Olympics 2026 – When South Tyrol becomes the world stage
In just a few weeks, from February 6 to 22, 2026, the eyes of the sporting world will turn to Northern Italy – to South Tyrol. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are just around the corner, bringing an event that bathes our homeland in a truly special light. For us in South Tyrol, this is more than just a competition; it is a return to the roots of winter sports.
Across the region, there is a heartfelt enthusiasm about hosting the world once again, for the first time since the 1956 Olympics. South Tyrol is not just any venue; it is the pulsating heart of Olympia 2026. While logistics are being planned in the major cities, we are preparing the stage here in the mountains – with real snow, genuine hospitality, and a passion for sports that you won’t find anywhere else in such an authentic way.
What makes this Olympic winter so special is far more than just athletic ambition – it is the vision behind it. The 2026 Winter Games are opening a new, smart chapter: instead of sacrificing nature for massive new constructions, Italy is relying on a decentralized network of venues. We are using what is already there and what has proven itself for decades. This respectful approach to our mountains is something very close to our hearts here in South Tyrol.
You will experience world-class sports in venues and on slopes that possess a true soul and a rich history. Nothing feels artificial; everything is genuine. And the best part? These sites are here to stay. From the state-of-the-art trails in Anterselva to the legendary runs of Cortina d’Ampezzo right in our neighborhood – we are ready for a winter fairytale that endures. Here, you aren't just watching from behind a screen; you feel the pulse of the Games firsthand, right here in the heart of the Alps.
Table of Contents
- San Candido/Innichen: Gateway to the Dolomites & Strategic Base for the 2026 Olympics
- Glinzhof: Your Olympic Retreat with South Tyrolean Hospitality
- Get Active: Your Personal Training Ground in the Dolomites
- Looking Ahead: The Paralympics and the Olympic Legacy
- Your Journey: Stress-Free into the Olympic Winter
- Your Spot in the Sun Is Waiting
San Candido/Innichen: Gateway to the Dolomites & Strategic Base for the 2026 Olympics
Why are San Candido and especially the Glinzhof the perfect locations for the 2026 Games? The answer lies in our unique position. San Candido/Innichen is rightfully called the "Gateway to the Dolomites." It is the place where the Puster Valley opens up, revealing the "Pale Mountains" that belong to the UNESCO World Heritage. San Candido serves as the bridge between two of the most important snow sport centers of these Games.
If you look at the map of venues, you will notice that here in San Candido, we are situated in the "golden mean." The 2026 Games are designed to utilize the diversity of the mountain world – and in San Candido, you are right at the intersection of two giants: Anterselva and Cortina.
You can find all the details regarding the program and the venues on the official website at mailandcortina2026.provinz.bz.it.
Anterselva (Antholz): The Biathlon Mecca in the Rieserferner Group
Only about 30 kilometers from Glinzhof lies a place that enjoys almost religious devotion in the world of winter sports: the Antholz Valley. While San Candido forms the proud gateway to the Dolomites, the road to Antholz leads you into the mighty Rieserferner Group. Here, in the "Olympic Arena Südtirol Alto Adige," the heart of biathlon beats.
What makes Antholz so special? It is the combination of extreme altitude – the stadium is situated at around 1,600 meters – and the unparalleled proximity of the fans to the track. In the biathlon world, Antholz is known as the "Witch's Cauldron." When the athletes reach the shooting range after grueling climbs and the silence of the mountain world settles over the stadium for those seconds of concentration, the whole world holds its breath.
From Glinzhof, you can reach the Antholz venue in just about 35 minutes. This means you can enjoy our farm-fresh specialties in peace in the morning and shortly after, you'll be at the finish area to witness the thrilling duels between the track and the shooting range live. And the best part: since the facilities in Antholz have been World Cup-tested for decades, you will experience a level of professionalism that is nevertheless deeply rooted in local South Tyrolean hospitality.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Queen of the Dolomites Calls
When you let your gaze sweep west from the Glinzhof across the San Candido valley basin, majestic Dolomite peaks rise up before you. But what the eye doesn't immediately see: tucked away just behind these massive rock walls of the Three Peaks Nature Park and Monte Cristallo lies the next legend of the Winter Games – Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Cortina is the "Regina delle Dolomiti" – the Queen of the Dolomites. Here, the Games return after 70 years, and this historical glamour is palpable in every alley of this sophisticated town. The women's Alpine ski races on the famous "Olympia delle Tofane" slope are the flagship event of the region. When the skiers hurtle down into the valley at over 100 km/h beneath the massive Tofana rocks, nature provides a backdrop that leaves even seasoned sports fans speechless.
