The 2026 Winter Olympics have captured global attention, sparking excitement across the world. Scheduled from 6 to 22 February 2026, the Games mark a historic return to Italy for the fourth time after two decades. Officially the XXV Olympic Winter Games, this 17-day international multi-sport event will bring the world’s top winter athletes to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo to showcase world-class athleticism on ice and snow. Visitors can enjoy a mix of modern innovation, breathtaking Alpine scenery and authentic Italian experiences. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and prepare for an unmissable drama in the heart of Italy!
Know More About 2026 Winter Olympics
Winter Olympic Games are a prestigious event on the international sporting calendar, held once every four years for sports practiced on snow and ice. The first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924 in France and are set to mark their 25th edition in 2026. Organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the XXV Olympic Winter Games (Commonly known as the Milano Cortina 2026) will be hosted in Italy. For the first time in Winter Olympic history, two cities will officially co-host the Games across 15 venues. As many as 2,900 athletes from approximately 90 countries, who will compete for gold medals in 16 sporting disciplines.
The key details about the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are given below:
- Date: 6 February 2026 - 22 February 2026
- Host Cities: Milan (main hub) and Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Motto: IT's Your Vibe
- Total Events: 116
- Total Athletes: 2,900 (1,362 women & 1,538 men)
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What to Expect at Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Opening Ceremony
As the urban heart of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Milan will host the grand Opening Ceremony. The live coverage of the ceremony will begin at 2 PM. Thereafter, the stadium will transform into the ultimate ice-sports hub for figure skating, short track, speed skating and ice hockey.
Date: 6 February 2026
Venue: Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza or Meazza Stadium)
Gold Medal Events
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 116 events across 16 sports categories, including Alpine Skiing, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding and the newly added Ski Mountaineering (Skimo). Other sports include Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track Speed Skating, Skeleton and Speed Skating.
1. Alpine Skiing Medal Event
- Date: 7 February 2026 (Saturday)
- Venue: Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio (Men) and Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo (Women)
2. Women’s Alpine Skiing Downhill Gold Medal
- Date: 8 February (Sunday - 11:30 AM to 1:40 PM)
- Venue: Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Cortina d'Ampezzo
3. Men’s Figure Skating Gold Medal
- Date: 13 February (Friday)
- Venue: Milano Ice Skating Arena (Unipol Forum)
4. Women’s Alpine Skiing Slalom Gold Medal
- Date: 18 February (Wednesday)
- Venue: Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre (Olympia delle Tofane)
5. Women’s Figure Skating
- Date: 19 February (Thursday)
- Venue: Milano Ice Skating Arena
6. Women’s Ice Hockey
- Date: 19 February (Thursday – 8:10 to 11:10 PM)
- Venue: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena (PalaItalia Santa Giulia)
7. First Olympic Ski Mountaineering Event
- Date: 19 February (Thursday)
- Venue: Stelvio Ski Centre
8. Men’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game
- Date: 22 February (Sunday - 1:10 PM to 4:10 M)
- Venue: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena (PalaItalia Santa Giulia)
9. Women’s Cross Country Skiing (50Km Mass Start Classic Final)
- Date: 22 February (Sunday - 10 AM to 1:35 PM)
- Venue: Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium
Closing Ceremony
- Date: 22 February (Sunday)
- Venue: Verona Olympic Arena
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Tips for Attending Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
- Ensure your passport is valid through at least 6 months
- Book flights and accommodation as early as possible for the best rates
- Consider a rail pass for inter-city travel (trains, buses) and local transport
- Purchase Travel Insurance to cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies or luggage loss
- Download the Milano-Cortino 2026 app for event updates and easy navigation
- Arrive early at the venue and bring your entry ticket (digital/printed)
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise an extraordinary blend of elite athleticism, stunning Italian landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're a devoted winter sports enthusiast or a traveler seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this multi-sport event in Italy promises unforgettable memories. Start planning your journey now to this historic event with one of our Italy tour packages, crafted to offer a seamless and hassle-free experience for every traveller. Book today!
FAQs - Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be held from 6 February to 22 February 2026 across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, along with nearby venues in the Lombardy and Veneto regions.
The Games will feature 16 winter sports disciplines, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh, figure skating, ice hockey, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, freestyle skiing, speed skating, and more.
Tickets will be available through the official Milan Cortina 2026 website. Visitors can purchase tickets for individual events, day passes, or Olympic packages, with early registration and pre-sale options offered.
Milan is the main hub for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with events also hosted in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio, and Val di Fiemme.
Yes, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6 March to 15 March 2026 at many of the same venues. Tickets will also be available through the official website.
Yes, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics focus on sustainability by using existing venues, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon transportation solutions.
Spectators can travel between venues using high-speed trains, shuttle buses, and local public transportation systems.
For the latest updates, schedules, and announcements, visitors should check the official Milan-Cortina 2026 website or follow the event’s official social media channels.
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