Winter Olympics 2026: Italy Prepares for Historic Milano Cortina Games

Introduction: A Historic Return to Italy

The Winter Olympics 2026 represents a momentous occasion as the Games return to Italy for the first time since Turin 2006. The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, marking the first Olympic Games to officially be co-hosted by multiple cities, with Milan primarily hosting ice events, and the remaining events being hosted in clusters around Cortina, and the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys. With just weeks remaining, anticipation builds across Italy and beyond for this spectacular winter sports celebration.

Preparations Enter Final Phase

Organisers for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have sold nearly 70% of tickets, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday, with hopes that the ongoing torch relay will boost sales in the final stretch. The presentation underlined a project entering its final phase with momentum — demonstrated by recent successful test events, growing workforce deployment and widespread public engagement through the Olympic Torch Relay.

From 6 to 22 February 2026, around 2,900 athletes from over 90 National Olympic Committees will compete in 116 events on ice and snow, in eight sports and 16 disciplines. The venues span multiple regions, with the Opening Ceremony at the San Siro, the most famous soccer stadium in Italy and home to AC Milan (since 1926) and Inter Milan (since 1947).

New Sport and Historic Venues

Ski mountaineering is the only sport making its debut at Milano Cortina 2026, adding fresh excitement to the traditional winter programme. The Games will utilise both historic and modern facilities, with Verona’s ancient Roman Arena will receive a modern facelift and become more accessible to people with disabilities ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, where it will host both the Olympic closing ceremony and the Paralympic opening ceremony.

Significance for Winter Sports

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics carries significant importance for the global sporting community. It represents Italy’s third Winter Olympics hosting opportunity and promises to showcase the magnificent Alpine landscapes alongside modern urban venues. As preparations accelerate and ticket sales continue strong, these Games are poised to deliver an unforgettable celebration of winter sport excellence, combining rich Italian heritage with world-class athletic competition across breathtaking mountain and city settings.