Much of the world’s eyes are on Milan as Design Week gears up for kickoff, but city leaders and businesspeople are counting down to an even bigger event: the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which are less than a year away. The region is abuzz as ticket sales prepare to launch on April 8 (Paralympic event tickets are already available).

Though the games will take place across several towns and cities in northern Italy, evidence of next year’s events is on particular display in Milan — from the giant countdown clock and inflatable mascots in Piazza del Duomo to the Olympic rings outside city hall.