some down time to decompress (and warm up!) at a café or back at your hotel.
Stay Connected, Safely
Busy Olympic venues are also hotspots for cyber threats. Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi to protect your data, enable device location tracking, and back up important documents like your passport and tickets in an encrypted format. These steps may help you recover crucial information if your devices are lost or compromised.
Protect Your Belongings: Pickpocketing Precautions
The Olympic experience attracts more than just fans and athletes. Unfortunately, this is also a big event for thieves – both amateur and professional. A few simple steps can help you secure your belongings:
- Use RFID-blocking wallets to prevent electronic theft of credit card or passport data.
- Choose anti-theft backpacks with lockable zippers and slash-resistant straps for extra security. In big crowds, wear your backpack in front of you and do your best to avoid distractions. I’ve seen a bag get swiped in an instant at a train station when a traveler was distracted.
- Photograph your luggage and gear before departure—this may help with travel insurance claims if something goes missing.
- During transit, keep valuables in carry-on or on your person rather than in checked baggage to reduce risk.
- Avoid leaving bags unattended in crowded venues or public transport, even for a moment.
- Consider travel insurance that covers theft or loss of sports equipment and electronics.
Stay warm, stay safe
Italy in the winter is beautiful but unpredictable. A sunny day can have you in a t-shirt and a snowy day can have you buried under layers. The best packing advice is to bring a bit of everything and remember, you are attending the games for the love of sport, not for fashion. You’ll likely be wearing the same coats and mittens over and over again, and so will everyone else. Bring waterproof outwear to stay dry during sudden downpours and pack traction aids for your shoes (like small crampons or shoe grips) as even the city sidewalks can be icy.
Emergency Medical Preparedness
Emergency medical situations made up 27 percent of all U.S. travel insurance claims (across all US travel insurance companies) in 2024. Twisted ankles, car accidents, or sudden illness can happen when you least expect it. Some issues may only require a doctor's visit and prescription, while serious situations could involve hospitalization, surgery, or even emergency evacuation. Now, combine that with icy roads, slippery slopes and thousands upon thousands of Olympic fans, and you may want to be extra prepared.
Tips for emergency preparedness:
- Store your travel insurance’s emergency assistance number in your phone, as well as the local emergency number
- If you are skiing, also save the ski patrol’s number in your phone
- Understand your travel insurance policy benefits in case of illness, accidents, or sudden emergencies
Local Laws and Customs
Understanding local rules and customs is an important part of staying safe and enjoying your trip. For example, drinking in public areas like streets or train stations is restricted in many Italian cities, and some towns enforce quiet hours where loud celebrations or public drinking could get you fined. On public transport, you are expected to validate your ticket before boarding, and priority seating is reserved for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers.
Ski parks also may have rules you might not expect. All Italian ski resorts require helmets for children AND adults (this is new for the 2025/26 season), and reckless skiing or snowboarding can result in fines or liability for accidents. Lift passes are checked at gates, and sharing or misusing them can lead to penalties.
Like most of Europe, tipping at restaurants in Italy is not expected. However, a small amount is appreciated – just don’t overtip as that can be taken the wrong way. A good rule is to leave a little extra if you received great service, but don’t feel like you have to.
There is nothing like cheering for your favorite athletes live, exploring charming Italian towns, and soaking in the atmosphere of the Alps. With a bit of preparation, this adventure can be as safe as it is unforgettable. Get out there and enjoy Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026!
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