Canadians Experience Olympic-Style Glamping in Cortina’s Athlete Village

Canadian athletes are experiencing an Olympic-style glamping experience in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, during the Winter Olympics. The residential units in the athlete village resemble rustic cabins but offer unexpected comfort and amenities.

Cortina’s Athlete Village: A Glamping Experience

Before settling into their accommodations, Canadian curler Marc Kennedy likened the trailers to Rocky Balboa’s rustic retreat. However, upon arrival, athletes found their living conditions surprisingly comfortable. Kennedy remarked, “I think it’s better than advertised… the bathrooms are big, the showers are big, and the beds are fine.”

Accommodations Overview

The pop-up village is set among towering pine trees and majestic mountains, capable of housing 1,400 international team members in modular homes. Here are some key features:

• Cabins equipped with two beds, a bathroom, storage space, and bedside tables.
• Shared areas for dining and socializing.
• Canadian-themed enhancements like high-quality pillows and bedding added by curling coaches.

The athletes in this cozy neighborhood include 42 Canadian Olympians participating in sliding, women’s alpine skiing, and curling. After the Games, the cabins will be relocated to campsites across Italy.

A Community Spirit

The Canadian competitors enjoy a sense of camaraderie. Canadian flags decorate the trailers, and a snow fort with a maple leaf emblem was constructed by the athletes. Canadian bobsledder Shaq Murray-Lawrence noted, “I thought it would be like sleeping bags… but I was wrong.”

All athletes have access to essential comforts, creating a sense of home away from home. Murray-Lawrence brought his own personal items, including candles and a karaoke microphone, to enjoy downtime with fellow competitors.

Scenic Surroundings and Amenities

Though some athletes found the food lacking compared to their expectations of Italy’s cuisine, the breathtaking views of the Dolomites were universally praised. Murray-Lawrence appreciated the scenery, stating, “You come out of your trailer and you’re surrounded by these ungodly sized mountains.”

A Unique Olympic Village Setup

The current Olympics feature competitions across various Northern Italian clusters including Milan, Bormio, and Livigno. This distribution results in smaller villages, but athletes still find a vibrant atmosphere.

Canadian luge athlete Embyr-Lee Susko shared, “The Cortina village has a really awesome little vibe.” Despite its size, the area allows for enjoyable interactions such as pin trading.

Team Canada Lounge and Support

The Canadian Olympic Committee established a Team Canada lounge within the village. This space features a variety of snacks, a TV airing CBC’s Olympic coverage, and a massage room equipped with recovery equipment. Special care packages with snacks and heartfelt notes from home greeted some athletes, contributing to the supportive environment.

As the Olympics proceed, Canadian athletes enjoy a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, creating an unforgettable experience in Cortina d’Ampezzo.