November 28, 2025 – An event dedicated to the press was held yesterday at "Radio Rooftop Bar" in Milan, during which the tourism offer of Valtellina was presented, with a focus on the upcoming winter season that will see the province of Sondrio as one of the protagonists of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The initiative, organized by APF Valtellina with the support of the Valtellina Quality Agro-Food District and the presence of various local tourism consortia, saw the participation of about 30 journalists from the national press, particularly from the sports segment and the lifestyle world.

The event's concept was "Valtellina, Land of Champions," aiming to give a renewed meaning to the word champion: not just Olympic athletes, but also the people who daily preserve and enhance the territory. Artisans, winemakers, producers: figures that tell an authentic, ancient yet always vibrant soul. In this perspective, several young professionals and athletes were involved and spoke during the event, witnesses of a Valtellina that combines tradition and innovation and looks to the future without losing its roots.

Manuel Pozzoni and Fabio Grazioli from APF Valtellina illustrated to the press the numerous opportunities offered by the destination during the winter season, starting with alpine skiing. Following that, the Valtellinese champions spoke about distinctive aspects of the territory through their experiences. Erik Canovi, a young alpine skiing athlete, highlighted the natural sporting vocation of the province of Sondrio, particularly emphasizing how the territory is ideal for practicing alpine skiing, which, for the first time in history, will be an Olympic discipline with competitions taking place in Bormio. Pietro Gaggi, an artisan from Valmalenco specialized in the processing of soapstone, shared the centuries-old history of his activity and his passion for this type of work, as well as for the territory. Finally, Cristina Gusmeroli, cheese producer, and Matteo Balgera, wine producer, offered an in-depth look at these two local excellences, highlighting the richness and quality of Valtellinese food and wine and the profound and indissoluble bond with the territory.

From the various contributions, a clear message emerged: Valtellina is a land of champions not only for its central role in the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics but also for the excellences, skills, and stories of its inhabitants. The testimonies of the young attendees confirmed how tradition and innovation go hand in hand, creating a dynamic and authentic destination.

To complete the event, a tasting dedicated to the excellent food and wine products of Valtellina was offered by the Valtellina Taste of Emotion Agro-Food District, which is a sponsor of Milan Cortina 2026. Journalists were able to taste specialties served in purity, including Bresaola della Valtellina IGP, Valtellina Casera DOP, and Bitto DOP, along with a menu created with Valtellinese raw materials. Accompanying the dishes was a selection of Valtellina IGT, DOC, and DOCG wines in various denominations.

The "Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represent a historic appointment for Valtellina, an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our sporting vocation and the quality of our mountains to the world. But our message today goes beyond the Olympic event: Valtellina is a land of champions every day, thanks to the people who, with passion, expertise, and authenticity, preserve and innovate the territory. Athletes, artisans, producers, young professionals: they are the true ambassadors of our valley. Presenting our offer here in Milan means inviting everyone to discover a vibrant, welcoming, and genuine territory that never ceases to grow and surprise." Elio Moretti, President of APF Valtellina.

"The DOP and IGP brands that identify and protect the products promoted by our District contribute to the dissemination of a new food culture that values quality, authenticity, well-being, and sharing. Valtellinese producers are champions of quality and tradition. Here, in the mountains of Valtellina, the stories of products are first and foremost stories of people, who preserve and transmit ancient traditions and knowledge. They represent an authenticity linked to a way of making and being that is handed down from generation to generation." Claudio Palladi, President of the Valtellina Quality Agro-Food District.