- Utah 2034 hosted a welcome event for Utah families in Milan.
- The event previewed Utah's plans for the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
- A proposed village aims to provide affordable housing for athletes' families.
MILAN, ITALY – As competition gets underway at the 2026 Winter Olympics, families of Team USA athletes are arriving in Italy to support their loved ones.
Utah leaders are already giving them a preview of what to expect in 2034.
The Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Committee hosted a welcome gathering on Sunday for families of American athletes competing in Milan.
The event brought together relatives, athletes, and state leaders as Utah prepares to host the Winter Games in eight years.
"We are so excited to have you all here," said Catherine Raney-Norman of the Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Committee to the people who had gathered at the Team USA "Winter House" inside the Aethos Milan hotel.
The event was open to families of athletes from across Team USA, not just those from Utah.
Gov. Spencer Cox and several Utah representatives and athletes also attended.
Organizers said the gathering was designed to bring people together, as well as grow excitement for Utah's 2034 Olympics and Paralympics.
One of the highlights of Utah 2034's plan is for a first-of-its-kind village that would give families a dedicated place to stay during the Games.
"Nobody has done it," said Raney-Norman. "And when you think about it, for the families so often they don't know if their athletes are going to qualify, or they get nervous about, 'I don't want to plan too soon.' So, for us to be able to have a dedicated space for them that will be access to affordable housing, that is just a huge relief, not only for the family, but also for the athlete as well."
The proposed village would offer centralized accommodations right off of a TRAX line, according to Raney-Norman, which would help families feel more connected and supported throughout the Games.
Many family members said they welcomed the idea, which organizers hope will ease logistical and financial pressures during the Olympics.
"I think it's a great idea what they're doing," said Debbie Bowe, the mother of 4-time Olympic and Bronze medalist speedskater Brittany Bowe. "It's great for families."
While the spotlight in Milan is on the 2026 Winter Games, Utah leaders continue to use the international stage to build momentum for 2034.
Organizers said events like this one are part of a broader effort to show how Utah plans to create a welcoming environment not only for athletes, but also for the families who support them.
