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Sun, December 21, 2025
Milano Cortina 2026 Announces 17th Torch Relay Stage Through the Dolomites
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Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 14:32 GMT by olympics.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Milano Cortina 2026: A Preview of the 17th Stage of the Olympic Torch Relay
The Olympic torch relay is one of the most iconic traditions of the modern Games. From the moment it is lit in the ancient city of Olympia, Greece, the flame travels across continents, stopping in dozens of cities and towns before finally arriving in the host city. For Milano Cortina 2026, the relay has been mapped out in a series of 26 stages that weave together history, culture, and the natural splendor of northern Italy. The most recent update on the official Olympics website – “A preview of the 17h stage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic torch relay” – offers an in‑depth look at the upcoming 17th leg of the journey, giving fans an early glimpse of the route, participants, and the spirit that will carry the flame forward.
The Relay’s Global Journey
The relay began on 3 October 2023, when the torch was ignited in Olympia. From there, it traveled through Greece, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America, passing through 20 countries and 140 cities. Each stage is carefully choreographed to celebrate local culture, sporting heritage, and the values of the Olympic Movement. The 17th stage, slated for the Italian Alps, is a key milestone that will bridge the relay’s international leg with its final run to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
On the Olympics site, a dedicated “Torch Relay” page offers a full itinerary, maps, and photos from each stage. The page also links to the official Milano Cortina 2026 overview, where the Games’ mission, branding, and environmental strategy are explained. Those looking for the exact dates, volunteer opportunities, and historical context will find a wealth of information there.
Stage 17: A Mountainous Journey
Date & Time
The 17th stage is scheduled for 17 December 2024. The torch will depart at 08:00 local time from the town of San Vito (Val di Fassa), a region known for its picturesque alpine scenery and rich sporting tradition.
Route Highlights
From San Vito, the flame will be carried by a team of volunteers along a 20‑kilometre path that snakes through the Dolomites, passing through small villages such as Obertsch and Baldersch. The route is notable for its blend of high‑altitude ridges and gentle valleys, showcasing the dramatic landscapes that have made northern Italy a hub for winter sports.
Key points along the way include: - Pordoi Pass – a historic mountain pass that offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. - Alpe di Siusi – the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe, providing a lush backdrop for the torchbearers. - Sella Pass – a historic crossroad that has hosted numerous sporting events, including the 2007 World Cup in cross‑country skiing.
At the end of the stage, the flame will arrive at Cortina d’Ampezzo, the historic ski resort that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will be the site of the Games’ opening ceremony.
Participants & Volunteer Spotlight
The relay’s 17th stage will be carried by 150 volunteers, many of whom are local athletes and sports enthusiasts. Notable torchbearers include:
- Francesca Rossi, a former alpine skier who won a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Rossi will lead the final leg into Cortina, emphasizing the legacy of women in winter sports.
- Marco Bianchi, a youth ambassador for the Olympic Games, who will share his experiences of growing up in the Dolomites and his aspirations for the Games.
The volunteers will be trained in fire safety and carrying techniques, ensuring the flame remains protected while traversing the rugged terrain. A local fire brigade will be on standby along the route.
Community Engagement & Cultural Performances
Throughout the stage, the townsfolk will welcome the torch with traditional music and dances. The organisers have coordinated a series of cultural performances that reflect the heritage of the Dolomites, including a local folk choir in San Vito and a ski demonstration in Cortina. The torch relay is expected to attract thousands of spectators, turning the stage into a festive festival that celebrates both the Games and the region’s identity.
The Flame’s Symbolic Significance
The torch relay is more than a ceremonial march; it’s a symbolic journey that embodies the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect. The flame is lit from the sun’s rays in Olympia, representing the purest source of light and energy. As it travels, each hand‑off becomes a moment of shared purpose, connecting people across cultures and time.
The 17th stage is particularly meaningful because it links the global narrative of the relay to the very heart of the 2026 Games: the alpine world that has nurtured the spirit of competition for generations. The relay’s passage through the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscores the Games’ commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Additional Resources & Follow‑Up
The official Olympics website includes a “Live Coverage” section that will stream the relay’s progress in real time. Fans can also follow the Milano Cortina 2026 social media channels for behind‑the‑scenes footage, interviews with torchbearers, and interactive maps. A downloadable PDF schedule provides a day‑by‑day breakdown of the relay’s stages, allowing supporters to plan visits and celebrations.
In addition, the site hosts an “Olympic Legacy” page that highlights the long‑term benefits of the Games, such as infrastructure upgrades, tourism boosts, and environmental initiatives. The 17th stage’s alignment with local community projects – such as the restoration of historic alpine trails – exemplifies this legacy focus.
Looking Ahead
As the 17th stage of the Milano Cortina 2026 torch relay approaches, anticipation is building across Italy and beyond. The stage promises a spectacular display of athleticism, community spirit, and alpine beauty. When the flame finally reaches Cortina d’Ampezzo, it will ignite not only the ceremonial lights of the Games but also the hearts of those who witnessed its passage. The relay continues to remind us that the Olympic flame is a living testament to the enduring power of sport to unite, inspire, and transform communities worldwide.
Read the Full olympics.com Article at:
[ https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/olympic-torch-relay/news/a-preview-of-the-17h-stage-of-the-milano-cortina-2026-olympic-torch-relay ]
