BREAKING: A stunning discovery of thousands of dinosaur footprints has just been made near the venues for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. The tracks, dating back approximately 210 million years to the Triassic period, were found in Stelvio National Park, located in the central Alps of northern Italy.
According to the Milan Natural History Museum (MNHM), this remarkable find marks one of the most significant deposits of Triassic trace fossils globally. The footprints were uncovered in the Fraele Valley, between Livigno and Bormio, areas that will host Olympic events in February 2026.
Authorities report that an astonishing estimated 20,000 footprints span about three miles of the mountainside. The MNHM revealed that these tracks, found on nearly vertical dolomite walls, are preserved in excellent condition, showcasing clear imprints of toes and claws from long-necked bipedal herbivores, which measured up to 33 feet in length and weighed around four tons.
“This discovery is monumental, not only for its scale but for the sheer number of prints found,” said Dal Sasso of the MNHM. “The huge surprise was discovering such a large quantity … tens of thousands of prints up there.” The footprints exhibit traces of individuals that walked with a calm, rhythmic pace, suggesting a serene environment in their prime.
The location of these footprints has remained largely untouched, primarily due to challenging weather conditions. As a result, researchers have utilized drones and remote sensing technology to access and study the area. The MNHM emphasized that this site is the largest in the Alps and one of the richest in the world, poised to captivate geologists and paleontologists for decades.
Regional governor Attilio Fontana described the find as the “gift of the Olympics,” expressing intentions to eventually open the remote site to the public. The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, and this discovery adds an extraordinary layer of historical significance to the event.
As excitement builds around the Olympics, the revelation of these ancient footprints not only enriches Italy’s cultural heritage but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the planet’s prehistoric past. The MNHM plans further exploration, promising more surprises as research continues in this unprecedented discovery.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as more details emerge about the implications of this extraordinary find.
