Key Points:
- The Olympic flame reached Bologna as the torch relay continues through Italy ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.
- Heavy snow slowed the relay, which began in Rome and has already covered 12,000 km.
- Organizers say venue preparations are stabilizing and additional event tickets are being released.
The Olympic flame arrived in the northern Italian city of Bologna on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone as the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games draw near. The torch’s arrival came roughly one month before the opening ceremony at San Siro stadium in Milan, bringing excitement to the Emilia-Romagna region despite challenging winter weather.
The flame has been making its way across Italy since the relay began in Rome about a month ago. During its 12,000-kilometer journey, the torch has passed through regions as diverse as Sardinia and Sicily as well as southern cities including Naples and Bari. The route celebrates Italy’s culture and engages communities nationwide ahead of the Games.
Heavy snow blanketed much of Emilia-Romagna on the day the flame reached Bologna, slowing progress through parts of the region. Nonetheless, torchbearers pressed on, including participants from local groups who helped carry the Olympic flame along the route. Their efforts underscored the relay’s symbolic role in uniting people ahead of the international sporting event.
A poignant moment during the Bologna leg came when teenage presenters from broadcaster Radioimmaginaria carried the torch in memory of friends lost in a tragic New Year’s Eve fire at a Swiss ski resort. Among those remembered was 16-year-old Giovanni Tamburi, a native of Bologna who died in the blaze, adding emotional meaning to the relay.
The torch relay is designed to build national enthusiasm as thousands of athletes and spectators prepare for competition. The 2026 Winter Games will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with events ranging from Alpine skiing to ice hockey. Over the coming weeks, the flame will continue its march toward Milan, passing through cities and iconic landmarks.
Organizers are also moving to address logistical concerns as the Games approach. In recent weeks, they capped ticket sales for some Alpine events amid worries about congestion and access to mountain venues. However, local officials now say preparations are progressing and that additional tickets will be released for the women’s Alpine skiing races, signaling growing confidence in transport and access plans.
Snowmaking operations at mountain venues are reported to be back on schedule after a slow start. This progress eases earlier fears about whether sufficient snow cover would be ready in time for competition. Positive developments in snow preparation and venue logistics offer reassurance as winter conditions continue.
In Milan, the Santagiulia ice hockey arena is set to host its first test event ahead of the Olympics. While the rink’s surface is slightly shorter than the standard dimensions used in the National Hockey League, the test event will help organizers fine-tune operations before NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014.
The torch relay not only symbolizes the forthcoming Games but also highlights Italy’s cultural diversity and national pride. From snowy plains to historic circuits like Imola’s Formula One track, the flame’s journey reflects both sporting tradition and community participation.
As Bologna welcomes the Olympic flame, focus now turns to the final weeks of preparation. With temperatures falling and anticipation rising, Italy looks ahead to opening the world’s eyes on its Winter Games, celebrated on both urban and alpine stages.
