Codivilla Hospital: The Main Medical Hub for the 2026 Winter Olympics
Nestled among the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, the Codivilla Hospital Complex in Cortina d’Ampezzo is more than just a medical facility—it’s a beacon of high-altitude healthcare ready to support both local residents and worldclass winter athletes. The hospital comprises two main wings—the historic Putti Pavilion and the modernizing Codivilla Pavilion (more on that and why this piece exists in the first place, in a moment)—working in harmony to deliver exceptional care in the heart of Italy’s premier alpine resort.
A Century of Alpine Medicine
The roots of this institute trace back to 1923, when the Hotel des Alpes was converted into a heliotherapy center for treating osteoarticular tuberculosis. It was named in honor of Alessandro Codivilla—a pioneer in orthopedic care from the famous Rizzoli Institute in Bologna. What began as a 100bed clinic featuring surgery suites and sun therapy balconies evolved significantly over the decades, expanding in 1941 with a new pavilion by architect Emilio Boselli that added 160 beds and later a pediatric building known as “La Villa Blu."
Today, the legacy continues under GVM Care & Research, which took over in 2019 and operates both public and private services in collaboration with ULSS 1 Dolomiti.
Cutting-Edge Facilities for Peak Performance
- Putti Pavilion: Fully operational and offering 24/7 emergency care, advanced diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, traumatology, and motor rehabilitation—including a new operating theater, opened in 2025, for orthopedic procedures such as prosthetics and arthroscopies.
- Codivilla Pavilion: Recently underwent a major overhaul to become a modern hospital focused on prevention, wellness, and longevity—featuring three operating rooms, specialist inpatient units, a new emergency department, and direct access to the heliport. CS was proud to provide our SSM-20 corner guards, SCR-170 crash rails, and HREB-6 bactericidal handrails (the latter two are unique to Europe).
The wings now fuse historic charm with contemporary design. Seismic upgrades have reinforced structures like “Casa del Sole” and the Putti Pavilion, ensuring patient safety while preserving architectural heritage.
Olympic Readiness: Milano–Cortina 2026
Codivilla is stepping into the spotlight for the Winter Games, with the facility dedicated exclusively to the Olympic family—athletes, officials, staff, and delegations—under ULSS 1 management. This specialized focus ensures rapid response and world-class support tailored for elite performers.
Meanwhile, Putti Pavilion stands ready year-round, including during the Games, to treat ski injuries, altitude-related emergencies, and everyday health needs for locals and spectators.
During the winter of 2025, communities and professionals gathered—led by GVM—to strategize healthcare delivery in the mountains, including diagnostics, high-altitude medicine, and the rapid triage of trauma from frosty mountain slopes.
Beyond its Olympian mission, Codivilla has long served tourists and locals as a central healthcare hub. It offers specializations in sports injury treatment, rehabilitation, orthopedic surgery, and even checks for heart and metabolic health—all set against stunning Dolomite vistas. Its heliport connection enhances evacuation and swift patient transfer, which are vital in emergencies and rescue operations.
Blending Heritage, Innovation, and Alpine Spirit
Codivilla’s story is one of transformation: from a prestigious tuberculosis sanatorium to a 21st-century medical center ready for global sporting events. It preserves its historical roots—from the sunny balconies of heliotherapy to stone-walled pavilions—while embracing advanced diagnostics and surgical technology.
As Cortina hosts athletes from around the globe, Codivilla stands poised at the intersection of health, sport, and mountain culture. Whether stabilizing injured skiers, supporting Olympic champions, or caring for residents and visitors, it embodies the alpine spirit: resilience, tradition, and innovation.
The Codivilla Hospital Complex is no mere backdrop for winter sports—it’s a vital part of Cortina’s alpine legacy and Olympic future, ensuring that every race ends with expert care, whether at the finish line or the exam room.