2026 Winter Olympics Milano Cortina: Full Schedule

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are just around the corner, and the excitement is already building to a fever pitch. Set to kick off on February 6, 2026, this extraordinary sporting spectacle will transform the stunning Italian Alps and the vibrant city of Milan into the global center of winter sports for nearly three weeks. Whether you're a die-hard fan of alpine skiing, a passionate follower of figure skating, or simply someone who loves the magic of the Olympic Games, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise to deliver unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and a celebration of human athletic achievement unlike anything the world has seen in Italy for decades. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know — from the full schedule and venues to the history, cultural significance, and practical tips for following or attending the Games.

A Historic Return: Italy Hosts the Winter Olympics Again

Italy has a deep and storied relationship with the Winter Olympics. The country last hosted the Winter Games in Turin in 2006, and before that, the legendary Cortina d'Ampezzo hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics — making this 2026 edition a deeply symbolic homecoming for the Dolomites region. When the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the 2026 Games to the Milan-Cortina bid on June 24, 2019, in Lausanne, Switzerland, it was a moment of national pride and international recognition for Italy's capacity to host world-class sporting events.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games are unique in their dual-city, multi-venue format. Unlike many recent Olympics that concentrated events in a single city or region, these Games will spread across four main clusters: Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Valtellina (Bormio and Livigno), and Val di Fiemme. This innovative approach not only showcases the breathtaking diversity of northern Italy's landscapes but also distributes the economic and cultural benefits of the Games across a wider region.

The organizing committee, known as Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, has been working tirelessly since 2019 to prepare venues, infrastructure, and the logistical framework needed to welcome thousands of athletes, officials, and millions of spectators — both in person and watching from around the world.

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The Full Schedule: Key Dates and Milestones

Understanding the full schedule of the 2026 Winter Olympics is essential for fans, travelers, and sports enthusiasts who want to make the most of this incredible event. Here's a detailed breakdown of the timeline:

Opening Ceremony — February 6, 2026

The Games officially begin with the Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026, which will be held in Milan at the iconic Piazza del Duomo and the surrounding areas. This is expected to be a spectacular celebration of Italian culture, art, fashion, and sporting heritage. The Parade of Nations, the lighting of the Olympic flame, and world-class artistic performances will mark the beginning of 16 days of competition.

Competition Schedule — February 7 to February 22, 2026

The competition phase runs from February 7 through February 22, 2026, spanning 16 days of intense athletic competition across 16 disciplines and over 100 medal events. The schedule is carefully designed to ensure that each venue cluster hosts events on specific days, allowing fans and media to plan their attendance efficiently.

Week One Highlights (February 7–13):

• Alpine Skiing events begin at Cortina d'Ampezzo (men's and women's downhill, super-G, slalom, giant slalom, and combined events)
• Cross-Country Skiing gets underway at Val di Fiemme
• Biathlon competitions open at Anterselva (Antholz)
• Figure Skating short programs begin at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan
• Ice Hockey preliminary rounds begin
• Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard events kick off at Livigno

Week Two Highlights (February 14–22):

• Alpine Skiing team events and remaining disciplines conclude
• Figure Skating free programs and ice dance competitions
• Speed Skating medal events at the Oval Olimpico in Milan
• Curling finals
• Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined at Val di Fiemme
• Luge, Bobsled, and Skeleton events at the Sliding Center in Cortina
• Closing Ceremony on February 22, 2026, in Milan

Closing Ceremony — February 22, 2026

The Games conclude with the Closing Ceremony on February 22, 2026, once again in Milan, bringing together athletes from around the world for a final celebration before the Olympic flame is extinguished and the world turns its attention to the next host city.

The Venues: Where the Magic Happens

One of the most exciting aspects of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is the extraordinary variety and beauty of the competition venues. Each cluster offers a distinct character and a unique sporting atmosphere.

Milan: The Urban Heart of the Games

Milan serves as the urban hub of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Mediolanum Forum in Assago will host figure skating and short track speed skating, while the Palazzo del Ghiaccio (Ice Palace) will be used for boxing and other events. The PalaItalia Santa Giulia, a newly constructed arena, will host ice hockey finals and other major events. Milan's role as a global fashion and design capital adds a glamorous, cosmopolitan energy to the Games that is distinctly Italian.

