Slovenia House in Cortina: Where legends meet

When Olympic champions, winners of the world’s greatest medals and victors of the most prestigious races gather under one roof, it is not just the total number of trophies that matters. What truly stands out are the stories, relationships and values that give sport its deeper meaning. This is precisely the essence of the Slovenian House in Cortina, a place of connection, social exchange and friendship that reflects what Slovenia stands for.

Friendships Forged on the Slopes

A special dimension to the gathering was added by the long-standing friendship between Jure Košir and Alberto Tomba, one of the most successful alpine skiers of all time. Their relationship began when they were fierce rivals on snowy slopes, both at the peak of their competitive careers, and over the years grew into a bond based on respect and genuine friendship that goes far beyond rivalry.

Jure Košir, who is in Cortina as an expert commentator for RTV Slovenia, recalls the beginnings of his friendship with Alberto Tomba with characteristic honesty:

“I think I was around twenty when we were training in Norway. Tomba’s coach approached our team and said Alberto wanted to train with me. For me, that was incredible. At first, I was more nervous training with Tomba than racing.”

Joint training sessions, the exchange of experience and access to top-level equipment opened new perspectives on sport for the young Košir. Tomba, on the other hand, was intrigued by Košir’s skiing style, which at the time brought freshness to the alpine scene. “I gained a lot from those training sessions,” Košir says today.

Beyond technical progress on skis, the connections formed off the slopes proved just as important, like countless conversations, shared moments and a friendship that remained strong long after their competitive careers ended. Košir has already visited Tomba in Sardinia, and the next chapter will be written with Tomba’s visit to Slovenia.

Tina Maze: A bridge between Slovenia and Italy

An important role in this story is also played by Tina Maze, ambassador of the Slovenian House in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the most successful Slovenian alpine skier of all time. Her sporting legacy is extraordinary: four Olympic medals, nine medals at World Championships and 26 World Cup victories.

Yet Tina’s story is also one of connection. Her long-time coach and partner Andrea Massi is Italian, and her collaboration with the Italian sporting environment has, over the years, developed into close friendships and professional relationships, including with Alberto Tomba. This intertwining of cultures, knowledge and trust shows that top-level sport flourishes where borders fade and success is built on shared values.

From ski jumping hills to victories at the Giro d’Italia

If alpine skiing represents the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, then Primož Roglič symbolises the breadth of the sporting story unfolding there. His journey is among the most inspiring in modern sport. He began his career as a ski jumper, became a junior world champion, and after a serious fall in Planica, turned a new page.

The transition to professional road cycling was bold and unexpected, yet decisive. At the age of 22, he signed his first professional cycling contract. Victories at the Giro d’Italia, four overall wins at the Vuelta a España, stage wins at the Tour de France and Olympic gold in Tokyo have placed Primož Roglič among the greatest names in Slovenian sport. His story is an inspiration, a symbol of perseverance, courage and a quiet self-confidence that defines the Slovenian sporting character.

In the Slovenian House in Cortina d’Ampezzo, sporting journeys that have shaped generations came together in one place. From alpine slopes to cycling roads, from rivalries to friendships. The stories of Tina Maze, Jure Košir, Alberto Tomba and Primož Roglič prove that sport goes far beyond results and medals.

Photo: Anže Furlan