Milano Cortina 2026 Unveils 25,000 Volunteers and Staff Uniforms Crafted by Salomon

The Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation recently unveiled the official uniforms for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. On November 12, the highly anticipated reveal showcased the garments designed for over 18,000 volunteers and Organising Committee staff, totaling more than 25,000 individuals who will proudly wear these official ensembles. This extensive project is the result of a creative collaboration between the Foundation and Salomon, a premium partner of the event, whose executives Raffaella Panié, Brand Image and Look Director of Milano Cortina 2026, and Guillaume Meyzenq, President & CEO of Salomon, provided insights into this significant undertaking.

Raffaella Panié highlighted the strategic importance of the uniforms, noting that the project commenced two years prior to the unveiling. She emphasized the powerful visual impact of such a large contingent of people, stressing that the uniforms serve as a vital communication and branding opportunity, while also fostering a strong sense of belonging among participants. Panié explained that the Milano Cortina 2026 Games will place Italy in the global spotlight, and the partnership with Salomon was instrumental in conveying the vibrant Italian spirit through the meticulously designed uniforms. This involved extensive testing and refinements, culminating in a highly technical, high-performance product. Beyond the official uniforms, Salomon is also the licensee for a range of Milano Cortina 2026-branded apparel available for public purchase.

The development of these uniforms was an intensive 18-month process, spearheaded by the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation team and Salomon's Annecy Design Centre. The project brought together over 50 experts, including designers, engineers, and technicians, who worked tirelessly to create 17 interconnected elements. These components are tailored to suit every role and withstand diverse weather conditions expected during the Games. In total, more than 400,000 individual pieces were produced, successfully blending technical performance with a distinct visual identity for the event. Each volunteer will receive a comprehensive kit, carefully assembled to ensure maximum functionality across all operational contexts, from challenging mountain slopes to bustling city arenas.

The comprehensive volunteer kit includes essential items designed for versatility and protection. Key components feature an outdoor jacket, engineered to provide optimal thermal insulation and robust protection from the elements. Additionally, the kit contains "mid-layers," ideal for indoor environments or milder climates, and trousers available in two versions: an insulated option for extreme conditions and a lighter pair for everyday activities. Practical accessories such as hats and gloves are included, alongside a Trailblazer 20 backpack. For footwear, volunteers will be equipped with Salomon's high-performance X Ultra 360 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots, ensuring comfort and stability.

Guillaume Meyzenq elaborated on Salomon's involvement, describing the brand's evolution from a winter sports specialist to an outdoor brand, and now a global sports label. He noted Salomon's strong Alpine community across France, Italy, and Switzerland, along with its extensive history of working with Olympic athletes, making the collaboration with Milano Cortina 2026 a natural fit. Meyzenq identified the primary challenge as creating uniforms that could effectively meet the varied needs of staff and volunteers, whether operating in mountainous terrain or urban settings. He also hinted at future collaborations with Italian and particularly Milan-based brands to celebrate the event, promising surprises even before February.

Regarding Salomon's current performance, Meyzenq reported approximately 500 Salomon-branded stores globally, encompassing both directly operated and partner-run locations. He highlighted double-digit growth rates in Europe and particularly strong expansion in Asia, especially China. Generally, all countries where Salomon already possesses significant brand awareness are experiencing accelerated growth. Meyzenq emphasized the brand's successful expansion beyond its traditional mountain sports image, now offering products and experiences tailored for urban environments. Notably, Salomon's footwear segment alone surpassed $1 billion in turnover in 2024, underscoring its broad market appeal.

As part of the Amer Sports Group, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Salomon does not disclose individual financial data. However, Meyzenq confirmed that Amer Sports' Outdoor Performance segment, which encompasses Salomon, experienced a robust 30% growth, signaling "great momentum" for the brand. Looking ahead, Salomon plans significant expansion within its domestic market, previously limited to its Annecy location. The brand is set to open new 1,500-square-meter, multi-storey offices on Boulevard Magenta in Paris by the end of the year, which will also feature two large showrooms. This strategic move aims to bring Salomon closer to its customers, partners, and increasingly younger clientele, while also facilitating the recruitment of a broader range of talent to support the brand's continued development.