In a significant move for the future of winter sports in Utah, Park City officials announced on Wednesday that a delegation will attend the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, scheduled for February 2026. The delegation, led by Mayor Ryan Dickey, includes Park City Councilor Tana Toly and acting City Manager Jodi Emery. This trip aims to provide insights and observations that will be invaluable as Park City prepares to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. The delegation will be based in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a key mountain venue for the Games. Their itinerary includes participation in an observer program organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which will focus on crucial aspects such as mountain operations, logistics, security, and competition delivery. According to the municipal government, the group will engage in structured site visits, workshops, and behind-the-scenes interactions with Olympic organizers and local community representatives, allowing them to gather a wealth of knowledge. "Our focus will be on ensuring that we learn from the best practices implemented in Italy, especially regarding operational readiness and community engagement," said Mayor Dickey in a statement. Tana Toly expressed her intention to concentrate on local benefits, regional partnerships, and fostering economic vibrancy through the insights gained from the Games. Meanwhile, Jodi Emery aims to enhance the coordination of City services and community involvement, ensuring a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike during the 2034 festivities. While the announcement did not provide specific details about the trip's budget, funding sources, or the duration of the visit, it is evident that the trip is a crucial step in preparation for the 2034 Winter Olympics, which will mark a return of the Games to Utah for the first time since 2002. This delegation is part of a broader strategy by Park City officials to learn and adapt from other Olympic venues. Bill Ciraco, another City Council member, has also planned a trip to Italy, but as a private citizen. Ciraco, who is self-funding his journey, hopes to explore Milan as well as the mountain venues of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bormio. He aims to study transportation logistics between different competition sites, security protocols, and the infrastructure utilized during the Olympics. Ciraco has emphasized his desire to return with ideas that could inform local preparations and avoid potential pitfalls encountered by other host cities. The trip to Italy is not the first municipal expedition aimed at gathering insights for the 2034 Winter Olympics. Former Mayor Nann Worel previously traveled to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, an opportunity that allowed her to examine transportation systems, which are critical for the effective management of Olympic events. Worel's trip occurred shortly before Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Games by the IOC. Park City's significance in the 2034 Winter Olympics cannot be overstated. The area is set to feature key competition venues, including Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and the Utah Olympic Park. These locations played a pivotal role in the 2002 Winter Olympics and are expected to be similarly essential in 2034. The community is also expected to contribute significantly to transportation, security, and celebration plans, making it a critical player in the overall success of the Games. The upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy represent one of two major opportunities for Park City officials to observe and learn from the Olympic experience before 2034. Additionally, the 2030 Winter Olympics in France will serve as another venue for Park City officials to gather insights. The Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympics will also be pivotal in setting the stage for Park City’s 2034 preparations. As the clock ticks down to the 2034 Games, every opportunity to learn from global best practices will be vital for the success of Utah’s winter sports legacy. With the delegation set to embark on this important journey, the community is poised to gain essential knowledge that could shape the future of the Winter Olympics in Park City. As preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympics ramp up, the insights gathered from Italy are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring a successful event that honors Utah’s rich Olympic history and showcases its stunning landscapes and world-class facilities.