As the countdown to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 gains momentum, Airbnb has pulled off a move as slick as a speed skater on fresh ice.
The travel platform, already known for rewriting the rules of hospitality, has announced a fresh slate of Olympian and Paralympian Experiences — immersive activities hosted by real-life sporting legends across the Italian Alps.
Yes, Airbnb is doubling down on the magic of the mountains, giving fans a chance to do more than just watch history unfold. You can live it — with the people making it.
Unveiled on May 28 in Milan, the curated series spans 26 different athlete-led experiences, each of which offers punters the chance to train, trek, or ride alongside Olympic and Paralympic medallists.
Among the headliners? Arianna Fontana, Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian, who’s inviting guests to cycle through her home turf of Valtellina this September.
There’ll be pedals, picturesque trails, and a locally sourced lunch to round things off — because what’s sport without a hearty Italian feed?
“Airbnb is all about creating unique experiences that connect people, and Olympian and Paralympian Experiences allow fans to feel closer to their heroes than ever before,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO.
“These experiences will provide an intimate window into the Games, all made possible by our 26 athlete hosts.”
Running from June 2025 through to March 2026, the experiences are designed to immerse guests before, during, and after the Winter Games. It’s Airbnb’s way of making the road to Cortina not just about spectacle, but substance.
Ski boots meet soul-searching in the Alps
This isn’t your average ski break. The line-up includes an Alpine hike with snowboard cross medallist Omar Visintin, an intro to Para ice hockey with Italian defender Andrea Macrì, and a training session with two-time cross-country skiing medallist Federico Pellegrino.
There’s even the chance to watch Olympic events alongside the athletes who know the Games best. It’s access like never before.
Every experience is bookable through airbnb.com/mico2026, with new listings to be added as the Games approach.
Beyond bookings: backing beauty and balance
But this isn’t just about rubbing shoulders with medal winners. Airbnb is using its spotlight to shine on sustainability, cultural preservation and rural regeneration across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige — the three regions playing host to the Games.
One standout effort is the Storyteller of Beauty project, a World Heritage Volunteers initiative aimed at engaging young people in safeguarding UNESCO sites like the Dolomites.
The project blends storytelling, conservation, and community involvement — proving that some of the most valuable legacies aren’t gold, silver or bronze.
Elsewhere, Airbnb is offering training for local hosts, promoting lesser-known Alpine villages, and backing community-led tourism to ensure the benefits reach every crevice of the mountain economy.
With Airbnb now firmly in the Olympic fold, it’s clear they’re not just selling nights anymore. They’re selling memories — powered by champions, rooted in community, and set against the stunning backdrop of Italy’s most majestic peaks.