The drive from San Candido to Cortina takes only about 45 minutes via the Landro Valley (Höhlensteintal) or the Monte Croce Pass (Kreuzbergpass). It is one of the most spectacular drives you can take in the Alps – passing frozen mountain lakes and offering stunning views of the Three Peaks. In Cortina, you experience the Italian side of the Games: a bit more elegant, a bit more vibrant, but with a devotion to the sport that will instantly captivate you.
Glinzhof: Your Olympic Retreat with South Tyrolean Hospitality
Why are San Candido and especially the Glinzhof the ideal "base camp" for your Olympic adventure? The answer lies in the freedom that only this location can offer. San Candido perfectly combines South Tyrolean hospitality with immediate proximity to the highlights of the Olympic Games.
For our guests at the Glinzhof, this means:
In the Heart of It All, Yet with Perspective: Today, you catch the biathlon fever in Anterselva, and tomorrow, you feel the thrill of the alpine descents or the precision of curling in Cortina. Everything is close; everything is within reach.
Your Private Retreat: After the cheering in the stadium, the exclusive silence of the Glinzhof awaits you. Here, in your private lodge overlooking the valley, the history of the Games becomes your very own personal experience.
Since Olympia 2026 focuses on sustainability and decentralized venues, San Candido fits the picture perfectly. With us, you are not a tourist in a staged setting, but a friend of the house in an authentic mountain world that has been writing winter sports history long before the first Olympic flame was ever lit.
Arriving at the Heritage Farm: Where Tradition Has a Home
When the final cheers in the biathlon stadium of Anterselva have faded away or the floodlights over the slopes in Cortina slowly go out, the best part of the day begins for you: the homecoming to Glinzhof. While the lights of the Olympic cities flicker in the valleys below, a world awaits up here on our sunny slope where time follows a different rhythm.
Glinzhof is no ordinary hotel – it is a Heritage Farm (Erbhof). For us, this means far more than just a title; it is a commitment to our history and our roots. Since its first documented mention in 1500 and over 200 years of family ownership, a very special spirit has been preserved at Glinzhof.
You feel it the moment you step through the door – in the warm wood, the protective walls, and our deep-seated, genuine warmth.
In a winter where the world strives for records and peak performance, we offer you the luxury of stability. Here, you are not an anonymous visitor to a major event. You are a guest among friends who love their homeland and want to share this special Olympic winter with you.
Regeneration Between Heaven and Mountains: Swimming & Sauna
After a long day in the crisp winter air, warmth is the best reward, and Glinzhof unfolds its magical effect as your personal sanctuary—complete with a wellness landscape. Dive into our panoramic indoor pool and swim your laps at a cozy 30°C, or swim straight out into the infinity pool.
There, the warm water embraces you as you gaze over the edge at the snow-covered world of the Dolomites. As twilight bathes the Haunold in a deep blue, you experience a moment of complete weightlessness.
Our sauna world also offers the ideal regeneration for tired muscles: discover the classic Finnish sauna for soothing heat, relax in the steam bath, or use the infrared sauna to loosen your body with targeted deep heat after sporting challenges. A special highlight for your well-being is also our salt sauna.
The crowning conclusion of your time-out can be found in our cozy relaxation rooms, where you will find new balance. Here, split seconds no longer count; only the deep relaxation that comes from being just a little bit closer to heaven.
Breakfast for Champions: Power from Our Own Nature
A day full of Olympic impressions needs a foundation that strengthens you from within. With us, your morning doesn't begin with a rush, but with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and crusty bread. Our breakfast is a love letter to South Tyrol and to our own agriculture.
We believe that you can taste the quality of nature. That’s why you will find primarily what grows right outside our front door or is refined on our farm on your breakfast table:
- Fresh Milk & Eggs: Directly from our animals, full of energy for your day on the cross-country trails.
- Farm-Grown Speck & "Kaminwurzen": Aged according to ancient tradition—savory, smoked, and honest.
- Homemade Jams & Juices: The essence of our fruits, preserved with love during the summer.
- Regional Cheese Specialties: From the trusted local dairies here in the Hochpustertal valley.
