Drones at the Olympic Winter Games

Flying at speeds of over 100 km/h just behind a bobsleigh or speed skater gives viewers of the Olympic Winter Games a completely new perspective on elite sports.

The Olympic Winter Games in Milan–Cortina have begun. In addition to being a sporting highlight, these Games also promise to be a technological showcase. Drones are being deployed on a large scale throughout the event.

Drone Footage of Olympic Sports Performances

The Milan–Cortina Winter Games are the first Olympic Games where drones are being used intensively. Drones were first introduced at the Olympic Games in 2014, and since then the technology has advanced significantly. In Italy, drones will be flying during many Olympic events.

The first drone images have already been broadcast. During bobsleigh, skiing, and speed skating, viewers were taken along through the lens of a drone camera. In bobsleigh events, drones flew alongside the sled through parts of the track, capturing the speed and intensity of the sport in real time. This resulted in spectacular footage.

FPV Drones for Spectacular Footage

The drones used during the Olympic Winter Games are First Person View (FPV) drones. These drones are flown using FPV goggles, allowing the pilot to see live video from the drone’s camera and control it as if they were flying along themselves.

By using FPV drones, pilots can stay extremely close to the athletes. These small and agile drones are capable of reaching very high speeds. During the Olympic Games, they capture footage that would be impossible with traditional cameras. Flying directly behind an athlete creates the sensation that the viewer is moving through the course alongside them.

Olympic Drone Pilots with a Dutch Touch

The drone footage at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan–Cortina has a Dutch connection. The Dutch company Dutch Drone Gods is responsible for drone footage across multiple events.

For this purpose, they developed a specialized drone that is small and fast enough to follow athletes during the Olympic Games while also meeting the strict technical requirements of live television broadcasts.

Inspired by Olympic Drone Footage?

In the coming weeks, drones will be flying above various Olympic events. This is a great example of how drone flying can be applied in inspiring ways for many drone pilots.

FPV flying is an exciting challenge. Unlike standard camera drones, FPV drones can reach higher speeds and offer greater freedom thanks to their agility.

Taking a Drone on a Winter Sports Trip?

Capturing a winter landscape with a drone is spectacular: snow-covered mountain peaks and breathtaking views. But before packing your drone for a ski holiday, there are several important factors to consider.

We previously wrote a blog about flying drones during a winter sports vacation. Learn which regulations apply, check the drone map of your winter sports destination, and discover our tips for flying drones in cold conditions.