Get ready for an epic winter adventure! Italy is about to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. Imagine breathtaking figure skating routines in the fashion capital of Milan and thrilling ski jumps against the snowy peaks of the Dolomites. For the first time, the games are split between a cool city and a stunning mountain range, promising a mix of high-speed action and incredible Italian culture.
This guide is your ultimate ticket to experiencing it all. We’ll show you where to catch the coolest events, how to get around, and what amazing sights you can’t miss along the way. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to follow the action from home, we’ve got all the details you need. From the slick ice rinks of Milan to the powdery slopes of Cortina, get ready to dive into the excitement of the Winter Olympics, Italian style.
When Are The 2026 Winter Olympics?
Get ready to follow the action, because the 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026. This legendary event only comes around every four years, so it’s a big deal for fans and athletes everywhere. The excitement kicks off even earlier, with curling matches starting on February 4. After that, the party doesn’t stop: the Opening Ceremony lights up Milan on February 6, and the very next day brings the first gold medal contests. There are plenty of moments you won’t want to miss.
On February 8, the best of women’s alpine skiing will tear down the slopes for the downhill gold. Men’s figure skating takes the spotlight with its gold medal battle on February 13. If you love tense finishes, make sure to catch the women’s alpine skiing slalom on February 18. February 19 is a huge night, featuring gold medal events in women’s figure skating, women’s ice hockey, and the first-ever Olympic ski mountaineering medals. Everything leads up to February 22, where men’s ice hockey gold is decided before the Closing Ceremony wraps things up. Don’t forget—the excitement continues with the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 to March 15, so there’s non-stop sports action well into March!
Where Exactly Will The 2026 Winter Olympics Be Held?
Milan is ready to shine as the main hub for city-based action. The famous San Siro stadium will host the massive Opening Ceremony to kick things off. After the flame is lit, the city becomes the home for ice sports. You can catch figure skating, speed skating, and intense ice hockey matches at cool venues like the PalaItalia Santa Giulia and the Forum di Milano.
Meanwhile, the mountains are calling. Cortina d’Ampezzo returns to the Olympic stage after 70 years, hosting women’s alpine skiing on its legendary slopes and sliding sports like bobsleigh on a brand-new track. But the games don’t stop there. Events are spreading out across other beautiful northern Italian areas like Valtellina, Bormio, and Val di Fiemme, meaning the excitement will cover a huge part of the region.
How Many Venues Will There Be At The Olympics?
There will be 15 different venues hosting competitions across Northern Italy, each chosen for a specific sport or event. In Milan, you’ll find the Milano Ice Skating Arena for figure skating and short track, the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium for the big Opening Ceremony, the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, and the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena where hockey teams will battle it out. Speed lovers should look out for the Milano Speed Skating Stadium’s races.
Heading to the mountains, Cortina d’Ampezzo features the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium and the brand-new Cortina Sliding Centre for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton. The Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre hosts alpine skiing. In Anterselva, the Anterselva Biathlon Arena is set for biathlon events. Downhill legends will take on the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, and freestyle athletes will show off at the Livigno Snow Park and the Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park. Cross-country racers compete at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, ski jumpers take flight at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium, and the grand Verona Olympic Arena will be part of the festivities too.
How To Get Tickets For The Winter Olympics 2026?
Getting your hands on tickets is easier than you think. The first and most important step is to head directly to the official Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic ticketing platform. This is the only place to buy general admission tickets for all the sports, so make sure you’re on the right site. You can browse through all the different events and pick the ones you want to see live. For the first time ever, there are also special hospitality packages that include tickets if you’re looking for an upgraded experience.
Once you’ve bought your tickets, keep an eye out for the official Milano-Cortina 2026 app, which should already be available. You’ll need to download it to manage your tickets. Your exact seat numbers will be assigned, building up the excitement before the games begin. After that, all that’s left to do is show up with your ticket and get ready for an amazing time!
Is It Easy To Reach The Venues?
Getting to the 2026 Winter Olympics is straightforward. Most visitors will arrive by air, landing at Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), or Venice Marco Polo (VCE). Other nearby airports include Verona, Treviso, and even Innsbruck in Austria for some mountain venues. For those traveling by train, high-speed rail links Milan, Verona, and Venice, and there’s an eight-hour direct train from Paris to Milan. Travelers from London and Brussels can also use international rail routes to reach northern Italy.
