If you are planning to drive into the Dolomites or the Valtellina valley between February 4th and February 22nd, 2026, a standard rental agreement isn’t enough. To enter the Olympic “Clusters,” your vehicle must display a physical Host Territories Car Pass (Auto Pass) on the windshield.
Without this pass, you risk heavy fines (starting at €65 + rental agency fees) and being turned away at police-manned checkpoints.
Check winter sports travel policies →
1. Who needs a Car Pass?
The pass is required for anyone entering the Olympic Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs) during activation hours (typically 06:00 to 00:00).
- Spectators & Tourists: If you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb inside Cortina, Bormio, or Livigno, you MUST have a pass to reach your accommodation.
- Day Trippers: If you are just visiting for the day and don’t have a pass, you must use the Park & Ride satellite lots (like Aquilone for Bormio or Dobbiaco for Cortina) and take the official shuttle.
Olympic Planning 2026
Deciding between the two main Olympic hubs? Read our head-to-head comparison: Bormio vs Livigno 2026: Which Valtellina Hub Should You Choose?
2. How to Get Your Pass (Step-by-Step)
The Italian authorities have launched a dedicated platform: https://passauto.milanocortina2026.org/.
- Register Early: Log on to the official portal immediately. Multi-day passes for those with accommodation bookings usually require manual validation.
- Upload Documents: You will need to upload your ID/Passport and your Accommodation Booking Confirmation.
- Select Your Zone:
- Zone 1 (Purple): Nearest to the venues (e.g., central Cortina). Extremely restricted.
- Zone 2 (Yellow): Most of the municipal territory.
- Physical Collection: These are NOT digital-only. You must collect the physical sticker at designated points (e.g., in Valdisotto for Bormio or near the Cortina entrance) before entering the ZTL.
Olympic Driving: Secure Your Vehicle
To secure your Car Pass, you first need a confirmed booking. We recommend booking a winter-ready SUV or a Flight + Hotel bundle to lock in your Olympic base camp.
Verified for 2026: Ensure your rental includes winter tires for the Passo Stelvio and Cortina approaches.
Pro Tip: If you are using a Rental Car, you will need to log back into the portal once you pick up the car to add the specific license plate number before you head to the mountains.
- If You Must Drive: Use the button below to ensure your vehicle has winter tyres (mandatory) and allow an extra 2 hours for the “Pass Collection” stop on your way to the resort.
3. Key Deadlines & Locations
- Bormio/Valtellina: Checkpoints are active from Feb 4th. Collection points are available in Tirano and Valdisotto.
- Cortina: Restrictions are heaviest during the Alpine skiing events (Women’s Downhill).
- Livigno: If entering via the Munt la Schera Tunnel (Switzerland), you need a specific tunnel vignette in addition to the Car Pass.
4. Our Recommendation: Shuttles vs. Driving
Given the complexity of the Car Pass system, we strongly recommend:
- For Stress-Free Travel: Book a private transfer or use the Olympic “Train & Ride” service. Private transfer drivers already have the necessary “VAPP” or professional permits.
- If You Must Drive: Use the button below to ensure your vehicle has winter tyres (mandatory) and allow an extra 2 hours for the “Pass Collection” stop on your way to the resort.
⛷️ Ready for the Ultimate Vertical Challenge?
If you’ve conquered the Olympic runs of Cortina, you belong in Val d’Isère. With 300km of high-altitude terrain and legendary steep descents, it is the natural “graduation” for experts.
Every Snow Day Army Intel: Neilson’s “Mountain Experts” offer free guiding for skiers and boarders in Val d’Isère—perfect for finding the stashes that aren’t on the map.
To keep our mountain guides free for everyone, we partner with some of the transport providers mentioned above. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services that our team has researched and found reliable for winter travel.