In 2026, Italy will host the most widely spread Winter Olympics in history, connecting the alpine landscapes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, and Livigno with the cosmopolitan energy of Milan. The first competitions start on February 4, with the Opening Ceremony set for February 6 and the Closing Ceremony scheduled for February 22. Therefore, if you want to experience the Games live, you should plan your transportation, tickets, and accommodation well in advance.
To make your planning easier, this complete guide explains when the event takes place, where each sport happens, and how to buy official tickets. On top of that, you’ll find practical tips to organize your trip smoothly.
What are the Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics happen every four years and bring together sports played on snow and ice, such as skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, and snowboarding. The first edition took place in 1924 in Chamonix, France. Since then, countries like Canada, Norway, Japan, and the United States have hosted the Games.
When it comes to medals, it’s worth noting that Norway leads the all-time ranking, with dozens of golds in snow sports. Germany and the United States follow closely. More recently, in 2022, the Games were held in Beijing, China, where Norway once again topped the medal table.
When are the next Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics will run from February 4 to February 22, 2026. Throughout these days, thousands of athletes will compete in different disciplines, creating unforgettable moments for sports fans and travelers eager to live this unique atmosphere.
- Start of competitions: February 4, 2026
- Opening Ceremony: February 6 (San Siro Stadium, Milan)
- Closing Ceremony: February 22 (Arena di Verona)
2026 Winter Olympics Schedule
Before the official opening
- February 4, 2026 (Wednesday): Start of mixed curling competitions.
- February 5, 2026 (Thursday): Continuation of curling and the first women’s ice hockey matches.
Official Opening
- February 6, 2026 (Friday): Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium, in Milan, at 8 p.m. (local time). The day will also feature figure skating and ice hockey competitions.
During the Games (Feb 6 to 21)
- Ice sports like skating, hockey, and curling will take place daily.
- Snow events such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and biathlon will be spread across the Italian Alps, including Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, and other venues.
- The highlights usually happen in the first week with qualifiers and early medals in skiing and skating, and in the second week with the much-anticipated finals of hockey, figure skating, and snowboarding.
Closing
- February 22, 2026 (Sunday): Last finals in the morning and the Closing Ceremony at the Arena di Verona, at 8 p.m. (local time).
Tip: keep an eye on the official Milan-Cortina 2026 website for updated schedules and plan your trip according to your favorite sports.
Which Sports are in the Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will feature 16 official sports divided between ice and snow, with more than 100 medal events. For the first time, ski mountaineering will join the Olympic program, adding even more excitement.
1) Snow Sports
- Alpine skiing: high-speed downhill races on mountain slopes, including downhill, slalom, giant slalom, and super-G.
- Cross-country skiing: endurance courses across different distances, both individual and team.
- Ski jumping: athletes launch from huge ramps, combining technique, balance, and courage.
- Nordic combined: a mix of ski jumping and cross-country skiing, demanding both strength and stamina.
- Snowboarding: thrilling events like halfpipe, slopestyle, big air, and snowboard cross.
- Freestyle skiing: spectacular jumps, tricks, and obstacles including moguls, aerials, and halfpipe.
- Biathlon: a unique combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, blending speed with precision.
- Ski mountaineering (making its debut in 2026): also called ski-mo, it involves uphill and downhill races on snowy mountains, requiring strategy and great fitness.
2) Ice Sports
- Figure skating: individual, pair, and ice dance performances, always with music and choreography.
- Speed skating: long-track races where every fraction of a second counts.
- Short track speed skating: fast-paced races on shorter tracks, packed with exciting overtakes.
- Ice hockey: the most popular team sport of the Winter Games, known for intense matches and plenty of contact.
- Curling: a strategic sport, often called “chess on ice,” where granite stones slide toward a target.
3) Sliding Sports
- Bobsled: teams of two or four athletes race down winding ice tracks at speeds over 120 km/h.
- Skeleton: an individual race on a small sled, with the athlete lying face down.
- Luge: similar to skeleton, but the athlete races lying on their back on a lightweight, very fast sled.
Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics take place
The 2026 edition will have dual hosts: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, in northern Italy. This is the first time two Italian cities will share the organization. Here are the main venues:
- Milan: Opening Ceremony (San Siro Stadium), ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: alpine skiing, curling, and sliding sports (bobsleigh, skeleton, luge).
