The Winter Olympics 2026, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will take place in Italy from 6 to 22 February 2026. Hosted across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and multiple Alpine venues in Northern Italy, the Games mark a historic return of the Winter Olympics to Italy after two decades.
What the Winter Olympics 2026 Represents
Unlike compact, single-city Olympics of the past, the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games adopt a multi-city, multi-region hosting model designed to reduce costs, reuse existing infrastructure, and promote long-term regional development. This approach reflects a broader shift in Olympic planning toward sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and accessibility.
This in-depth guide explains what the Winter Olympics 2026 is, where and when it will be held, which sports and venues are included, and why these Games matter historically, socially, and economically. Readers will also learn how to watch the Games, how they compare to past Winter Olympics, and what legacy impacts are expected.
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Winter Olympics 2026
- Official Name: XXV Olympic Winter Games
- Common Name: Winter Olympics 2026 / Milan–Cortina Olympics
- Dates: 6–22 February 2026
- Host Country: Italy
- Primary Host Cities: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Number of Sports: 16 Olympic winter sports
- Number of Events: 116 medal events
- Athletes Expected: ~2,900
- Opening Ceremony Venue: San Siro Stadium, Milan
- Closing Ceremony Venue: Arena di Verona
Source: International Olympic Committee (IOC)
When Are the Winter Olympics 2026?
The Winter Olympics 2026 will run from Friday, 6 February to Sunday, 22 February 2026.
This 17-day schedule follows the traditional Olympic Winter Games format, including:
- Opening Ceremony
- Preliminary and medal competitions
- Rest days and cultural events
- Closing Ceremony
The dates were approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following coordination with international sports federations and broadcasters.
Where Are the Winter Olympics 2026 Held?
Host Cities and Regions
The 2026 Winter Games are hosted across Northern Italy, primarily in:
- Milan (Lombardy) – Ceremonies and indoor ice sports
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto) – Alpine skiing, sliding sports
- Valtellina (Lombardy) – Alpine and freestyle skiing
- Val di Fiemme (Trentino-Alto Adige) – Nordic skiing
- Anterselva/Antholz (South Tyrol) – Biathlon
This distributed model spans over 400 kilometers, making Milan Cortina 2026 the most geographically spread Winter Olympics in history.
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Why Milan Cortina Was Chosen
Italy was awarded the Games in June 2019, defeating Stockholm Åre (Sweden) in the final IOC vote.
Key reasons cited by the IOC included:
- Extensive use of existing venues
- Strong government financial guarantees
- Proven experience hosting major winter sports events
- Lower projected environmental impact
Winter Olympics 2026 Sports and Disciplines
The Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 16 Olympic winter sports, consistent with recent Games.
Olympic Winter Sports in 2026
- Alpine Skiing
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Curling
- Figure Skating
- Freestyle Skiing
- Ice Hockey
- Luge
- Nordic Combined
- Short Track Speed Skating
- Skeleton
- Ski Jumping
- Snowboard
- Speed Skating
- Ski Mountaineering (Olympic debut)
The inclusion of ski mountaineering marks a notable expansion, reflecting its popularity in Alpine regions.
Venues and Competition Sites
Major Olympic Venues
Milan
- San Siro Stadium – Opening Ceremony
- Milano Ice Park – Ice hockey
- Forum di Assago – Figure skating, short track
Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Olympia delle Tofane – Alpine skiing
- Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre – Bobsleigh, luge, skeleton
Valtellina
- Bormio – Men’s alpine skiing
- Livigno – Snowboard and freestyle skiing
Val di Fiemme
- Predazzo – Ski jumping
- Tesero – Cross-country skiing
Anterselva
- Südtirol Arena – Biathlon
Verona
- Arena di Verona – Closing Ceremony
Historical Context: Italy and the Winter Olympics
Italy has hosted the Winter Olympics twice before:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956 – First Winter Olympics broadcast on television
- Turin 2006 – Known for strong infrastructure legacy and urban renewal
Milan–Cortina 2026 will be Italy’s third Winter Olympics, tying it with countries like France and Switzerland.
How Winter Olympics 2026 Compares to Past Games
| Aspect | Turin 2006 | Beijing 2022 | Milan–Cortina 2026 |
| Host Model | Single city | Multi-zone | Multi-city, regional |
| New Sports | None | Big Air | Ski mountaineering |
| Sustainability Focus | Moderate | High | Very high |
| Venue Reuse | Partial | Limited | Extensive |
Comparative analysis: Reuters, IOC reports
Sustainability and Environmental Commitments
Sustainability is a core pillar of the Milan–Cortina 2026 bid.
Key Sustainability Measures
- Over 90% of venues pre-existing or temporary
- No new permanent Olympic villages
- Carbon reduction targets aligned with EU climate policy
- Rail-based transportation between venues
- Restoration of alpine ecosystems
The Organizing Committee committed to carbon neutrality, subject to independent verification.
Economic and Social Impact
Economic Impact (Estimates)
According to Italy’s Ministry of Economy and independent studies:
- €3–4 billion in infrastructure investment
- Tens of thousands of temporary and permanent jobs
- Long-term tourism growth in Alpine regions
Social Impact
- Improved regional transport links
- Increased accessibility to winter sports
- Youth sports participation programs
Accessibility and Inclusion
The 2026 Games emphasize universal accessibility, including:
- Barrier-free venues
- Inclusive ticketing policies
- Expanded Paralympic integration planning
The Paralympic Winter Games will follow in March 2026.
How to Watch the Winter Olympics 2026
Broadcast and Streaming
- United States: NBCUniversal
- Europe: Eurosport / Discovery
- UK: BBC
- Global Streaming: Olympic Channel
Broadcast rights were awarded by the IOC through long-term agreements.
Notable Athletes (Confirmed Context Only)
While athlete rosters will be finalized closer to 2026, the Games will feature:
- Defending Olympic champions from Beijing 2022
- World Cup leaders across alpine skiing, biathlon, and skating
- Italian national team athletes competing on home soil
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are the Winter Olympics 2026?
The Games run from 6 to 22 February 2026.
Where are the Winter Olympics 2026 held?
Across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Alpine regions in Northern Italy.
How many sports are in the Winter Olympics 2026?
There are 16 Olympic winter sports and 116 medal events.
What is new in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut.
Where is the opening ceremony?
At San Siro Stadium in Milan.
Is Milan Cortina 2026 sustainable?
Yes. The Games emphasize venue reuse, low-carbon transport, and environmental restoration.
Conclusion: Why the Winter Olympics 2026 Matters
The Winter Olympics 2026 represents a turning point in how global sporting events are planned and delivered. By combining historic winter sports locations, modern urban centers, and sustainability-first planning, Milan Cortina sets a new standard for future Olympic hosts.
For athletes, it offers world-class competition venues. For fans, it delivers accessibility and rich cultural heritage. For host regions, it promises long-term economic and social benefits without excessive financial burden.
As February 2026 approaches, the Milan Cortina Winter Games stand as one of the most carefully designed and consequential Winter Olympics in modern history.
