Dallin Koecher, the executive director of Heber Valley Tourism, is set to embark on a significant journey to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, as part of the International Olympic Committee's observer program during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. This trip, which takes place from February 8 to February 17, 2026, aims to gather crucial insights that will aid Wasatch County's preparation for hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah. The observer program is a unique opportunity for prospective Olympic hosts to learn from current organizers about the intricacies of managing such a large-scale event. Koecher's mission is not only to observe but also to absorb the operational logistics, security measures, and event organization strategies that are pivotal for executing a successful Olympic Games. Upon his return, Koecher plans to present his findings to the Heber Valley Community Impact and Legacy Committee, a group comprising stakeholders from Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, and various local government entities, including Heber City, Midway, and Wasatch County. This collaborative effort is crucial as the committee works to ensure that the community is well-prepared to capitalize on the opportunities the 2034 Olympics will bring. Originally, Heber City Mayor Heidi Franco was also scheduled to attend the Games in Italy. However, she had to prioritize personal commitments due to the recent birth of her grandson. Despite her absence, Franco expressed her intention to participate in future Olympic events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games and the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps. The invitation to the observer program extended to several Wasatch County officials last autumn came with the expectation that they would self-fund their travels. Koecher’s trip, however, is covered by the budget allocated to Heber Valley Tourism, primarily sourced from Wasatch County's 4.5% transient room tax. He estimates that the total cost of his trip will be around $4,000, which includes flights, accommodations, and daily expenses. After careful consideration, Koecher decided that the potential benefits of this experience far outweighed the costs, a sentiment echoed by the Heber Valley Tourism board. Koecher’s group is unique among the four traveling to Cortina, as they have chosen to base their operations in proximity to the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena, a venue of particular interest given that Soldier Hollow in Midway hosted the biathlon and cross-country skiing events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and will do so again in 2034. Koecher's observations regarding venue management and event execution will be invaluable to the leadership at Soldier Hollow. In parallel, Luke Bodensteiner, Soldier Hollow’s general manager, will also participate in the IOC observer program during the Paralympic Games in Val di Fiemme in March, focusing on aspects such as venue security and accessibility. A significant component of Koecher's mission includes shadowing various personnel working at the Olympics, which will provide firsthand insights into the daily operations of the event. "I plan to experience a day in the life of a workforce member, observing how the volunteers and paid staff operate behind the scenes," Koecher stated. His focus will be on mountain operations, logistics, and how different venues effectively organize activities for athletes, the public, and the media. Koecher also hopes to engage with his counterparts in Cortina, including local officials and representatives from the tourism and economic development boards. This interaction could foster a valuable exchange of ideas and best practices that may be applicable to the 2034 Games. One of the primary goals of the Wasatch County stakeholders for the upcoming Olympics is to ensure that the Heber Valley area benefits economically from the influx of visitors, avoiding the mistakes made during the 2002 Olympics when many attendees were bused directly to events without exploring the local community. As Bodensteiner aptly put it, "Many spectators were simply transported from one venue to another without experiencing what our town has to offer." For the 2034 Games, Koecher envisions vibrant watch parties, cultural exchanges, and bustling local businesses throughout the duration of the Olympics and Paralympics. Koecher's trip will mark his first visit to the Olympics since the 2002 Games when he was a 17-year-old resident of Bountiful, Utah. The memories of that event, particularly the powerful opening ceremony featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the poignant tribute to the American flag recovered from Ground Zero, remain vivid in his mind. Reflecting on the spirit of the 2002 Olympics, Koecher remarked, "It was a remarkable experience to witness how Utah opened its arms to the world, and I aspire for the Heber Valley to do the same in 2034. This journey is not just about learning; it's about ensuring our community is ready to embrace the world once again." Koecher's insights and experiences from Cortina are anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the Heber Valley's approach to the upcoming Winter Olympics and ensuring that the community thrives during this global event.