From an elevated orbital vantage point, the European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has captured a series of remarkable images showcasing the diverse locations of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. These stunning satellite photographs offer a comprehensive overview of the event's widespread geographical footprint across northern Italy, providing a unique cosmic perspective on the ongoing international sports spectacle. The visuals not only highlight the expansive distances between various competition sites but also underscore the dramatic and rugged beauty of the world-renowned Dolomite mountain range.
The XXV Winter Olympic Games, known officially as the Milan-Cortina Games, are being held across numerous cities and towns throughout northern Italy. Key host cities include Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, alongside other significant venues such as Bormio, Livigno, Anterselva, Predazzo, Tesero, and Verona. This distributed setup for the games means events are simultaneously taking place across a vast and topographically varied landscape. The satellite imagery vividly illustrates the challenging yet picturesque terrain that characterizes this region, particularly the iconic Dolomites.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, often celebrated as the 'pearl of the Dolomites,' is a charming winter resort town with a rich Olympic history, having previously hosted the Winter Games in 1956. The detailed satellite views from ESA's Sentinel-2 mission, complemented by imagery from IRIDE's Hawk for Earth Observation (HEO) satellite, provide a clear understanding of its mountainous surroundings and strategic location. The opening ceremony for this year's games took place at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy's second most populous city, situated at the base of the Alps. Milan is hosting a multitude of events, including the highly anticipated ice hockey tournament, with its stadium visible in striking detail through images captured by another ESA satellite, WorldView-3.
Further to the east, past Lake Garda, lies Verona, a city that will host the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics. The same arena in Verona is also slated to host the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Winter Games, scheduled for March 6. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites, which operate at an average orbital altitude of 786 kilometers (488 miles), complete more than 14 revolutions around Earth daily, enabling them to capture such detailed and expansive views of our planet's surface.
Although the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have been in progress for a relatively short period, they have already generated numerous memorable moments. Dramatic photographs have documented significant events, such as American skier Lindsey Vonn's severe crash during the downhill skiing competition. Furthermore, the advent of FPV drones has revolutionized broadcast coverage, offering dynamic and immersive camera angles, though their audible presence has sparked considerable debate among viewers and caused disruptions for professional photographers on site.
The extensive geographical distribution of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, captured through advanced satellite technology, offers a compelling visual narrative of this grand global event. These orbital perspectives not only highlight the strategic placement of venues but also celebrate the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Italy, providing a unique backdrop for the athletic achievements unfolding below.