The Winter Olympic Games 2026, officially called Milano Cortina 2026, will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026 in Italy. The Games will be held across several regions, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the main hosts. Other Alpine areas such as Lombardy, Valtellina, and the valleys of Fiemme and Trento/Alto Adige/Veneto will also be part of the event. The opening ceremony will be on February 6 at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan, a venue usually known for football. The closing ceremony will be unique as it will take place in Verona’s Roman Arena, a historical landmark over 2,000 years old. Some events, like curling and ice hockey qualifiers, will start before the official opening to fit the packed schedule. This will be the first Winter Olympics hosted in Italy since Turin 2006, giving the country another chance to shine on the world stage. The countdown has officially started, and excitement is rising every week.

Preparations are moving forward with major progress in sports venues and infrastructure. The new slopes in Livigno, designed for moguls and aerials, are now complete and ready for athletes to train. In Cortina, the modern sliding center for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton has finished construction after months of doubts. Early tests at this venue went well, and the International Olympic Committee praised the high quality of the track. Transport is another big focus, with Italy improving train networks to connect the different regions. Authorities also want to reduce the event’s carbon footprint by using sustainable buses and renewable energy. Weather is a challenge, and organizers have confirmed that artificial snow will be used in some areas. Even though the Alps usually have natural snow, climate change means backup systems are necessary. These preparations show Italy’s determination to deliver a smooth and safe Olympics.

The sports program for Milano-Cortina 2026 will be both traditional and innovative. A total of 116 events will be held across 8 sports and 16 disciplines, keeping fans entertained every day. Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut, giving new visibility to this growing Alpine sport. Around 2,900 athletes are expected to compete in these Games. Gender balance is a priority, with about 47% of athletes being women and 50 women-only events on the schedule. This makes Milano-Cortina one of the most equal Winter Games ever organized. Ice hockey will attract special attention since NHL players are officially confirmed to participate. Their presence will raise the level of competition and increase global interest. Along with figure skating, alpine skiing, and biathlon, these highlights promise unforgettable moments.

Challenges remain despite the strong progress in preparations. Hosting events across several regions creates logistical difficulties in transport and security. Thousands of athletes, staff, and fans will need safe and reliable connections between Milan, Cortina, and other sites. Housing and accommodation are also a priority, as smaller Alpine towns must expand their capacity. Italy has already committed billions of euros to cover these needs, supported by sponsors and international partners. At the same time, the country wants to present an eco-friendly image, making sustainability one of the official themes of the Games. Still, the spirit of excitement continues to grow as February 2026 approaches. Fans and athletes around the world are looking forward to Italy’s hospitality and passion for sports.