BREAKING: Thousands of dinosaur footprints have just been discovered in northern Italy, right on the doorstep of the 2026 Winter Olympics. This extraordinary find in Stelvio National Park is being hailed as one of the most significant paleontological discoveries in decades, with the footprints dating back approximately 210 million years to the Triassic period.
According to the Milan Natural History Museum (MNHM), the footprints are located in the Fraele Valley, between Livigno and Bormio, which will serve as venues for the Games from February 6 to 22, 2026. The MNHM confirmed that an estimated 20,000 footprints were found across a three-mile area, providing a stunning glimpse into the distant past.
The discovery was made by researcher Dal Sasso, who reported spotting hundreds of meters of dinosaur tracks on steep dolomite walls. These tracks, preserved in remarkable condition despite their high altitude, feature clear imprints of toes and claws formed on tidal flats at the end of the Triassic. “There are very obvious traces of individuals that have walked at a slow, calm, quiet rhythmic pace, without running,” Dal Sasso explained.
Incredibly, this site is the largest of its kind in the Alps, and experts believe it has never been reported or studied before. The MNHM describes it as one of the richest in the world, promising to engage geologists and paleontologists for many years to come.
The remote location of the footprints has made access challenging, requiring the use of drones and advanced remote sensing technologies for study. “The area cannot be reached by trails,” the MNHM noted, emphasizing the difficulty in uncovering such a treasure trove of ancient history.
Lombardy regional governor Attilio Fontana has dubbed this incredible discovery the “gift of the Olympics.” Plans are underway to make the site accessible to the public in the future, allowing visitors to connect with this remarkable piece of the Earth’s history.
As excitement builds for the Winter Games, this discovery adds a fascinating layer to the event, intertwining sports with a major scientific milestone. The implications of these findings are immense, as they open new avenues for understanding dinosaur behavior and the ecosystem during the Triassic period.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The world will undoubtedly be watching as scientists delve deeper into the secrets these ancient footprints hold. This groundbreaking discovery not only enriches our understanding of paleontology but also brings a unique historical context to the upcoming Winter Olympics.
