Winter Olympics 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Milano Cortina

The Winter Olympics Return to Italy

The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 at sites across Lombardy and Northeast Italy, marking the third Winter Olympics, and fourth overall, to be hosted by Italy. This historic event represents a significant moment for winter sports, as NHL players are back for the first time since 2014, bringing the world’s top hockey talent to the Olympic stage alongside elite athletes from 15 other disciplines.

More than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries will be competing for 195 medals in 16 Olympic disciplines. The Games will showcase 116 medal events in 16 disciplines, an increase of seven events and one discipline over Beijing 2022, including the debut of ski mountaineering as a Winter Olympic sport.

Current Developments and Challenges

As the Games approach, several significant stories have emerged. American snowboarder Chloe Kim’s bid for a third straight Olympic halfpipe gold is uncertain after she dislocated her shoulder in training in Switzerland, and with the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics less than a month away, she is still unsure whether she will be able to compete. Her potential absence would be a major blow to Team USA’s medal hopes.

Meanwhile, preparations continue in Milan, though not without concerns. Concerns about the ice hockey arena being built for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan continued after a test event confirmed the venue remains unfinished amid ongoing construction less than four weeks from the first game. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league would renege on sending its players if there are any safety concerns with the ice.

What Makes Milano Cortina 2026 Special

They will be the first Olympic Games to officially be co-hosted by two cities, with Milan primarily hosting ice events, and the remaining events being hosted in clusters around Cortina, and the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys. The opening ceremony will be held on 6 February 2026 at Stadio San Siro (Milan), entitled “Armonia” (Harmony), whilst the closing ceremony will be held at the Verona Arena on 22 February 2026.

For sports fans worldwide, these Olympics represent a chance to witness history as nations compete for glory and athletes pursue their dreams on one of sport’s grandest stages. With venue preparations advancing and national teams finalising their rosters, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of winter sport.