MILAN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- With 100 days to go before the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy on Wednesday launched a citywide countdown and shared new operational updates, signaling that preparations have entered their final phase.

The Games are scheduled for February 6 to 22, 2026, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 to 15. Competitions will be held across Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Valtellina, Val di Fiemme and Livigno, blending urban venues with Alpine settings. Milan's San Siro Stadium will host the opening ceremony, while the closing ceremony will take place at Verona Arena.

Marking the milestone set by the International Olympic Committee and the organizing committee, Milan-Cortina 2026 held a press briefing to outline progress and reveal new Games-time details. A medal-ceremony podium design for both the Olympics and Paralympics was unveiled, and 12 "digital torchbearers" were introduced as part of a digital ambassador team to share the torch relay online and encourage public participation.

Among them, Italian content creator Ludovica Tomassoni said the relay carries a clear message: one need not be a professional athlete to be part of the Olympic story. "These Games open their doors to everyone," she said, adding that Milan-Cortina 2026 aims to show that sport belongs to all.

Olympic imagery is increasingly visible throughout the city. A giant countdown clock near the Duomo has become a popular photo spot for residents and visitors, while temporary emblems outside City Hall have prompted passersby to stop and take photos. Many families posed with children, calling it their way of "cheering for the Winter Games."

Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milan-Cortina Foundation, said preparations remain on schedule. "One hundred days is a vital marker. It keeps the team energized and even more focused," he said, adding that final handovers and fit-outs are progressing venue by venue. "Most sites have moved into the dressing stage; some are already close to Games-time operating mode with staff on the ground."

Milan's ice venues have completed ice-making and timing tests. Mountain sites are finalizing plans for snow operations, meteorology, medical support and broadcast contingencies. Security drills are intensifying to prepare for crowd management, screening and communications resilience. The torch relay, which will begin after the flame is lit in Greece, will also test operational systems nationwide.

Sustainability remains a defining theme of the Games. Most of the 25 competition venues are existing or temporary. Under the "NOW26" framework, public transport and low-emission fleets will anchor Games-time mobility, while energy systems are being upgraded to reduce carbon use. Legacy planning has been integrated early to ensure long-term benefits for host communities.

The "Team26" volunteer program is progressing, with 18,000 volunteers expected to support operations at competition venues, athlete villages, media centers and transport hubs. Training is underway to unify service standards across multiple host cities.

"I've been working for Milan-Cortina for almost 2,000 days and it feels like a second life after 25 years on the ice," said Valentina Marchei, a former Italian figure skater and now head of the ambassador program. "This is not only the organizing committee's or athletes' dream, it is the nation's dream."

With 100 days to go, she added, the country is ready to welcome the world.