The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026, with Italy hosting the Games for the first time since Turin 2006. Co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the event brings together urban sophistication and Alpine tradition, blending a modern metropolis with the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites. Featuring 16 winter sports, 116 medal events, and over 2,900 athletes, the Games will also mark the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering. Milano Cortina 2026 aims to deliver a celebration of elite sport, cultural heritage, and sustainable innovation.
Sports and Events of the Winter Olympics 2026
Milano Cortina 2026 will feature 16 winter sports, ranging from popular disciplines such as alpine skiing and ice hockey to the emerging discipline of ski mountaineering, which will make its Olympic debut. The sport involves athletes ascending and descending mountainous terrain using specialised skiing techniques, combining endurance, technical skill, and precision.
Other notable additions include women’s dual moguls in freestyle skiing and women’s doubles in luge, reflecting the Games’ commitment to gender equality and innovation. The full programme will include:
- Alpine skiing
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Cross-country skiing
- Nordic combined
- Curling
- Figure skating
- Short track
- Ice hockey
- Luge
- Skeleton
- Snowboard
- Freestyle skiing
- Ski jumping
- Mixed and team events
- Ski mountaineering (new)
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Host Cities and Venues of the Winter Olympics 2026
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be staged across a wide geographical area, making use of Italy’s stunning landscapes and existing winter sports infrastructure.
- Milan: Hosts ice sports including ice hockey, speed skating, short-track, and figure skating, plus the opening ceremony.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Famous for its dramatic Dolomite peaks, this alpine resort will host curling, sliding sports like bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge.
- Bormio and Livigno: Locations for Alpine events and snowboarding/freestyle competitions.
- Val di Fiemme and Predazzo: Nordic events, including cross-country and ski jumping.
- Verona: Historic site for the Olympic closing ceremony.
In total, competitions will be held across 25 venues, most of them existing or temporary, reinforcing the Games’ emphasis on sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
Ticketing and Accessibility
Tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic events are available through the official Milano Cortina 2026 website, with a range of price categories designed to suit families, groups, and international fans. Early registration is recommended, as high-demand events such as alpine skiing finals and ice hockey medal matches are expected to sell out quickly.
Accessibility remains a central priority, with venues offering ramps, accessible seating, dedicated pathways, and inclusive facilities. The Winter Paralympics, scheduled from March 6 to 15, 2026, further underline this commitment.
Travel and Accommodation
For international visitors, Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airports will serve as the main gateways. High-speed trains connect Milan with Venice and Verona in a few hours, while Cortina d’Ampezzo can be reached by train to Calalzo di Cadore, followed by a scenic road transfer through the Dolomites.
Accommodation options range from luxury hotels in Milan, including properties such as Bulgari Milano, to charming chalets and ski resorts in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Premium travellers can also opt for official hospitality packages that combine accommodation with event access.
Spectator Experience
Attending the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offers far more than elite competition. Visitors can explore Milan’s Duomo, shop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or enjoy an aperitivo in the Navigli district. In Cortina, skiing, cable car rides to Tofana di Mezzo, and relaxation in mountain-view spas are popular experiences.
Day trips to Venice, Lake Como, and other Alpine destinations provide additional opportunities to experience Italy’s rich culture and landscapes.
Why Milano Cortina 2026 is a Major Global Event
Milano Cortina 2026 is set to deliver lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits beyond the Games. The event is expected to boost tourism, improve transport infrastructure, and strengthen winter sports ecosystems across northern Italy, while prioritising existing venues to promote sustainability. At the same time, the Winter Olympics will showcase world-class competition alongside Italy’s cultural heritage and Alpine landscapes, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience elite winter sport across some of Europe’s most iconic locations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A. 2026 Winter Olympics: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
B. 2028 Summer Olympics: Los Angeles, USA
C. 2030 Winter Olympics: French Alps (Nice), France
D. 2032 Summer Olympics: Brisbane, Australia
Yes, India will participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Indian team will include athletes in alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
The Winter Olympics are held every 4 years. However, since 1994, the Summer and Winter Olympics have been staggered, meaning an Olympic event takes place every 2 years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games.
India’s first individual Olympic medal was won by K. D. Jadhav, who claimed bronze in wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. (India’s first Olympic medal overall was gold in men’s hockey at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.)
As of now, Russia and Belarus are banned from the 2026 Olympics due to ongoing sanctions and bans by the International Olympic Committee.
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