The Role of FPV Drones in the 2026 Winter Olympics

The talk of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics isn’t solely about athletes or medals. One of the latest sensation drawing attention is the use of first-person view (FPV) drones, which are delivering unique perspectives on various events spread across the Olympic venues in Italy. These drones, akin to providing a firsthand experience, are transforming how spectators perceive some of the Winter Olympics’ most exhilarating sports.

The FPV drones have been strategically deployed across sites such as Cortina (for luge, skeleton, bobsled, and alpine skiing), Livigno (for snowboarding and freestyle skiing), and Val di Fiemme (for ski jumping). These drones provide viewers with thrilling aerial views, bringing the action closer than ever before.

Witnessing the action from these drones can be as dizzying as it is exciting, potentially making some viewers lightheaded from the highly dynamic angles.

Despite being captivating, these views can be somewhat disconcerting, as U.S. bobsled pilot, Elana Meyers Taylor, humorously remarked about the sensation of watching the drone footage. Nonetheless, these drones offer an innovative perspective that many viewers may appreciate—just perhaps not for prolonged watching.

Since their debut in the 2014 Sochi Games, drones have continually evolved their role in broadcasting. In more recent years, FPV drones integrated into mountain biking coverage at the Paris Olympics showcased their potential. For the Milan Cortina Olympics, Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), noted that 15 FPV drones assist the Games coverage, in addition to more traditional drone methods, creating a comprehensive spectacle for audiences worldwide.

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

Exarchos emphasized the importance of making winter sports more approachable and attractive to all audiences, particularly those who primarily tune in during the Olympic season. FPV drones play an essential role in making these sports more relatable by providing a ‘third dimension’ of broadcasting, offering an immersive experience that captures the thrill of the competition.

Technical Aspects and Operation

The implementation of FPV drones during these Games followed stringent preparation. For instance, drones specially designed for these events closely follow athletes down the track in a way that provides unparalleled angles without risking collisions. Given their lightweight nature, these drones add great depth and dynamism to the broadcast experience without detracting from the athletes’ performances.

Experts like NBC’s Leigh Diffey, who has noted the overwhelmingly positive reception from viewers, has observed these drones bring an extra layer to the storytelling of Olympic events.

During the development and execution phases, companies such as Dutch Drone Gods, well-known for their pioneering work with FPV drones, collaborated with OBS. Although OBS hasn’t allowed interviews with the drone pilots, their proficient operations highlight their role in ensuring smooth, unobtrusive integration of FPV perspectives.

Reception Among Athletes

While many athletes appreciate the novel spectacle and added value the drones provide, some have expressed concerns, particularly snowboarders who sometimes found the drones uncomfortably close. However, authorities like IOC sports director Pierre Ducrey regard the inclusion of drones as a broadcasting ‘evolution,’ underscoring the intent not to disrupt athlete performances.

Overall, the majority appreciate how drones make sports unexpectedly exciting, especially for disciplines seeking greater recognition outside of the Olympic window.

In conclusion, while some sports retain traditional camera setups, for many, drone aviation helps reveal the intricacies often overlooked. By not only attracting but fully immersing viewers, these technological marvels open up the Games to new fans, potentially inspiring further participation in winter sports after feeling the thrill from their couches.