Once in Italy, local travel is a breeze. In Milan, subways, trains, and local transport will run more often, making it easy to move around the city. If you’re driving, you’ll use dedicated parking lots near the mountain venues, then ride special shuttles directly to the events. Railway stations in the Alps are connected by shuttle buses, and private transfers are available for extra comfort. Before heading out, check the official Olympics website for the newest updates on routes and schedules.
Side Quests That Are Worth The Extra Planning
If you have some free time between events, Milan has some awesome hidden gems. You absolutely have to book ahead to see Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Last Supper mural, which is super exclusive. For a chill vibe, hop on the historic tram line 1 to see the city’s coolest landmarks like the Scala theater, or grab a snack with a view on the roof of Fondazione Prada. End your day by the Navigli canals, where you can eat dinner right next to the water in a neighborhood that used to be a major trade route.
Up in the mountains, the adventure continues beyond just watching the pros. You can actually ski on the same slopes used in the 1956 Olympics in Cortina or explore winter trails around peaks like Sorapiss. After a long day in the snow, dig into local food that mixes Italian and Tyrolean styles, like delicious canederli dumplings or casunziei ravioli at a cozy mountain restaurant.
What Sports Will Debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Get ready for something new and exciting at the 2026 Winter Olympics, because ski mountaineering is making its official debut. This super tough sport is a perfect match for the Italian Alps. It’s a true test of an athlete’s ability, mixing uphill climbing on skis with intense downhill racing and tricky descents. It is set to be one of the most physically challenging events to watch.
This new addition brings a fresh kind of energy to the games. For everyone watching, it’s a cool chance to see a competition that combines pure stamina, smart thinking, and amazing mountain skills. This is totally different from the other Olympic events you might be used to, and it will all happen in the beautiful mountain venues, making it even more spectacular.
Where Should You Stay During the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Finding the right place to sleep depends on what kind of vibe you are looking for. In Milan, you have tons of choices, from fancy hotels right next to the big stadiums to cool, smaller places in trendy areas. If you want to save some cash, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that are just a quick subway ride away. Staying in the city is great if you want to soak up the culture and hang out in Milan when the sports are done for the day.
If you prefer the snow and mountain air, towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, and Livigno are where it’s at. You can book a room in a classic ski hotel or rent a cozy apartment close to the slopes. Just remember to book way in advance because these spots will fill up incredibly fast. A lot of people decide to split their trip, spending half their time in the city and half in the Alps to get the best of both worlds.
What Should You Pack for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Since you will be bouncing between city streets and snowy peaks, your suitcase needs to handle two totally different vibes. For your time in Milan, comfortable sneakers are a must because you will do a lot of walking. Even though you are in the city, the indoor arenas can get chilly, so bring layers like hoodies or light sweaters that you can easily put on or take off while you watch the indoor sports.
When you head up to the mountains, things get serious. You need real winter gear to stay warm while standing outside at the alpine events. Make sure to pack a thick insulated jacket, waterproof snow boots, and good gloves. Thermal underwear is a lifesaver for those long days in the cold. Basically, planning your outfit right means you can focus on the fun instead of shivering.
Will The Winter Olympics Be Broadcast Live?
Yes, you can watch every moment of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics live from just about anywhere in the world. You won’t have to worry about missing out on any of the action, whether it’s a thrilling ski race or a graceful figure skating final. The games will be shown globally, so you can cheer on your favorite athletes in real time.
Official media partners for the Olympic Movement will be broadcasting everything. This means you will have full access to see every competition as it happens. To find out which channels or streaming services are showing the games in your country, you can check the complete list of official broadcasters online. Get ready to grab some snacks and settle in for some incredible sports moments.
Your Milano Cortina 2026 Game Plan Starts Now
Ready for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics? The 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping up to be an unforgettable mix of city energy and mountain spectacle. Whether you are chasing figure skating in Milan, alpine events in Cortina, or planning a split stay to experience both worlds, a little planning now will make everything smoother later. Lock in the events you care about most, map out your travel days between venues, and book lodging early in the places that will fill up fast.
If you are building out your 2026 travel calendar, here are a few other guides you might want to read next: