The Milano Cortina Olympic Games are just days away. From Feb. 6 to 22, athletes from around the world will gather in Italy to compete across 16 disciplines. Among those medal hopefuls are 207 members of Team Canada, including four-time Olympians Marie-Philip Poulin, Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes and Valérie Maltais.
The Olympic Games are regarded as the ultimate sporting event, showcasing seemingly superhuman athleticism. Each edition captures the world’s attention; the IOC reported that nearly 5 billion people followed the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
Although this is the fourth Olympic Games held in Italy, it is the first time Milan has served as a host city. Milan is a global fashion capital with a rich history of arts and culture. But it is also the birthplace of iconic dishes we love, like panettone and the Negroni Sbagliato. The region is equally known for traditional dishes that are hearty and grounded, such as risotto alla Milanese — a creamy saffron-infused dish often served alongside osso buco.
With so much to eat and explore, we caught up with seven Team Canada medal hopefuls to learn what Italian dishes they hope to enjoy while competing at Milano Cortina 2026. (We’ve also included a few recipes for Team Canada athletes to make at home).
Laurent Dubreuil, Team Canada Short Track Speed Skater
“I would love to go to the closing ceremony in Verona’s Roman arena. Otherwise, I would happily enjoy an osso buco in Milan after my races!”
Miha Fontaine, Team Canada Freestyle Skier
“Go to an Italian cooking lesson and learn how to make pasta or try authentic limoncello.”
This semolina pasta requires just two ingredients (plus salt) and is totally worth making at home. It easily holds its shape (so get playful!) and will deliver a delightfully chewy texture when boiled.
Get the recipe
This semolina pasta requires just two ingredients (plus salt) and is totally worth making at home. It easily holds its shape (so get playful!) and will deliver a delightfully chewy texture when boiled.
Get the recipe
Valérie Maltais, Team Canada Short Track Speed Skater
“In Milan, I dream of tasting risotto alla Milanese, a dish I imagine made with simple ingredients, but whose richness depends entirely on mastering a demanding cooking process. Its golden colour and creamy texture already make my mouth water.”
Courtney Sarault, Team Canada Short Track Speed Skater
“In Milan, I definitely want to shop! The architecture at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II looks so beautiful. I love fashion so I’ll be hunting for outfit inspiration. The only thing I like more than fashion is food and of course, Italy is known for that. Cacio e pepe will be on my list after a day of shopping.”
A traditional recipe for cacio e pepe – a simple pasta dish whose name translates to "cheese and pepper."
Get the recipe
A traditional recipe for cacio e pepe – a simple pasta dish whose name translates to "cheese and pepper."
Get the recipe
Maia Schwinghammer, Team Canada Mogul Skier
“I can’t wait to eat pizza würstel e patatine and ski powder in Livigno!”
Cassie Sharpe, Team Canada Freestyle Skier
“I am really looking forward to an Aperol Spritz après the Olympics with my family!”
The right way to make this iconic 3-ingredient Italian aperitivo.
Get the recipe
The right way to make this iconic 3-ingredient Italian aperitivo.
Get the recipe
Natalie Spooner, Team Canada Ice Hockey Player
“Take a cooking class to learn how to make fresh pasta! Go for a nice dinner and then visit the La Scala opera house. Treat myself to some shopping at the Quadrilatero della Moda and end with a Campari Milano [Torino].”
This semolina pasta requires just two ingredients (plus salt) and is totally worth making at home. It easily holds its shape (so get playful!) and will deliver a delightfully chewy texture when boiled.
Get the recipe
This semolina pasta requires just two ingredients (plus salt) and is totally worth making at home. It easily holds its shape (so get playful!) and will deliver a delightfully chewy texture when boiled.
Get the recipe
More Italian foodie travel guides on ELLE Gourmet
How to spend 72 hours in Turin – Learn how to maximize your time on a short stay in this charming Italian city, from centuries-old confectionaries to a vineyard known for its Nebbiolo-based DOCG wines.
Real Paris & Rome restaurants from Emily in Paris – The inside scoop on all the real cafes and restaurants featured on Emily in Paris, so you can eat just like the main characters.
Northern Italy’s Sansonina Winery and the Art of Underwater-Aged Lugana — A story of vision and experimentation, where family history, terroir and the Venetian Lagoon shape an unexpected expression of Lugana.
