Milan-Cortina 2026: Italy’s Winter Olympics return
The 2026 Winter Olympics will mark Italy’s grand return to hosting the Games after 20 years. This with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo sharing duties from February 6-22, 2026. This will be Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Olympics, following Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006. The Games will feature approximately 2,900 athletes from around 90 countries competing across 16 disciplines, making it one of the most anticipated winter sporting events of the decade.
Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo offer a unique dual-city hosting model that combines urban sophistication with mountain authenticity. Milan will host ice hockey and figure skating in state-of-the-art arenas. While Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites will serve as the heart of Alpine skiing competitions. The iconic Dolomite peaks will provide a breathtaking backdrop, and the opening ceremony will take place at Milan’s San Siro Stadium.
The Games will utilize a mix of historic and modern venues across the Lombardy and Veneto regions, including Valtellina for skiing and Anterselva for biathlon. Cortina’s legendary bobsled track, which hosted competitions in 1956, will be rebuilt to modern standards while preserving its historic significance. Milan’s cutting-edge ice hockey arena and figure skating facilities promise to deliver unforgettable experiences for both athletes and spectators, combining Italian design excellence with top-tier sporting infrastructure.
Exciting new sports debut
Milan-Cortina 2026 will introduce ski mountaineering as an Olympic sport for the first time, showcasing an athletically demanding discipline that combines climbing and skiing. The Games will also feature expanded mixed-team events across multiple disciplines. Continuing the trend toward gender equity and collaborative competition formats that appeal to younger audiences.
Star athletes to watch
American skier Mikaela Shiffrin enters these Games as one of the most decorated Alpine skiers in history, potentially competing in her final Olympics at peak performance. Norwegian cross-country skiing legend Johannes Høsflot Klæbo will aim to add to his impressive medal collection. Figure skating will see intense competition between established stars and rising challengers from around the globe.
Culture meets competition
The cultural program will highlight Italy’s rich artistic heritage. Festivals will celebrate Italian cuisine, design, and music. Exhibitions will showcase the country’s winter sports history. The organizing committee has planned initiatives to engage local communities throughout the Lombardy and Veneto regions. This creates an Olympic experience that celebrates both sporting excellence and the distinctive character of Italian culture.
