Imagine waking up surrounded by the majestic Dolomite Mountains, stepping into a cafeteria filled with athletes from around the world, and bonding over slices of pizza after a day of intense training. This is the reality for Team USA athletes as they settle into the Olympic Villages for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games. But here's where it gets fascinating: while the stunning Alpine backdrop steals the show, it's the unexpected details—like greenhouse lounges and gluten-free gelato—that are making this Olympic experience truly unforgettable.
For Cory Thiesse, a curler from Minnesota, arriving at the athletes' village in Fiames, part of the Cortina d'Ampezzo competition cluster, was a moment of awe. 'We got here at night, and you could just make out the mountains around us,' she recalls. 'But waking up that first morning and seeing we were right in the heart of the mountains—it was breathtaking.' Her mixed doubles partner, Korey Dropkin of Massachusetts, echoes her sentiment, describing Cortina as 'picturesque no matter where you look.'
And this is the part most people miss: the Olympic Villages aren't just about accommodation. Spread across four competition clusters in northern Italy, each village is a self-contained hub with beds, gyms, laundry facilities, medical services, and cafeterias. While steamed cauliflower and peas are on offer, athletes like figure skater Ilia Malinin from Virginia are more drawn to the pasta. 'Walking into the cafeteria and seeing athletes from so many different sports in one place—it's surreal,' he says. 'I never imagined this kind of diversity in one area.'
In Milan, the more urban Olympic Village hosts hockey players, speedskaters, and figure skaters. Ice dancer Madison Chock from California highlights the thoughtful touches, like an athlete lounge designed as a greenhouse. 'It’s a calming space where you can relax, listen to music, and even take a plant back to your room to care for,' she says. 'It’s those little details that make it special.'
But here's where it gets controversial: while some athletes are reveling in the carb-loaded delights of Italian cuisine, others are navigating dietary restrictions with surprising ease. Snowboarder Jess Perlmutter from New Jersey, who follows a gluten-free diet, raves about the pasta and gelato. 'Italy is one of the best places for gluten-free food—I didn’t expect that,' she says. Her teammate, Hahna Norman from California, jokes about 'smashing pizzas' with two-time Olympic champion Anna Gasser after big air practice. 'The carb loading is going great,' she laughs.
From the mountain town of Livigno, near the Swiss border, to the urban buzz of Milan, Team USA athletes are embracing the unique blend of competition and camaraderie. Snowboarder Lily Dhawornvej from Colorado admits to eating seven slices of pizza in one sitting. 'It’s all I’ve been eating,' she says with a grin. Whether it’s bonding over cards in the food hall or fostering plants in their rooms, these athletes are making memories that go far beyond the slopes and rinks.
Thought-provoking question for you: With the Olympics bringing together athletes from diverse cultures and dietary needs, how well do you think host countries balance tradition with inclusivity in their food offerings? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