And when you return for dinner with tired legs and a heart full of memories, we continue your culinary journey: Our kitchen, led by our chef Adriano, builds a bridge between hearty South Tyrolean traditions, Mediterranean Italian lightness, and international classics - exactly the right reward after a day under the sign of the Olympic rings.
The Art of Slowing Down
At Glinzhof, we cultivate a very special discipline: the art of pausing. In a time when the sporting world measures success in tenths of a second and the cheers in the stadiums of Anterselva and Cortina fill the valleys, we consciously create a place of silence here on the Innichberg. It is the necessary counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the world stage.
After the intense emotions on the cross-country trails or the rapid descent on the Haunold, it is this moment of a deep breath that makes your holiday unforgettable. Imagine sitting in our cozy, history-steeped Stube – surrounded by warm reclaimed wood that has been telling stories for generations. Here, where the walls radiate tranquility, world events fade into the background.
Perhaps you finally take the time for that book that has been waiting for you for so long, or you simply let your gaze wander through the large panoramic windows.
As the sun slowly sinks behind the jagged rock faces and the first stars rise over the pale giants of the Dolomites, you will feel it: the true gold medal of this winter is not made of metal, but the feeling of being completely at peace with yourself after an exciting day in the snow.
Get Active: Your Personal Training Ground in the Dolomites
The images of world-class athletes in Anterselva, Cortina, and the other venues of Milano Cortina 2026 inevitably spark the desire to step into your own bindings or lace up your hiking boots.
This winter, the Hochpustertal valley around Glinzhof transforms into your very own personal playground. While the professionals compete for medals, you will be gathering moments with us that are worth just as much.
Skiing: In the Footsteps of Legends
The award-winning 3 Peaks Dolomites ski resort lies at your feet. A major advantage for you: you can access this first-class ski area directly from San Candido. With over 115 kilometers of slopes and an unrivaled snow guarantee, you’ll find everything here—from the gentle slopes of the Haunold for those first turns to the legendary "Holzriese," one of the steepest slopes in Italy.
This "ski carousel" connects five prominent mountains—Helm, Stiergarten, Rotwand, Monte Croce Pass, and of course, our local mountain, the Haunold—into a unique winter experience. Especially in this Olympic year, skiing here is something special: you can feel the proximity to Cortina on every descent while enjoying an unobstructed view of the Dolomites.
The excellent connection to the Ski Pustertal Express at San Candido station opens up a whole new dimension for you: you have convenient access to the entire Dolomiti Superski network. This means that an incredible 1,200 kilometers of slopes in the Dolomites are quite literally at your fingertips.
Thanks to the train connection, you can simply leave your car at Glinzhof – we will gladly take you to the station with our free shuttle service – and reach the valley stations of various ski areas in a stress-free and eco-friendly way. It is the ultimate freedom on two skis.
Ski Touring: Freedom Off the Piste
Ski touring is perhaps the most sustainable way to climb the mountain world of the Dolomites. Away from the crowded slopes, you experience complete silence at Glinzhof, where only your own breath and the crunch of the snow under your touring skis can be heard. The strenuous ascent under your own power is rewarded with deep inner peace and breathtaking panoramic views.
A true classic in our immediate vicinity is the ski tour up the Golfen. Here, you can find out for yourself what lies directly above Glinzhof: the route leads over gentle forest ridges up to the summit cross, from where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Dolomites. For those with strong endurance, the tour from Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) to Picco di Vallandro (Dürrenstein) is highly recommended; it is considered one of the most beautiful in the Hochpustertal valley. If you are looking for the ultimate highlight, choose the tour through Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal) to the Three Peaks Hut. Once you reach your destination, the most impressive view in the world awaits: the massive North Faces of the Three Peaks, rising majestically from the winter landscape.
Egal, ob du als Einsteiger eine geführte Tour bevorzugst oder als Profi einsame Rinnen suchst – die Ausrüstung kannst du dir bequem vor Ort ausleihen. Die Krönung jeder Tour ist die abschließende Einkehr in eine der urigen Almhütten, wo dich herzliche Gastfreundschaft und echte Südtiroler Spezialitäten erwarten.
Winter Hiking: Slowing Down at Every Turn
Hiking is a year-round passion here. When winter wraps the Hochpustertal valley in a white gown, winter hiking offers perhaps the most sustainable way to discover our homeland at a completely relaxed pace.
