2026 Winter Olympics: A comprehensive guide

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be hosted in the picturesque regions of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy. This prestigious event is set to take place from 6th to 22nd February 2026, bringing together athletes from all over the world to compete in various winter sports.

Figure skater in a light blue dress in an ice rink

Overview of Milano Cortina 2026

Introduction and key facts

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics mark the return of the Winter Games to Italy, a country with a rich history in hosting international sporting events. This will be the first time that Milan hosts the Winter Olympics, while Cortina previously hosted the 1956 Winter Games.

Historical background

The Winter Olympics have a storied history, dating back to the first Winter Games held in Chamonix, France in 1924. Over the decades, the event has grown in size and scope, showcasing a wide array of winter sports and celebrating the athletic prowess of competitors from around the globe.

Referee and 2 ice hockey players at the face-off, all only half in the picture

Venues and locations

Main venues

The 2026 Winter Olympics will utilise a mix of existing, refurbished, and new venues across Milan and Cortina. Key locations include the Mediolanum Forum in Milan for figure skating and short track, the sliding sports venue in Cortina, and the ski jumping and biathlon venues in the picturesque Alpine region, like Val di Fiemme and Anterselva.

Detailed venue information

Mediolanum Forum: A state-of-the-art arena in Milan, primarily used for figure skating and short track.
Sliding Sports Venue: Located in Cortina, this venue will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events.
Ski Jumping in Val di Fiemme and Biathlon Centre in Anterselva: Situated in the heart of the Alps, providing a stunning backdrop for these thrilling sports.

Sports

List of sports

The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 16 disciplines, including:

Alpine skiing
Biathlon
Bobsleigh
Cross-country skiing
Curling
Figure skating
Freestyle skiing
Ice hockey
Luge
Nordic combined
Short track speed skating
Skeleton
Ski mountaineering
Ski jumping
Snowboarding
Speed skating

Detailed description of each sport

Each sport will showcase the incredible skills and endurance of the athletes. From the high-speed thrills of downhill skiing to the precision and strategy of curling, the Winter Olympics offer something for every sports enthusiast.

Participating nations and athletes

Countries competing

Over 90 nations are expected to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing together a diverse array of athletes from every corner of the globe. Major competing countries include the USA, Canada, Russia, Germany, Norway, and host nation Italy.

Spotlight on top athletes

Look out for top athletes such as Mikaela Shiffrin in alpine skiing, Ilia Malinin in figure skating, and Johannes Thingnes Bø in biathlon, all of whom are expected to be standout performers at the Games.

Impressions

Movement shot of several speed skaters in colourful outfits during the race

3 speed skaters in starting position on the ice, visible up to the waist

Ice hockey player on the ice, only legs, sticks and puck are visible

Two curling stones and brushes on the target circle on the ice

Partial view of hockey goalie and 2 players with hockey sticks waiting in front of the goal

Curling stone with red handle, 3 players in red and black dress in blurred background

Figure skater in a black suit during training

Ski racer in powdery snow at the finish line, behind him fans with flags

Schedule and events

Full event schedule

The event schedule is packed with exciting competitions, starting with the opening ceremony on 6th February and culminating in the closing ceremony on 22nd February. Key dates include:

6th February: Opening ceremony
7th -20th February: Competitions across all disciplines
22nd February: Closing ceremony

Key events to watch

Some of the most anticipated events include the men's and women's ice hockey finals, the figure skating championships, and the alpine skiing downhill races.

How to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics

Broadcast information

Major broadcasters like NBC, BBC, and Eurosport will provide extensive coverage of the Games, ensuring that fans around the world can catch every moment of the action.

Online streaming options

For those who prefer to stream the events online, platforms like Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and Eurosport Player will offer live streaming and on-demand content.

Travel and tourism information

How to get there

Travelling to Milan and Cortina is straightforward, with Milan's Malpensa Airport serving as a major international hub. From Milan, high-speed trains and then shuttle services will transport visitors to Cortina.

Accommodation and amenities

Both Milan and Cortina offer a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Visitors can also enjoy Italy's renowned cuisine and vibrant culture during their stay.