Cortina d'Ampezzo: The Queen of the Dolomites

Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, is arguably the most visually stunning venue cluster. Known as the "Queen of the Dolomites," Cortina will host alpine skiing, bobsled, luge, skeleton, and curling events. The legendary Olimpia delle Tofane ski run will once again be the stage for women's alpine skiing, while the Eugenio Monti Sliding Center (renovated for 2026) will host the sliding sports. Cortina hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, and returning to this historic venue after 70 years carries enormous symbolic weight.

Valtellina: Bormio and Livigno

The Valtellina cluster encompasses two distinct locations:

• Bormio will host men's alpine skiing events on the legendary Stelvio race course, one of the most challenging and respected downhill runs in the world.
• Livigno, a high-altitude resort near the Swiss border, will host freestyle skiing, snowboard, and biathlon events. Livigno's duty-free status and vibrant après-ski culture make it a popular destination for fans and athletes alike.

Val di Fiemme: Nordic Sports Paradise

Val di Fiemme, located in Trentino, is the spiritual home of Nordic sports in Italy. The Lago di Tesero cross-country venue and the Predazzo ski jump complex will host cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined events. Val di Fiemme has a long history of hosting World Championships in these disciplines and is beloved by Nordic sports fans worldwide.

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Sports and Disciplines: What to Watch

The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 16 sports and over 100 medal events, making it one of the most comprehensive Winter Games in history. Here's a closer look at the disciplines on the program:

Alpine Skiing

With events including downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, combined, and team events for both men and women, alpine skiing is always one of the most watched and celebrated disciplines at the Winter Olympics. The courses at Cortina and Bormio are legendary among skiing fans.

Figure Skating

Figure skating consistently draws some of the largest television audiences of any Winter Olympic sport. The 2026 program includes men's singles, women's singles, pairs, ice dance, and the team event — all held at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan.

Ice Hockey

The Olympic ice hockey tournament is always fiercely competitive, with powerhouse nations like Canada, USA, Russia (competing as neutral athletes), Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic vying for gold. Milan's arenas will provide a world-class setting for these battles.

Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon

Nordic sports enthusiasts will be treated to spectacular racing at Val di Fiemme and Anterselva. Biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, is one of the most popular sports in Europe and draws enormous crowds.

Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard

Events like halfpipe, slopestyle, big air, and moguls bring a youthful, dynamic energy to the Winter Olympics. Livigno's modern facilities are perfectly suited to these spectacular disciplines.

Speed Skating and Short Track

Speed skating events at the Oval Olimpico in Milan will showcase incredible athleticism and tactical racing, while short track speed skating — known for its dramatic, sometimes chaotic racing — will thrill crowds at the Mediolanum Forum.

Sliding Sports: Luge, Bobsled, and Skeleton

The renovated Eugenio Monti Sliding Center in Cortina will host these high-speed, adrenaline-fueled events. Athletes reach speeds of over 130 km/h on the ice track, making these some of the most thrilling events to watch in person.

Curling

Often called "chess on ice," curling has grown enormously in popularity since its inclusion in the Olympic program. Mixed doubles, men's, and women's curling events will be held in Cortina.

Cultural Significance: Italy's Olympic Moment

The 2026 Winter Olympics are far more than just a sporting event — they represent a profound cultural moment for Italy and for the world. Italy is a country renowned for its art, history, cuisine, fashion, and design, and the Games provide a global platform to showcase all of these elements alongside world-class athletic competition.

The choice of Milan as a co-host city is particularly significant. Milan is Italy's economic powerhouse and one of the world's great fashion and design capitals. Hosting the Olympics in Milan sends a powerful message about Italy's modernity, ambition, and capacity for innovation. At the same time, Cortina d'Ampezzo represents Italy's deep Alpine heritage and its centuries-old relationship with mountain culture and winter sports.

The Games also carry important environmental commitments. The organizing committee has pledged to deliver the most sustainable Winter Olympics in history, with ambitious targets for carbon neutrality, renewable energy use, and minimal environmental impact on the sensitive Alpine ecosystems. Many existing venues are being renovated rather than built from scratch, reducing waste and construction impact.