The best part: many of your adventures can begin right at the doorstep of the Glinzhof. For example, a panoramic path leads you directly from the farm over the Haselberg to the source of the Drau River, where you can watch the young river on its very first meters.
Whether you take a leisurely stroll through the valleys or venture into mountainous terrain—there is a suitable route for every fitness level. An absolute highlight is the hike through Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal) to the Talschlusshütte, flanked by the striking peaks of the Sexten Sundial.
Or, you can hike through the wonderful Val Campo di Dentro (Innerfeldtal) to the Dreischusterhütte and reward yourself with a delicious South Tyrolean Marende before - here’s a little insider tip - speeding back down into the valley on a rental sled.
Ice Skating & Bavarian Curling: Elegance on Smooth Ground
Ice skating has a long tradition in the Hochpustertal valley and is a must for your winter holiday. In almost every village in our region, you will find charming natural ice rinks that invite you to glide under the open sky—whether in San Candido, Sexten, Dobbiaco, or Villabassa.
or those who prefer a more athletic setting, the ice rink in Dobbiaco offers the perfect surface for public skating and exciting ice hockey games.
Would you like to try a typically Alpine sport that rivals curling in terms of precision? Then Bavarian curling (Eisstockschießen) is just the thing. On the picturesquely frozen Lake Dobbiaco or the artificial ice rinks in Sexten, you can put your accuracy to the test while enjoying the winter conviviality to the fullest.
It is the perfect opportunity to get active on the ice yourself while Olympic gold is being contested right in the neighborhood.
Cross-Country Skiing: Your Entry into Italy’s No. 1 Destination
When you vacation at Glinzhof, you are staying at the No. 1 cross-country skiing destination in Italy. The 3 Peaks Dolomites region offers over 200 kilometers of perfectly groomed and interconnected trails, which you can access directly in San Candido. Whether you prefer the classic style or are looking for a sporting challenge with skating—from blue-marked leisurely routes to black professional tracks, there is something for every level.
An absolute must is the snow-sure leisure trail into Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal). On this six-kilometer path, you glide through the 3 Peaks Nature Park with the gigantic mountain massifs of the Sexten Sundial—Cima Uno, Cima Undici, Cima Dodici, and Cima Dieci—constantly in view. For those who love alpine altitudes, Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese), at 2,000 meters above sea level, offers a dreamlike circular course with panoramic views of the Hohe Gaisl and the Cristallo Massif.
Especially during this Olympic winter, the selection is unbeatable: as part of the "Dolomiti Nordicski" network, a total of 1,300 kilometers of trails in the most beautiful Dolomite valleys are open to you. This includes the famous World Cup tracks at the Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco (Toblach) or the historic former railway track trail leading directly into the Olympic city of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Here, you can get a taste of the real racing atmosphere before returning to the peace of Glinzhof in the evening.
Tobogganing: Great Fun for the Whole Family
In South Tyrol, tobogganing is as much a part of winter tradition as Speck is to Schüttelbrot. The 3 Peaks Dolomites region is a true paradise for sledding enthusiasts, offering a variety of perfectly groomed tracks. Especially popular is the toboggan run on the Haunold directly in San Candido, which you can easily reach with the four-seater chairlift. But the Val Campo di Dentro (Innerfeldtal) between San Candido and Sexten, as well as the runs at Croda Rossa (Rotwand) and to the Klammbachalm in Sexten, also promise fast-paced descents through deep snowy winter landscapes.
An absolute highlight you shouldn't miss is night tobogganing on the Haunold. Every Tuesday and Friday between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, the 2.1-kilometer track transforms into an illuminated arena under the starry sky. The best part for our guests: you don't have to lug your sled from home, as we provide sleds for rent directly at Glinzhof.
Whether the little ones are sitting on the sled laughing or you are taking the curves at high speed yourself - fun in the snow is guaranteed here on the Haunold. And what would a toboggan ride be without a warm stop? Numerous huts along the routes invite you to warm up with typical South Tyrolean dishes before heading back to the cozy comfort of Glinzhof.
Snowshoeing: Your Trail in Untouched Nature
Would you like to experience the winter landscape even more intensely? With snowshoeing, we leave the cleared paths behind and immerse ourselves in the untouched, glittering nature of the Dolomites.
It is a traditional way of moving that leads you to the most beautiful spots today, where only the silence and the gentle crunching beneath your snowshoes are your companions.
