- Locals in Cortina fear post-Olympic changes may alter the town’s character.
- Luxury businesses and hotels have emerged, raising concerns about affordability for residents.
- Ex-Olympian Luca Bocchi worries about future livability and visitor demographics in Cortina.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — As the 2026 Winter Games come to a close, some people around Cortina are concerned that the transformation their town underwent for the event may leave it changed forever.
Cortina has maintained a population of about 5,500 for decades, which jumps to around 50,000 during the ski season.
Some locals have noticed that, along with upgrades to Olympic venues and roads, several high-end businesses have made the town their home in anticipation of the games…