Behind every flawless Olympic surface is a fleet of powerful machines working hard — quiet, automatic, or heavy-duty.
1. Ice Resurfacing Machines
One of the most iconic machines you’ll see (or hear about) at any Winter Olympics is the ice resurfacer — sometimes called a Zamboni after the pioneering brand. These machines shave down the ice surface, collect snow and debris, and spray a thin layer of water that freezes into a fresh, smooth sheet, ready for competition.
For facilities hosting hockey, figure skating, short-track speed skating, and other ice events, heavy-duty professional models such as the evo² or Mammoth ice resurfacing machines are essential. They feature large snow and water tanks and powerful blades that keep even large Olympic-sized rinks in world-class condition throughout the Games.
Smaller or temporary ice rinks — like practice sheets or mobile event rinks — may make use of compact resurfacing machines, such as the Pinguino, which brings big-rink quality to smaller surfaces with agility and ease.
2. Autonomous Floor and Terminal Cleaning Robots
Olympic venues are more than just arenas — they include transport hubs like airports and athlete villages where cleanliness is critical.
For Milano Cortina 2026, autonomous cleaning robots such as Gausium’s Omnie machines are being deployed in Milan’s major airports (e.g., Malpensa and Linate) to maintain spotless floors and high hygiene standards as athletes, officials, and spectators arrive and depart. These robots use advanced sensors, AI-driven navigation, and remote management systems to clean large volumes of footfall traffic around the clock.
3. Snow Removal and Grooming Equipment
Although not “cleaning” in the everyday sense, snow removal and grooming are critical maintenance tasks at Winter Olympic sites.
Across slopes and trails used for cross-country skiing, biathlon, and alpine events, snowcats — tracked grooming machines — keep trails smooth and safe. These vehicles reshape and compact snow surfaces so athletes can ski on consistent, race-ready courses.
In outdoor environments and roadways around the venues, winter maintenance vehicles — from dedicated snow ploughs to smaller snow blowers — help clear paths, stands, parking areas, and pedestrian zones to keep movement safe during snowfalls.
4. Auxiliary Maintenance Tools
Besides the big machines, Olympic organisers use a range of support tools to keep venues clean on a daily basis:
- Scrubber dryers and sweepers — for cleaning large indoor floors, corridors, and concourses used by thousands of visitors each day.
- Vacuum cleaners and floor polishers — for back-of-house areas, athlete lounges, and hospitality zones.
- Snow throwers and handheld snow blowers — where larger vehicles are impractical, manual or compact machines help clear steps, walkways, and access areas.
Conclusion: Cleanliness is a Competitive Advantage
While athletes chase medals on snow and ice, a fleet of sophisticated machines quietly ensures that surfaces, spaces, and visitor hubs operate smoothly and safely throughout the Olympic fortnight. From world-class ice re-surfacers to autonomous cleaning robots greeting travellers — these machines are an essential part of the Winter Games infrastructure, making the 2026 Winter Olympics not just a spectacle of sporting excellence, but also a showcase of modern cleaning and maintenance technology.
Contact Us
Columbus UK, based in Darlington, County Durham, is your total solution for all types of indoor and outdoor cleaning equipment. We supply high-quality industrial cleaning machines to all industries and commercial businesses across mainland Britain.
Our friendly, dedicated team provides expert purchasing advice, professional installation, servicing, and repair support to ensure you have the correct machine for your application at an affordable and cost-effective price.
We cover all areas from Scotland and the North East of England through the West Midlands and down to London, with mobile service and repair support available nationwide.
📧 Email: info@columbusuk.co.uk
📞 Tel: 01325 371 439
🌐 Web: www.columbusuk.co.uk