From simple introductory tours to challenging routes such as the one to Pfandleck at the Monte Croce Pass (Kreuzbergpass) or even up to the Three Peaks, everything is possible.
If you don’t have any experience yet, you can join one of the weekly guided tours offered by the local mountain schools—the snowshoe hike under a full moon is a particularly special experience. You can easily rent your equipment directly in San Candido.
Looking Ahead: The Paralympics and the Olympic Legacy
Olympia 2026 is not just a flash in the pan that burns out after two weeks. When the closing ceremony takes place at the Arena di Verona on February 22, a phase begins for us in South Tyrol that is particularly close to our hearts at Glinzhof.
The Paralympics in March: Pure Inspiration
From March 6 to 15, 2026, the world’s eyes will once again turn toward our region. We highly recommend visiting during the Paralympics. The atmosphere is often even more heartfelt, and the athletic achievements—viewed through the lens of inclusion—are deeply moving.
Furthermore, March at Glinzhof is often the most beautiful time for connoisseurs: the sun gains significant strength, the days grow longer, and you can enjoy "sun skiing" to the fullest. There is hardly anything more wonderful than gliding over the spring snow in the morning and basking in the March sun on our terrace without a jacket by the afternoon.
What Remains? A Region for the Future
The greatest strength of these Games lies in their sustainability. As we mentioned at the beginning, this event relies on utilizing what is already there. The modernized facilities in Anterselva and Cortina will not be dismantled; they are here to stay, making our region an even more attractive destination for winter sports enthusiasts in the long term.
When you return to Glinzhof in the years to come, you will be able to follow in the footsteps of winners - on cross-country trails and alpine slopes that now boast world-class standards while having perfectly preserved their authentic charm.
Your Journey: Stress-Free into the Olympic Winter
To ensure your vacation starts as relaxedly as it continues up here on the mountain, we have come up with something special.
Since the Glinzhof is exclusively and quietly situated on the Innichberg, no public bus route runs directly to our door—and that is exactly what guarantees the undisturbed idyll you are looking for.
We promise you one thing already: even if you arrive by public transport, you certainly won't miss having your own car up here. We make sure that you can reach your destination flexibly, comfortably, and in an eco-friendly way at all times.
Our All-Round Carefree Service for You
- Südtirol Guest Pass Included: As our guest, you receive the Südtirol Guest Pass free of charge. This gives you free access to all public transport throughout South Tyrol. Whether you’re taking the train to Bolzano (Bozen) for sightseeing or the bus through the Puster Valley—you simply hop on without having to buy a ticket.
- Free Railway Station Shuttle (Round Trip): If you arrive in an eco-friendly way by train, we will pick you up directly at San Candido (Innichen) station and bring you safely up the mountain to our farm—and on your departure day, we will, of course, take you back to your train. This service is generally free for our guests.
- Shuttle for Skiing Fun (Round Trip): We also provide our shuttle for your excursions to the Haunold or the Ski Pustertal Express, which connects you to the entire Dolomiti Superski network. We’ll drop you off at the start of your skiing adventure and pick you up again. This service is also free in winter, allowing you to leave your car behind with peace of mind.
In-House Electric Rental Car or Your Own Vehicle?
- Our In-House Electric Car for Rent: Would you like to explore the Olympic venues in Anterselva or Cortina with complete flexibility, but didn't bring your own car? No problem! At Glinzhof, we have an electric car available for rent. This allows you to stay independent while traveling in a climate-friendly way, as we generate the electricity for it directly from our own photovoltaic (PV) system.
- Individual Freedom: If you arrive with your own car, you can reach us via a well-maintained mountain road (approx. 3.6 km from the center of San Candido). The drive itself offers spectacular views of the Haunold (Monte Baranci) right from the start.
Your Spot in the Sun Is Waiting
Olympia 2026 is an invitation to the world to get to know our homeland. And we invite you to experience these Games from their most beautiful side - at the right place and at the right time, far from the hustle and bustle, in the heart of nature, and with the genuine hospitality of a South Tyrolean Heritage Farm whose history reaches back to the year 1500.
Whether you come for the major competitions in February or seek the radiant March sun during the Paralympics: we currently still have limited room availability. Become a part of this history and discover your own winter fairy tale with us at Glinzhof.
We look forward to welcoming you! The Jud Family of Glinzhof
Frage uns einfach und schnell über unser Kontaktformular an und wir melden uns schnellstens bei dir!
