Olympic Torch Illuminates the Dolomites

The Olympic Torch is currently making its journey through the stunning Dolomites, ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. This event marks the first Winter Olympics in Western Europe in two decades.

Olympic Torch Relay in Val Gardena

On January 28, 2026, during Stage 52 of the relay, the Olympic Torch will pass through Val Gardena. The celebration will feature a mixture of skiing and skijoring—where participants are towed on skis by horses. The day will commence in Ortisei, with torchbearers starting from the “Lokomotive” on Plaza dla Stazion at 8:00 a.m.

Relay Highlights

• The torch will travel through a pedestrian area, showcasing traditional costumes and local ski instructors.
• Fans will gather at the entrance of the permanent art exhibition, “Art52,” where a brass band will accompany the festivities.
• Specially crafted ice torches will be displayed along the relay route.
• In Piazza Sant’Antonio, ten unique “Unika Fans” created by local artisans will be exhibited.

Five of these fans are specifically designed for the Olympics and will later be showcased at the biathlon events in Antholz. At approximately 8:20 a.m., a ceremonial fanfare will greet the Olympic Torch near Hotel “Villa Park.”

Transitioning to Selva di Val Gardena

After the initial celebration, a shuttle will transport the torch and its bearers to the Dantercepies gondola lift in Selva di Val Gardena. The relay will continue as they ski down the slope towards the center of Selva. The torchbearers will then ride the Ciampinoi gondola lift to the “Città dei sassi” for a skijoring activity.

Young athletes from the Ski Club Gardena, known for producing Olympic champions, will accompany the torch. The journey will proceed over the Passo Sella towards the Val di Fassa, concluding the day in Cavalese.

Notable Torchbearers

Among the torchbearers for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Games are two Val Gardena natives:

• Carolina Kostner, a figure skating bronze medalist from Sochi 2014.
• Isolde Kostner, an alpine skier with two bronze medals from Lillehammer 1994 and a silver from Salt Lake City 2002.

The Olympic Torch’s journey through the Dolomites is a symbolic start to the upcoming Winter Olympics, celebrating both local culture and athletic achievement.