Milan and Cortina's Olympic preparations echo the Triangle's cultural and economic growth

As Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo gear up to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, these cities offer a blend of culture, history, and economic vitality much similar to the Triangle.

For the first time in 2026, two cities will officially co-host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Although Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are more than 250 miles apart, they share a diverse culture, history and beauty much like here in the Triangle.

Tourism and economic development

Both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are recognized for their timeless beauty and charm in their own unique ways.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is surrounded by mountains that some say “embrace the town,” creating a “fairytale atmosphere.”

The mountains, known as the “queen of the Dolomites,” are also recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a world heritage site.

Milan has been dubbed Italy’s “getaway to Europa.” The city is constantly evolving along with the people who visit.

While many flock to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo for a taste of the Italian lifestyle, the Triangle is seeing many moving to call it home. WRAL News has previously reported that more people were moving to downtown Raleigh.

A 2025 report showed more than 1,500 units are now occupied, according to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. This makes it one of the top downtowns in the country for apartment leasing.

The boom of jobs and the evolving economic landscape is what brings people hoping to call the Triangle home.

Climate

The Triangle consists of a mild, temperate climate with later winters and longer summers. Whereas in Northern Italy, Milan sees chill, but damp winters and hot, humid summers. Snow typically falls between December and February, while the spring generally sees rain.

Cortina also sees brutally cold winters. In the mountains and the Dolomites, temperatures can fall well below freezing, with snow and strong winds.

Arts and culture

Milan is a popular international destination, and you can count on finding art, food and entertainment in both Italian cities.

Milan is known as Italy’s first “post-industrial” city, focusing primarily on advertising, wholesale and retail trade, particularly in the fashion industry. The city attracts people from all over the world, absorbing their lifestyles while remaining true to its foundations, “always the same, but richer and more multicultural,” officials said.

The Triangle is also home to world-class arts facilities, including the Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts and the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Durham’s Cultural and Public Art program works to invest in and create public art experiences, including a growing number of permanent and temporary displays throughout the city. It is also home to the American Dance Festival, CenterFest Arts Festival and the Hayti Heritage Film Festival.

Sports

Northern Italy is accustomed to hosting national and international sporting events.

Cortina d’Ampezzo was the home for the seventh winter Olympic games in 1956, and Olympic officials said it played a pivotal role in how the games are played today.

1956 was the first year that starting gates were used in events such as alpine skiing. This allowed for official start times to be triggered by optical signals, or visual cues, and buzzers to alert the athletes. It is a system still used today.

The 1956 Olympic Games were also transformative because they were the first ever televised live across eight European countries. Officials said it transformed how Cortina d’Ampezzo connected with visitors and viewers.

The Triangle is also no stranger to the sports world. In Raleigh and Durham, collegiate and professional sports give residents something to root for year-round. The cities are home to two of the nation's top Division I universities, Duke and NC State University, with rivaling UNC-Chapel Hill not far away.

Raleigh is also home to the Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes.

City officials say the fierce rivalries dominate the city’s sports landscape.

Whether you are watching games from the comfort of your home in the US or abroad in Italy, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The games run through Sunday, Feb. 21, and can be found on NBC and Peacock. Select events will air free, over-the-air, broadcast on WRAL-TV.