The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the Milano-Cortina Games 2026, will take place in northern Italy from February 6 to February 22, 2026, with select preliminary events starting earlier. These Games will mark a historic shift in Olympic hosting, as competitions will be spread across multiple cities and mountain regions rather than centred in a single host city.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled for February 6 at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, one of Europe’s most famous sporting venues. Athletes from around the world will then compete across 116 medal events in 16 winter sports.
The Games will conclude on February 22, with the closing ceremony at the historic Arena di Verona, blending Italy’s ancient heritage with modern Olympic spectacle.
Venues and Host Cities
Unlike previous Winter Olympics, Milano-Cortina 2026 will use a cluster-based hosting model spanning more than 22,000 square kilometres, making it the most geographically distributed Winter Games in history.
- Milan will serve as the hub for ice sports, including figure skating, ice hockey, and speed skating, staged in modern urban arenas.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the Dolomites, will host curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, along with women’s Alpine skiing at Tofane.
- Bormio will stage men’s Alpine skiing, while Livigno will host freestyle skiing and snowboarding events.
- Ski mountaineering, making its Olympic debut, will also take place in Livigno.
- The Val di Fiemme region will host cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined events.
- Anterselva/Antholz will be the venue for all biathlon competitions.
Sustainability and Infrastructure
Organisers have prioritised sustainability by relying largely on existing venues and temporary facilities, significantly reducing new construction. This approach aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s long-term environmental goals and aims to leave a minimal ecological footprint.
Torch Relay and Cultural Programme
The Olympic torch relay began in Olympia, Greece, in late 2025 and will travel through all 110 Italian provinces before arriving in Milan for the opening ceremony. Alongside the sporting events, the Games will feature mascots, cultural showcases, artistic ceremonies, and enhanced global broadcasting, designed to engage audiences worldwide.
What Makes Milano-Cortina 2026 Unique
The 2026 Winter Olympics will stand out for their innovative multi-city format, stunning alpine backdrops, emphasis on sustainability, and the introduction of new Olympic sports. With Italy’s rich culture and diverse geography on full display, Milano-Cortina 2026 promises to deliver one of the most visually striking and logistically ambitious Winter Games in Olympic history.