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Three Canadian Olympic legends host experiences for Milano Cortina of 2026

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Key Takeaways

  • Sporting legends including hockey player Natalie Spooner, bobsledder Neville Wright, and curler Brent Laing are part of a broader global lineup of 26 Olympian and Paralympian experiences offered for Milano Cortina 2026.
  • Canada ranks among the top countries globally driving travel interest to Italy for the Games.
A large indoor stadium illuminated with bright lights, featuring the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics logo and the Olympic rings projected onto the arena floor. A snowflake chandelier hangs prominently from the ceiling.

Key Takeaways

  • Sporting legends including hockey player Natalie Spooner, bobsledder Neville Wright, and curler Brent Laing are part of a broader global lineup of 26 Olympian and Paralympian experiences offered for Milano Cortina 2026.
  • Canada ranks among the top countries globally driving travel interest to Italy for the Games.

As the world prepares for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Airbnb—Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games—is bringing fans closer than ever to the magic with a new collection of Olympian and Paralympian Airbnb Experiences including three Canadian sporting legends hosting experiences in Italy during the Games.

The lineup features 26 exclusive experiences hosted by active and retired athletes from seven countries and 15 disciplines. These unique experiences connect guests with athletes before, during, and after the Games, giving fans the chance to build unforgettable connections and gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and human stories behind the world’s greatest sporting event.

Among the international roster of Olympic and Paralympic legends, three Canadian athletes are offering guests fresh, immersive experiences—perfect for Canadians travelling to Italy to take in the Games:

Watch the men’s hockey finals with Natalie Spooner

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Canadian hockey legend, Natalie Spooner will host guests to the Olympic men’s hockey final, following her fourth Olympic Games appearance. From the stands of the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, she will share her analysis and personal anecdotes, offering a unique perspective on tactics and key moments. A rare opportunity to experience the thrill of Olympic hockey alongside one of the sport’s greatest figures.

Where: Milan
Experience Date: February 22, 2026

A women's hockey player in a red and black jersey prepares to take a shot at the goal against a goalie in a white and blue jersey during an Olympic match, with the Olympic rings visible in the background.
Individual with straight blonde hair and small gold accessories, dressed in a white outfit with minimalistic lighting and industrial background.
A focused view of a hockey player’s black and white skates cutting through the ice, with blue and red accents on their gear.

Push your limits and recover like an Olympian with Neville Wright

Three-time Olympian of Canadian origin and recovery therapist, Neville Wright will guide guests through a session focused on wellness and physical recovery. Using foam rollers, resistance bands, and breathing techniques, he will show participants how to improve mobility, strength, and focus. The experience will culminate with a cold plunge, inspired by the typical recovery rituals of elite athletes.

Where: Milan
Experience Dates: February 11, 12, and 13, 2026

Four team members in athletic gear crouched in a starting position on an indoor track, preparing for practice.
Close-up of an individual in a black jacket displaying a Canadian Olympic Team emblem with a red maple leaf, set against a neutral gray backdrop.
Interior of a brightly lit gym featuring a variety of fitness equipment such as kettlebells, medicine balls, weighted tires, pull-up rings, and rowing machines, with colorful accents on the walls.

Family-friendly curling with an Olympian with Brent Laing

Canadian Olympic champion and three-time World Champion, Brent Laing will lead a hands-on and fun experience to discover the secrets of curling in the heart of Milan during the Olympic Games. Through tactical explanations, ice stories, and practice on a dedicated field without ice but with the same adrenaline, guests can learn the basics of curling directly from one of its legends. A perfect opportunity to get close to the sport in a friendly, family-like atmosphere.

Where: Milan
Experience Dates: February 17 and 18, 2026

Athlete in a red and white uniform sliding a curling stone on ice during a match, with Olympic rings visible in the background.
Close-up of an individual dressed in a navy sweater and white undershirt, shown from the shoulders up with arms crossed.
Close-up of a curling stone with a red handle sliding on ice, alongside a broom with a Canadian flag emblem during a curling match.

Additional experiences from the collection include:

“Being able to sit with fans in Milan and take in Olympic hockey from the stands is really special. I’m excited to share the stories, insights, and little moments you don’t always see from the ice, and help fans experience the sport in a whole new way.”

Natalie Spooner, Team Canada player and two-time Olympic gold medalist

“The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games inspire and motivate scores of Canadians every four years to participate in sport , and we’re thrilled to give fans from Canada new ways to experience that magic up close. Connecting with these world-class athletes lets visitors step into the stories behind the Games, see the dedication and hard work that go into every moment, and feel the passion that makes this event truly unforgettable.”

Hannah Parish, Canada Country Manager, Airbnb

Canadian travel interest surges ahead of Milano Cortina 2026

Italy is experiencing robust travel momentum heading into this winter season, with the strongest increases in searches concentrated in the Milano Cortina 2026 host regions of Trentino-South Tyrol, Lombardy, and Veneto.

Among global travellers, Canada stands out as one of the top countries showing interest in visiting Italy during the Olympic Games period. The countries driving the highest search demand are:

  1. Germany
  2. Canada
  3. Italian domestic travelers
  4. Switzerland
  5. United States

Airbnb Olympian and Paralympian Experiences are available to book now for $31 USD per person, with sessions running from February through March 2026. To learn more and explore the full athlete lineup, visit airbnb.com/milanocortina2026.

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