Winter Olympics 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Milano Cortina Games
Introduction: The Return of Elite Winter Sport to Italy
The countdown is officially underway for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the Games scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 across sites in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. This marks a historic moment for winter sport, as NHL players will participate in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, whilst Italy hosts its third Winter Olympics and fourth Olympic Games overall. The Milano Cortina 2026 Games promise to deliver exceptional competition, introducing new sports whilst welcoming back legendary athletes.
Major Developments and Recent News
Recent weeks have seen significant roster announcements that are capturing global attention. The United States, Sweden, and Finland released their rosters for the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday, with the NHL taking a two-week break for the Games. In Alpine skiing, 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn has officially qualified for her fifth and final Olympics, whilst speed skater Jordan Stolz secured qualification for Team USA despite falling during trials.
The Games infrastructure is also taking shape. China Media Group’s 4K/8K ultra-high-definition broadcast vehicle fleet arrived at the Port of Livorno, Italy to prepare coverage. Meanwhile, the Olympic flame is visiting all 110 provinces of Italy over 63 days, involving 10,001 torchbearers.
What’s New at Milano Cortina 2026
Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut, whilst skeleton has added a mixed team event and luge has added women’s doubles. More than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries will compete for 195 medals in 16 Olympic disciplines. The competition will unfold across multiple venues, with ice events primarily held in the Milan cluster and sliding and snow events in clusters around Cortina, Valtellina and the Fiemme Valley.
Conclusion: A Global Celebration Ahead
The 2026 Winter Olympics represent more than just athletic competition—they mark the return of best-on-best hockey, the comeback of iconic champions, and the debut of exciting new events. With the opening ceremony at San Siro stadium featuring performances by Mariah Carey and athletes from nearly 100 nations, the Milano Cortina Games promise to captivate audiences worldwide. For sports fans, these Games offer a unique opportunity to witness history as legends compete alongside emerging stars on Italy’s iconic winter sport stages.