From one Winter Olympics to the next: after the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, Italy will also host the 2028 Winter Youth Games, an event particularly valued by the IOC. The IOC Executive Committee has in fact selected the Dolomiti Valtellina project, promoted by CONI in collaboration with Lombardy, Trentino and Veneto, as the Preferred Host for this edition. Initially, the IOC had preferred to wait because of some organisational difficulties of Milan-Cortina 2026, but now, with the work well underway, it is ready to entrust Italy with the Youth Games as well. An important recognition for CONI and its president Giovanni Malagò, who is also a member of the IOC and will be in Los Angeles next week for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Initially, the Netherlands and Romania had also expressed interest, but they withdrew, leaving Italy as the only candidate.
A vision of continuity and development
The Dolomiti Valtellina project aims to build on the legacy of Milan Cortina 2026, using much of the same infrastructure and investing in programmes to promote winter sports among young people. The aim is to create a bridge between the two Olympic editions, guaranteeing a lasting impact on both a sporting and economic level.
Developed by CONI with the support of the national government, the regions of Lombardy and Veneto, and the Autonomous Province of Trento, the project is based on five fundamental pillars
- Capitalising on the legacy of Milan Cortina 2026.
- Ensuring a sustainable event, respecting high environmental standards.
- Encourage the practice of winter sports among the new generations.
- Promote social inclusion and the training of future leaders.
- Spread values of solidarity and cooperation.
Sports programme and participation
The IOC Executive Committee has already outlined the provisional sports programme for YOG 2028. The confirmed disciplines include:
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Curling
- Ice Hockey
- Luge
- Skating
- Skiing
The maximum number of athletes expected will be 1,900, in line with Gangwon 2024. However, within a year of the official selection of the host venue, the precise details of the competitions will be worked out in cooperation with the international federations to optimise costs and logistics.
Following the model adopted for the Dakar 2026 YOG, the IOC and the Organising Committee will work closely together to ensure an efficient and innovative event. In addition, the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) will be able to propose possible new disciplines to be included in the official programme.
An opportunity for the future of youth sport
The choice of Dolomiti Valtellina represents a great opportunity to strengthen the Italian Olympic tradition, offering young athletes a prestigious showcase and inspiring new generations of athletes. Thanks to a strong commitment to the sustainability and development of winter sport, Italy is preparing to write another important chapter in the history of the Youth Olympic Games.
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