BREAKING: An astonishing discovery has emerged just in time for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, with the revelation of 20,000 dinosaur footprints found in Stelvio National Park. This remarkable find, located in the Fraele Valley between Livigno and Bormio, dates back approximately 210 million years to the Triassic period, according to officials from the Milan Natural History Museum (MNHM).
The footprints, deemed “one of the most important deposits of Triassic trace fossils in the world,” highlight the rich paleontological history of the region. Discovered on nearly vertical dolomite walls, these tracks display clear imprints of toes and claws that were formed on tidal flats millions of years ago. The site is located within a mile of where the men’s alpine skiing events will occur during the Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026.
“This discovery is monumental,” said a representative from MNHM. “The huge surprise was not just finding the footprints, but the incredible quantity—tens of thousands of prints have remained hidden for over 210 million years.”
Utilizing advanced remote sensing technologies and drones, researchers were able to uncover this extraordinary site, which has never been previously studied. The MNHM reports that this location is now recognized as the largest and richest site of its kind in the Alps, likely to engage geologists and paleontologists for decades to come.
The footprints belong to long-necked bipedal herbivores, measuring up to 33 feet in length and weighing around four tons. Notably, the tracks indicate that these ancient creatures moved at a calm, rhythmic pace, rather than running.
Lombardy’s regional governor, Attilio Fontana, praised the discovery as a “gift of the Olympics,” expressing intentions to make the remote site accessible to the public in the future. Despite the challenges posed by the area’s weather conditions, this new treasure trove of history is set to attract attention worldwide.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, this groundbreaking discovery not only adds a thrilling layer to the event but also highlights the importance of preserving and studying our planet’s ancient history. This story is sure to captivate audiences globally, sparking interest in both the Olympics and the incredible world of paleontology.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and the region prepares for both the Winter Games and the exploration of its remarkable prehistoric past.