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Interesting Facts and Records to Watch For

• The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the third time Italy has hosted the Winter Games (after Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006).
• Cortina d'Ampezzo's return as a host venue marks 70 years since the 1956 Winter Olympics — an extraordinary anniversary.
• The Games are expected to welcome approximately 3,000 athletes from over 90 countries.
• With over 100 medal events, the 2026 program is one of the largest in Winter Olympic history.
• The Stelvio course in Bormio is one of the most technically demanding downhill ski runs in the world, with a vertical drop of over 1,000 meters.
• Milan's Palaitalia Santa Giulia arena is a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a lasting legacy of the Games for the city.
• The Olympic Torch Relay is expected to travel through hundreds of Italian cities and towns before arriving in Milan for the Opening Ceremony on February 6.

Practical Information: How to Follow and Attend

Whether you're planning to travel to Italy for the Games or follow from home, here's what you need to know:

Tickets

Tickets for the 2026 Winter Olympics are available through the official Milano Cortina 2026 website. Prices vary widely depending on the event and venue, with Opening Ceremony tickets being the most sought-after. It's advisable to book early, as demand is expected to be extremely high.

Getting There

Milan is easily accessible from major international airports (Malpensa and Linate), while Cortina d'Ampezzo is best reached by car or dedicated shuttle services from Venice or Innsbruck. The organizing committee is investing in improved transportation links between all venue clusters.

Accommodation

Accommodation across all venue clusters is expected to book up quickly. Milan offers a wide range of hotels at various price points, while Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, and Val di Fiemme offer charming alpine lodges, boutique hotels, and ski chalets. Booking well in advance — ideally a year or more ahead — is strongly recommended.

Watching from Home

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be broadcast globally, with extensive coverage on national broadcasters in most countries. Streaming services and the official Olympic channels will also provide comprehensive live and on-demand coverage.

Time Zone

All events will take place in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1 in February. Fans in North America should be prepared for early morning viewing sessions, while fans in Asia and Australia will find evening and late-night coverage.

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Modern Relevance: Why the 2026 Winter Olympics Matter

In an era of rapid change — environmental, political, and technological — the Olympic Games remain one of the few truly global events that can bring the world together in a spirit of peaceful competition and shared humanity. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina carry particular relevance for several reasons.

Environmental leadership: The Games' commitment to sustainability sets a new benchmark for major sporting events in the face of climate change, which poses an existential threat to winter sports and Alpine ecosystems.

Economic revitalization: The Games are expected to generate billions of euros in economic activity for the Lombardy and Veneto regions, supporting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Youth engagement: With the inclusion of exciting new disciplines like big air snowboard and freestyle skiing, the Games are actively working to engage younger audiences and inspire the next generation of winter sports athletes.

Diplomatic soft power: Italy's hosting of the Olympics reinforces its position as a leading nation in European and global affairs, showcasing its organizational capacity, cultural richness, and international openness.

Legacy infrastructure: The venues, transportation improvements, and digital infrastructure developed for the Games will benefit residents and visitors to the region for decades to come.

Conclusion: Get Ready for an Unforgettable Winter Spectacle

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness the very best of human athletic achievement set against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich countries. From the breathtaking alpine runs of Cortina and Bormio to the glamorous arenas of Milan, from the Nordic trails of Val di Fiemme to the snowboard parks of Livigno, every day of competition promises to deliver drama, emotion, and inspiration.

Mark February 6, 2026 in your calendar — the day the Olympic flame will light up the Piazza del Duomo in Milan and signal the beginning of something truly special. Whether you're there in person, cheering from your living room, or following every update online, the 2026 Winter Olympics are an event you won't want to miss.

The countdown is on. Forza Italia. Forza Olympics.

References and Further Reading

• 2026 Winter Olympics - Wikipedia
• Cortina d'Ampezzo - Wikipedia
• Official Milano Cortina 2026 Website
• International Olympic Committee - Milano Cortina 2026
• 1956 Winter Olympics Cortina d'Ampezzo - Wikipedia
• IOC Sustainability and Legacy
• Alpine Skiing World Cup - FIS Official Site
• Olympic Games History - Olympics.com