Winter athletes participating in the upcoming Milan Cortina Games will be accommodated in a humble setting at the Athletes Village in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The temporary Village, set to host around 1,400 athletes and team members during the Feb. 6-22 event, comprises 377 rented mobile homes closely situated in a valley near downtown Cortina. The rooms are basic, offering a simple and no-frills environment.
Despite the modest accommodations, the Village presents a unique opportunity for athletes to be in close proximity to the stunning Dolomites. The serene location allows individuals to bask in the tranquility of the mountains, offering a peaceful setting for concentration or leisurely activities. Fabio Saldini, the Italian government commissioner overseeing infrastructure for the Games, emphasized the temporary nature of the setup, highlighting the village’s high-quality design and the eventual restoration of the environment post-event.
While some nations like Norway opt for alternative lodging arrangements, many countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Italy, plan to utilize the Village facilities. The Village in Cortina will serve as a crucial hub for various sports events during the Games, including women’s alpine skiing, curling, bobsled, luge, and skeleton competitions. Additionally, it will play a vital role in accommodating athletes during the subsequent Paralympics scheduled for March 6-15.
The Athletes Village offers individual mobile homes equipped with heating controls to ensure personalized comfort for the occupants. Each room features a thermostat-controlled heating unit and an infrared panel for temperature management, powered by electricity. Despite the potential for cold weather conditions, the Village aims to provide a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for athletes preparing for their competitions.
Furthermore, the Village’s construction manager, Paride Casagrande, highlighted the practical aspects of the accommodation setup, including the mobile homes resting on wheels for positioning purposes only. The rooms are designed to be inclusive, with specific adaptations for Paralympians to ensure accessibility and comfort during their stay.
The total cost for establishing the Athletes Village amounts to 38 million euros ($44 million US), with the mobile homes set to be repurposed after the Games. These structures will find new homes at camping sites across Italy, with some earmarked for a local hockey club. Despite concerns over tree removal during the setup process, efforts have been made to maintain the natural integrity of the surrounding area, with new plantings and a commitment to preserving the park’s ecosystem post-event.