As the global sporting calendar turns its attention toward the next iteration of elite winter competition, all eyes are focusing on Italy, which is preparing to host the XXV Olympic Winter Games. Scheduled for 2026, the Milan-Cortina Games promise a unique blend of urban sophistication and majestic alpine tradition, setting the stage for 16 days of intense athletic rivalry and cultural celebration.
Key Dates and Host Cities
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are officially set to run from February 6 to February 22, 2026. This marks the third time Italy has hosted the Winter Games, following Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006, reaffirming the nation’s deep connection to winter sports.
The 2026 Games are distinguished by their unprecedented dual-city structure. The event is co-hosted by Milan, the economic and fashion capital of Italy, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the historic ski resort nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. The competition footprint is expansive, utilizing venues across four distinct areas: Milan, Cortina, Valtellina, and Val di Fiemme, presenting a significant logistical undertaking for organizers.
A Dual-City, Sustainable Vision
The organizing committee has centered its vision around sustainability and legacy, aiming to utilize approximately 93% of existing or temporary venues. This commitment aligns with the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, prioritizing environmental responsibility and cost efficiency.
Milan will serve as the primary hub for ice sports, including figure skating, ice hockey, and short track speed skating. The opening ceremony is slated to take place at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, providing a grand, metropolitan start to the Games. Conversely, Cortina d’Ampezzo and the surrounding Dolomite regions will host the majority of the snow events, including alpine skiing, bobsleigh, and luge, leveraging the natural beauty and established infrastructure of the Italian Alps.
The geographical distribution of the venues—spanning hundreds of kilometers—presents a unique logistical challenge, requiring sophisticated planning for athlete and spectator transport. However, organizers view this spread as an opportunity to showcase the diverse landscapes and regional cultures of Northern Italy.
Disciplines and Athlete Accommodation
The 2026 Games will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, including several new additions designed to appeal to younger audiences and promote gender parity. While the final event schedule is pending confirmation, traditional disciplines such as biathlon, curling, and ski jumping will remain central to the program.
Athlete accommodation will be managed through multiple Olympic Villages strategically located near the competition clusters. Milan will host the main village, with secondary villages established in Livigno (Valtellina) and Cortina d’Ampezzo. These villages are designed with future legacy in mind, slated for conversion into student housing and residential units following the conclusion of the Paralympics.
The closing ceremony, which traditionally marks the handover to the next host city, is scheduled to be held in Verona, utilizing the historic Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater, ensuring a spectacular and culturally resonant finale to the 25th Winter Olympiad.
