Summit County is preparing for the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics by sending a delegation to the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics next month. County Manager Shayne Scott and Councilor Tonja Hanson will travel to Venice from February 10 to February 18 to engage in an observer program organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This initiative aims to provide insights into the operational aspects of hosting such a major international event, which will be invaluable for their own preparations for the 2034 Games. Scott confirmed the trip on Monday, noting that he is awaiting final itinerary details to learn about the specific meetings and discussions that will take place during their time in Italy. "We’re excited and anxious to see some of the behind-the-scenes work," Scott remarked. This observation trip is crucial as Summit County seeks to enhance its role in the upcoming Olympics compared to its participation in the 2002 Games, where its presence was less prominent. The decision to engage with the Milano-Cortina Games comes in the wake of similar initiatives by other local entities. Park City is also sending representatives, including Mayor Ryan Dickey, City Councilor Tana Toly, and Acting City Manager Jodi Emery. While both Summit County and Park City will incur some of their own costs for the trip, Scott believes that their overlapping schedules might allow for collaborative learning experiences, although it remains uncertain whether they will visit the same venues together. One of the primary focuses of the Summit County delegation will be transportation strategies, particularly as they relate to the anticipated influx of visitors during the 2034 Games. Last year, the County Council passed a significant $99 million bond intended for infrastructure improvements in the Snyderville Basin, an area that has been identified as critical for managing traffic and transportation during the Olympics. Scott emphasized the importance of addressing transportation needs, stating, "We believe that, in the county, we’re going to have a very different Kimball Junction in 2034. We hope to really energize that area, and I would love to see some ways in which they’re doing the same thing in Italy, accommodating the people who are there and engaging them in the community." The Kimball Junction interchange has long been a concern for local officials, and the ongoing discussions around the 2034 Games have highlighted the necessity for improvements in this area. The delegation’s observations will include a focus on smaller towns like Cortina d’Apezzo, which parallels Park City’s relationship with Salt Lake City. By studying how local officials in Italy manage issues such as traffic congestion, parking, shuttles, and security, Scott hopes to glean valuable lessons that can be applied back home. He recalls hearing from officials who attended the 2024 Games in France, noting that small details, such as uniformed volunteers wearing matching shirts, significantly contributed to a smoother experience for attendees. "It’s little things like that for us to bring back and understand how best to manage the Games here in Utah," he explained. The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, as well as the 2030 Games in the French Alps, represent additional opportunities for Summit County officials to gain insights into Olympic logistics before the 2034 Games. Scott mentioned the possibility of sending Sheriff Kacey Bates to observe the law enforcement strategies in place during the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028. He pointed out that while federal agencies will play a significant role in security, local law enforcement will be crucial for maintaining safety and order during the Games: "We’ll have an emergency operations center active during the entire Games, which will require such a large law enforcement presence to be able to manage that." Summit County, along with the Park City area, holds a vital role in the 2034 Winter Olympics, with Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and the Utah Olympic Park already designated as competition venues. As the county prepares to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by hosting the Games, the lessons learned from the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will undoubtedly inform their strategy and execution. As Summit County leaders embark on this journey, they are poised to not only represent their community but also to elevate its standing on the global stage during this monumental event.