- Bormio: famous for high-speed slopes, hosting downhill and alpine skiing races.
- Livigno: home to snowboarding and freestyle skiing events.
- Predazzo & Tesero (Val di Fiemme): famous for trails, hosting Nordic skiing.
- Anterselva (Antholz): hosting biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
- Verona: will host the Closing Ceremony in its iconic Roman arena.
Tip: since venues are far apart, plan your route in clusters (e.g., Milan & Verona; Cortina & Anterselva; Bormio & Livigno) to save time and energy.
2026 Winter Olympics Ticket Prices
Tickets will be available in different categories and price ranges. According to the organizers, prices should vary between €50 and €500, depending on the sport and the competition stage.
- Preliminary competitions: from €50
- Finals: between €150 and €350
- Opening and Closing Ceremonies: between €200 and €500
Official purchases must be made directly on the 2026 Winter Olympics ticket website.
Accommodation, transport, and experiences
Tickets and official packages are released in phases. While you monitor sales windows, make sure to secure the rest of your logistics in advance: accommodation, transport, and experiences. To make it easier, use:
- Booking: hotels and apartments with free cancellation in Milan, Cortina, Bormio, and Verona.
- Omio: trains and buses between host cities (look for regional combo passes to save money).
- DiscoverCars: car rentals to cover gaps between alpine valleys. With free cancellation if your plans change.
- GetYourGuide: city tours and transfers, Tours can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance at no cost.
- Tripadvisor: updated reviews of hotels and restaurants near the arenas.
How to get around between venues
During the Games, the rail and bus network receives extra services; even so, alpine routes require additional time. If you prefer autonomy, a car helps on mountain stretches, although some passes may have winter conditions. Therefore, check the forecast and consider snow chains.
For long journeys (Milan ↔ Cortina; Milan ↔ Bormio), Omio lets you compare trains and buses in one place. Meanwhile, for bases like Cortina and Livigno, renting a car via DiscoverCars simplifies trips between arenas and alpine villages.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
Where to stay: smart base camps
To cut down on unnecessary travel, choose accommodation by clusters and split nights according to your event schedule:
- Base 1 – Milan: perfect for the Opening Ceremony, skating, and hockey; excellent rail connections.
- Base 2 – Cortina d’Ampezzo: ideal for alpine skiing, curling, and sliding sports.
- Base 3 – Bormio/Livigno: focused on alpine and freestyle; access via mountain roads. Consider a car through DiscoverCars, since public transport in this area is a bit more limited.
- Base 4 – Verona: handy if you plan to attend the Closing Ceremony and fit in cultural sightseeing.
Practical tips to enjoy the 2026 Winter Olympics
- Plan ahead: hotels in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo sell out fast during the event. So, book your stay as early as possible. In addition, if you plan to rent a car to explore the Dolomites, reserve in advance, since prices rise close to the event and vehicle availability becomes limited.
- Transport between venues: use regional trains and special buses that the organizers will provide. This makes getting around easier without needing to rent a car.
- Weather: in February, temperatures usually range from -10 °C to 10 °C. Pack thermal layers, waterproof jackets, and winter accessories.
- Travel insurance: essential for winter sports and medical incidents; moreover, it is required for travel to Italy for non-EU residents.
- Official apps: download the Olympics app to follow schedules, results, and transport guidance in real time.
- Cultural experiences: besides the Games, taste the rich mountain gastronomy. For example, try polenta dishes, local cheeses, and alpine wines. In addition, check our food and wine guides to enrich your trip: The 50 Most Famous Italian Wines and Italian Regional Cuisine: What to Eat in Every Province
Our Final Thoughts
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo promise an unforgettable spectacle. With solid planning, your trip will feel smooth, exciting, and full of lifetime memories. Besides cheering for the world’s best athletes, you can explore historic cities, alpine villages, and Italy’s unique landscapes. Therefore, set aside a few days for the Dolomites—without a doubt, one of the most stunning places in Italy. By the way, if you want more tips, you’ll find many Dolomites posts here on our blog. 🤩
Read more tips on what to do in the host cities and nearby:
Verona Travel Guide: Top Things to Do in 1 Day
Milan, Italy: What to Do in 1 Day
Dolomites Best Places to Visit
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