Dates and Overall Scope of the Games
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 in Italy. They are officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games and are hosted by a multi-city, multi-region model, the first of its kind for a Winter Olympics.
Key facts:
- Opening ceremony: 6 February 2026
- Closing ceremony: 22 February 2026
- Host country: Italy
- Primary host cities: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Number of sports: 16
- Number of disciplines: 79 events (subject to final confirmation)
- Athletes expected: ~2,900 from over 90 countries
This edition marks Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Olympics, after Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006.
Competition Venues and Locations (City by City)
Unlike previous Olympics centered on one city, Milano–Cortina 2026 spreads events across northern Italy, reducing new construction and reusing existing venues.
Milan
- Opening ceremony venue: San Siro Stadium
- Sports hosted: Ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating
- Milan acts as the ceremonial and media hub of the Games.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Sports: Alpine skiing, curling (women’s), skeleton, bobsleigh, luge
- One of the most iconic winter sports towns in the world, returning to the Olympic spotlight 70 years after 1956.
Val di Fiemme (Predazzo & Tesero)
- Sports: Ski jumping, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing
- Longstanding World Cup venues with deep Olympic experience.
Livigno
- Sports: Freestyle skiing, snowboarding
- Known for high-altitude terrain and youth-focused winter sports.
Anterselva (Antholz)
- Sports: Biathlon
- One of the most respected biathlon venues globally.
Verona
- Closing ceremony: Arena di Verona
- Symbolic handover and artistic finale rather than athletic competition.
Sports and New Olympic Highlights
Returning Core Sports
- Alpine skiing
- Cross-country skiing
- Biathlon
- Ice hockey
- Figure skating
- Speed skating
- Bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge
Notable Developments
- Gender balance continues to improve, with near-equal participation.
- Team and mixed events are emphasized in several disciplines.
- Freestyle and snowboard events remain central to youth engagement.
Italian Athletes to Watch
Italy enters the Games with one of its strongest Winter Olympic teams ever, boosted by home advantage.
Key Names
- Sofia Goggia (Alpine skiing) – Olympic champion and one of Italy’s biggest medal hopes
- Federica Brignone (Alpine skiing) – Consistent podium contender
- Arianna Fontana (Short track speed skating) – Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian
- Dorothea Wierer (Biathlon) – Former overall World Cup champion
- Michela Moioli (Snowboard cross) – Defending Olympic champion
Italian athletes are expected to play prominent roles in medal events, especially in alpine skiing, biathlon, and short track.
The Opening Ceremony: Guests and Appearances (Brief but Relevant)
While the Games themselves are the focus, the opening ceremony on 6 February 2026 at San Siro Stadium sets the tone.
Confirmed and Reported Guests
- Andrea Bocelli – Italian tenor, representing classical Italian culture
- Mariah Carey – International guest performer
- Laura Pausini – Italian pop artist with global recognition
Official Figures
- President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, is expected to formally declare the Games open
- International Olympic Committee leadership and heads of state will be present in official protocol roles
These appearances are designed to frame the Games culturally, not overshadow athletic competition.
Torch Relay and National Build-Up
- The Olympic flame is lit in Ancient Olympia, Greece, in late 2025
- The torch relay travels through all regions of Italy, including major cities and mountain communities
- Italian athletes from both winter and summer sports take part as torchbearers
The relay is being used as a nationwide promotional and unity campaign, not just a ceremonial tradition.
Sustainability and Infrastructure Approach
Milano–Cortina 2026 emphasizes:
- Minimal new venue construction
- Reuse of existing stadiums and slopes
- Temporary or modular Olympic facilities
- Reduced environmental impact compared with past Games
This approach has become a model for future Olympic bids.
Why These Games Matter
Milano–Cortina 2026 is significant because:
- It decentralizes the Olympic model
- It strengthens winter sports in southern Europe
- It places athletes and competition ahead of spectacle
- It reinforces sustainability as a core Olympic principle
The Games are expected to be remembered more for sporting quality and Italian competitive success than for oversized ceremony production.
Quick Facts Summary
- 🗓 6–22 February 2026
- 📍 Northern Italy (multi-city)
- 🏟 San Siro opening, Arena di Verona closing
- 🎤 Guests include Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini
- 🇮🇹 Italy fields one of its strongest Winter Olympic teams ever
