Building for Milan-Cortina: Simon’s take on the 2026 Winter Olympics

I am proud to share that the boarding systems we produced for Realice will be used at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. After contributing to the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi (2014) and Beijing (2022), I am proud that we are once again bringing our expertise to one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The boardings will be used for short track, long track, and figure skating events. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our expertise again, and we all are very proud and excited to be back on this international stage. 

The boardings will be used for short track, long track speed skating, and figure skating. This is a great opportunity to showcase our expertise once again.

Service and expertise

I think one of the key pillars of this success is the service and expertise we provide alongside our products. From the moment we know where the Games will take place, we dive into the details. What type of venue will host the ice rink? What are the technical requirements? How will the layout affect safety and logistics for the athletes, maintenance crew, and television broadcasters?

We advise on crucial practical matters, such as the distance between the boarding and the ice, access routes for ice resurfacing machines, and where athletes will enter and exit the rink, all while considering TV crews. By getting involved early in the process, we provide valuable insights and advice that ensure a smooth operation, even after installation.

We are able to take on this role thanks to the expertise we’ve developed over the years. We have been working on the ice for quite some time. In 2014, our long track boardings were used at the Sochi Winter Olympics, and in 2022, we supplied them again for Beijing. We’ve also provided boardings for ice rinks such as Thialf and for various European and World Championships, including the Short Track World Championships in Rotterdam in 2024.

Interestingly, Italy has not had a permanent 400-meter indoor ice rink after the Oval Lingotto was closed in 2007. For the 2026 Winter Olympics, a temporary ice rink will be installed in an existing exhibition hall which is an ambitious setup that requires extensive preparation.

Safety and innovation

I can tell you that safety is our top priority. Thanks to extensive testing with various foam types and enhanced safety measures, athletes can push their limits without worrying about the consequences of a fall. Our boardings are designed with multiple foam layers and open spaces to deliver ultimate shock absorption and minimize ‘bounce-back,’ which is critical for athlete safety. We test different materials extensively to ensure athletes can compete and train with confidence.

Our systems not only meet but exceed the safety standards set by the ISU. Of course, we hope no one falls during the Olympic Games, but if they do, we will do everything we can to ensure they are caught safely.

The road to 2026

Recently, the Short Track World Tour was organized in Milan as a test event for the Milan-Cortina Olympics. This was a very successful event for us, where we were able to showcase our expertise and safety to the Olympic committee. This event was an important milestone on the road to 2026.

I’m excited to be part of this team and to be part of this journey. Together with Realice, we are creating an environment where athletes can perform at their best. Thanks to our experience, expertise, and innovations, we’ll ensure everything is ready for the world’s biggest winter sports event. I can’t wait to see the world’s best skaters compete on our boardings! 

More information about the boardings

Simon Schram Sales Manager Sport