As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the iconic Alpine skiing venues are stirring memories of legendary moments in the sport. Women’s downhill races will take place on the historic Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a slope steeped in tradition where racers hit speeds around 80 mph (130 km/h) on its rhythmic, high-adrenaline layout. This is the same venue that hosted events in the 1956 Winter Olympics and has been a staple of the World Cup circuit for decades — even featuring in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
Here are some stunning views of the legendary Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina:
Meanwhile, the men’s events will unfold on the notoriously demanding Stelvio course in Bormio, often called the most physically grueling on the World Cup calendar. Known for its icy, bumpy conditions in late December, the February sun should make it slightly less intimidating — but still a true test of courage.
Check out the formidable Stelvio slope in Bormio:
These classic venues mark a welcome return to traditional Alpine settings after the last three Olympics featured entirely new courses. Retired U.S. star Ted Ligety called it “so unique” to race in such historic spaces, adding, “It’s going to be cool.”
For Lindsey Vonn, now 41 and in the midst of an extraordinary comeback, Cortina holds special significance. She has won a record 12 World Cup races there and is preparing for her fifth Olympics, with recent dominance in downhill — including multiple podiums and victories this season — making her a top contender for gold.
Here are glimpses of Lindsey Vonn in action on the Cortina slopes during her recent return:
The slope is also tied to a quirky chapter in sports history from January 2015, when Vonn broke Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s 35-year-old record with her 63rd World Cup win. Her milestone was somewhat eclipsed by a surprise visit from then-boyfriend Tiger Woods, who arrived wearing a skull-patterned mask. When he briefly lowered it for photos, the world noticed his missing front tooth — sparking endless headlines.
The tooth, reportedly knocked out by a videographer’s camera in the crowded podium area (though never definitively proven), reportedly remains “buried” somewhere on the Cortina course, according to lore. Vonn later reflected to the Associated Press that she was “disappointed” the incident overshadowed her achievement, calling it an “interesting debacle.”
Here are archival shots of Tiger Woods surprising Lindsey Vonn in Cortina back in 2015:
A decade on, Vonn — fresh off strong World Cup results including her 84th career victory — is back in Cortina with renewed focus and form. As the Olympics near, the Dolomites’ historic slopes are set to add fresh chapters to their rich legacy, with Vonn hoping to cap her remarkable journey with another podium moment. The stage is ready for speed, drama, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia.
