With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy just weeks away, winter travel across Northern Italy is already more crowded and complex than usual. Flights are filling up, airports are busier, and popular alpine regions are seeing an influx of visitors well beyond typical ski season levels.
If you’re heading to Italy this winter, whether to attend Olympic events, ski nearby resorts, or travel around the Games, this isn’t about long-term planning anymore. It’s about understanding what travel looks like right now and making smart choices to reduce friction along the way.
How the 2026 Winter Olympics Are Affecting Travel in Italy
The 2026 Games are spread across multiple locations, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio, and Val di Fiemme. That means travelers aren’t just arriving in one place.
As a result, travelers are encountering:
- Heavier-than-normal airport traffic in Milan and Northern Italy
- Crowded baggage claims and longer wait times
- Limited space on regional aircraft and trains
- Less flexibility to adjust flights or ground transportation
- More pressure on luggage systems during winter weather
Even travelers who aren’t attending Olympic events are feeling the impact.
Why Ski Gear Is a Bigger Challenge During Olympic Travel
Flying with skis is rarely convenient, but during a high-demand travel period like the Olympics, it becomes even more unpredictable.
Ski travelers are dealing with:
- Oversized bags are being bumped from full flights
- Tight connections where ski bags don’t always make it
- Trains and transfers that aren’t designed for bulky equipment
- Rental cars and rideshares with limited cargo space
When airports are crowded, and schedules are tight, managing skis at every step can slow things down or derail plans entirely.
How Some Travelers Are Simplifying Their Trip
To avoid dealing with ski bags in crowded airports and during transfers, many travelers are opting to ship their skis separately rather than flying with them.
Shipping skis allows travelers to:
- Travel through airports without bulky equipment
- Reduce the chance of skis being delayed or misplaced
- Avoid navigating trains and transfers with large bags
- Have skis waiting at their hotel, rental, or ski shop
Once shipping is booked, knowing how to pack and label skis for transit properly helps ensure everything arrives safely, especially during a high-volume travel period like the Olympics.
For trips that include multiple destinations or limited time in each place, separating gear from flights can make the entire experience smoother.
Skiing Around the 2026 Winter Olympics (Not Just During Events)
Not everyone traveling this winter is attending competitions. Many skiers are:
- Visiting Italy just before or after the peak Olympic dates
- Skiing regions adjacent to event venues
- Extending trips beyond the Games to explore the Alps
Even outside competition days, Olympic-related congestion affects airports, roads, and trains throughout the region. Simplifying logistics still matters.
If You’re Traveling Soon, Here’s What Helps
With limited lead time, travelers are focusing on minimizing risk rather than perfect coordination:
- Confirm whether accommodations accept ski deliveries
- Build extra buffer time into travel days
- Limit the number of times skis need to be handled or transferred
- Choose options that reduce touchpoints during travel
In a busy winter travel window, fewer moving parts make a difference.
FAQ: Ski Travel During the 2026 Winter Olympics
Will the Olympics affect flights and airports?
Yes. Airports serving Milan and Northern Italy are seeing increased traffic, and winter weather adds another variable.
Is it still realistic to ski in Italy during the Olympics?
Yes, but travelers should expect congestion and plan accordingly. Many ski outside peak event dates.
Are skis more likely to be delayed right now?
With full flights and tight connections, oversized baggage faces a higher risk than usual.
Can skis still be shipped internationally this close to travel?
Yes, though travelers should ship as soon as possible and allow for international transit time.
Who benefits most from shipping skis during this period?
Travelers with connections, multi-city itineraries, or limited tolerance for delays.
A Smoother Way to Travel During a Busy Winter
The 2026 Winter Olympics are creating one of the most intense winter travel periods Italy has seen in years. For ski travelers, the biggest challenge isn’t where to ski, but rather getting there without unnecessary stress.
Reducing how often skis are handled, transferred, and rechecked can make a meaningful difference. When airports are crowded and schedules are tight, simplifying your gear logistics helps you focus on the reason you’re traveling in the first place: being on the mountain.