La montagna come “territorio fragile”: quale sostenibilità per i territori interessati dalle Olimpiadi Milano-Cortina 2026? Il caso di studio di Cortina d’Ampezzo

The study presents the preliminary results of a broader research work on the hyper-tourist mountain as a fragile territory to critically reflect on sustainability proposals in view of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The development and relaunch policies of tourist destinations include mega-Olympic events that produce territory through processes of re-territorialisation and de-territorialisation (Dansero, Mela 2007), reifying areas already under environmental, social and economic pressure. The Olympic space overlaps with the territory of the host city and shares places, structures and functions while redefining its position and meaning in local strategies (Dansero 2002). This is the case of Livigno, Bormio, Cortina, Predazzo and Tesero, chosen to be host resorts for the 2026 Winter Olympics and established national and international destinations for seasonal tourism. The present analysis, dedicated to the Cortina cluster, moves within a well-established theoretical framework that includes the fragility of ordinary mountains (Ferrario, Marzo 2021; Varotto 2020; CIPRA 2020; Società dei Territorialisti/e 2019; Dematteis 2018, 2006; Meini 2018) and the impact of mega Olympic events between conflict and territorial transformations Dansero et al. 2015; Bolocan Goldstein, Dansero, Loda 2014; Dansero, Puttilli 2010; Bondonio et al. 2007; Dansero et al. 2006; Dansero, Segre 2002a). The data collected through field research, participatory observation, semi-structured interviews with key actors and a questionnaire administered to members of the local community – starting from the guidelines and narratives accompanying the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Theater Cluster Dossier – complete the mapping of the actions undertaken and planned, their impact on the territory, the legacy and the territories’ demands through forms of protest.