Milano-Cortina 2026: Winter Olympics Return to Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here! From February 6–22, 2026, Italy will host athletes from around the world across iconic locations including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Val di Fiemme.
Fans can expect 116 medal events in sports ranging from alpine skiing and ice hockey to snowboarding and figure skating.
Key Dates You Can’t Miss
- Feb 4, 2026: Pre-Olympic events start (curling & ice hockey)
- Feb 6, 2026: Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium, Milan
- Feb 7–22, 2026: Main competitions across Italy
- Feb 22, 2026: Closing Ceremony at Verona Arena
Some sports, like curling and ice hockey, start before the official opening, giving fans early action.
| Date | Sport / Event | Key Highlights / Medals | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 4, 2026 | Curling, Ice Hockey | Preliminary rounds begin | Milan, Cortina |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Curling, Ice Hockey | Round-robin matches continue | Milan, Cortina |
| Feb 6, 2026 | Opening Ceremony | Parade of Nations, Olympic cauldron lighting | San Siro Stadium, Milan |
| Feb 7–21, 2026 | Alpine Skiing | Downhill, Super-G, Slalom, Giant Slalom | Cortina, Bormio |
| Feb 6–20, 2026 | Figure Skating | Team event, Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance finals | Milan |
| Feb 4–22, 2026 | Ice Hockey | Men’s & Women’s tournaments, medal matches | Milan, Cortina |
| Feb 4–22, 2026 | Curling | Mixed Doubles, Men’s & Women’s tournaments | Cortina, Milan |
| Feb 7–22, 2026 | Cross-Country Skiing | Sprint, Distance, Team Relays | Val di Fiemme |
| Feb 7–20, 2026 | Snowboard & Freestyle Skiing | Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, Moguls | Livigno, Cortina |
| Feb 7–12, 2026 | Luge | Singles & Doubles competitions | Cortina |
| Feb 12–15, 2026 | Skeleton | Men & Women events | Cortina |
| Feb 22, 2026 | Closing Ceremony | Medal celebrations, flag hand-off | Verona Arena |
Where the Action Happens
- Milan: Figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Alpine skiing, sliding sports
- Val di Fiemme: Cross-country skiing, ski jumping
- Bormio & Livigno: Freestyle skiing & snowboard events
Italy’s multi-city model shows off its stunning winter sports venues while keeping travel convenient for athletes and fans.
Sports Highlights You Can’t Miss
Alpine Skiing (Feb 7–21)
Downhill, super-G, slalom, and giant slalom promise high-speed thrills in Cortina.
Figure Skating (Feb 6–20)
- Team event starts right after the Opening Ceremony
- Singles, pairs, and ice dance finals span the first and second week
- Hosted in Milan’s indoor arenas
Ice Hockey (Feb 4–22)
- Men’s and women’s tournaments
- Medal matches during the final weekend
Curling (Feb 4–22)
- Mixed doubles kick off pre-Olympics
- Men’s and women’s events continue throughout the Games
Snowboard & Freestyle Skiing (Feb 7–20)
Halfpipe, slopestyle, big air, moguls, and aerials – action-packed events perfect for younger audiences.
Sliding Sports
- Luge: Feb 7–12
- Skeleton: Feb 12–15
- Bobsleigh: Mid-late Games
Why 2026 Olympics Are Unique
- Multi-city hosting across northern Italy
- Focus on sustainability using existing venues
- Youth-focused sports and new event additions
- First Winter Games in Italy since Turin 2006
How to Watch
Events will be broadcast globally, with live coverage, highlights, and medal ceremonies on official Olympic channels. Fans can track competitions in Italy time or local broadcasts.
Don’t Miss
- Opening Ceremony: Feb 6, Milan – parade of nations, performances, Olympic cauldron lighting
- Closing Ceremony: Feb 22, Verona – medal celebrations and final festivities
Whether you’re cheering for skiing champions, figure skating stars, or snowboard heroes, Milano-Cortina 2026 will deliver unforgettable moments.
