On 6 February 2026, a historic event will begin: the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
This edition is not just about sports, it is a unique experience that blends metropolitan energy, Alpine landscapes, cutting-edge design and a strong focus on sustainability.
With more than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries, 16 Olympic disciplines and venues spread across Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, these Games will be the most widespread and ambitious ever held.
For us at Milan in Tour, talking about Milan Cortina 2026 means exploring how Milan will transform into an Olympic stage while also highlighting the Alpine sites that complete this extraordinary picture.
Here is everything you need to know.
1. Key dates, numbers and the games format
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The Winter Olympic Games will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026.
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The Paralympic Winter Games will follow from 6 to 15 March 2026.
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Around 3,500 athletes from 93 nations will compete for 195 medals (including 116 Olympic medals).
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There will be 16 Olympic disciplines, including innovations such as ski mountaineering making its official debut.
2. Motto, sustainability and vision
This edition is strongly inspired by the IOC’s New Norm principles, which aim to make the Games more sustainable, efficient and connected to local territories.
Key highlights:
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Extensive use of existing or temporary structures to reduce environmental impact.
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Eco-friendly Olympic torch, created using recycled materials.
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A torch relay crossing all 110 Italian provinces, covering more than 12,000 km.
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A meaningful legacy plan, with many Olympic buildings, such as Milan’s Olympic Village, destined for a new life after the Games (e.g., student housing).
3. Where the games will take place: the olympic clusters
One of the most distinctive features of Milan–Cortina 2026 is its multi-site structure.
The Games will not be concentrated in one location but will unfold across a vast territory, from city venues to high-altitude settings.
Milan
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Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium
Piazzale Angelo Moratti, Milan — reachable via Metro Line 5 (Lilla). -
Figure Skating & Short Track at the Milan Ice Skating Arena
Via Giuseppe di Vittorio, Assago — better known as the Assago Forum, served by Metro Line 2 (Green). -
Ice Hockey at the brand-new Santa Giulia Arena
Via del Futurismo, Milan — designed by David Chipperfield Architects, reachable via Metro Line 3 (Yellow). -
Ice Hockey & Long-Track Speed Skating (400m) at the Milan Ice Park
Strada Statale Sempione, Rho — a temporary venue set up in the Rho Fiera area (site of Expo 2015), connected by Metro Line 1 (Red).
Valtellina (Lombardy)
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Bormio — Alpine skiing and ski mountaineering.
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Livigno — Snowboard and freestyle skiing at Carosello 3000 and Mottolino Snowpark.
Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto)
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Sliding sports (bobsleigh, luge, skeleton) will take place at the newly built, state-of-the-art Sliding Centre.
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Curling and other ice events will animate the iconic Dolomite town.
Val di Fiemme / Tesero / Predazzo (Trentino-Alto Adige)
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Predazzo — Ski jumping and Nordic combined.
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Lago di Tesero — Cross-country skiing and Nordic combined.
Anterselva / Antholz (South Tyrol)
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Biathlon
Verona (Veneto)
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The Closing Ceremony will take place in the spectacular ancient Arena di Verona.
4. The Sports: What to Expect
Among the 16 Olympic disciplines, several stand out for their novelty or spectacular appeal.
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Ski Mountaineering: Olympic debut with men’s and women’s sprint events plus a mixed relay.
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Freestyle Skiing: Introduction of the “dual moguls”.
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Sliding Sports (skeleton, bobsleigh, luge): hosted at Cortina’s new Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre.
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Classic Winter Events: Alpine skiing, cross-country, biathlon, Nordic combined, ski jumping.
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Ice Sports in Milan: figure skating, short track and ice hockey.
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Paralympic Sports: 6 disciplines, including para ice hockey.
5. Olympic Villages and Urban Legacy
In Milan, the Olympic Village will rise in the former Porta Romana railway yard, designed to host around 1,700 athletes.
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The project is designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).
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After the Games, the area will be transformed into student housing, green areas, community spaces and new infrastructure.
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The site is conceived with a long-term perspective, ensuring its post-Olympic vitality.
6. Transport and Mobility
Moving between the different venues will be essential, and the Olympic Committee has planned several improvements.
Key points:
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Railway upgrades (Trenitalia and FS) to connect Milan with the Alpine valleys.
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Temporary and sustainable structures to minimise environmental impact.
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Torch relay route designed to engage cities across Italy and promote tourism and mobility.
7. Cultural events, spectators and fan experience
The Olympic flame will arrive in Milan on 6 February 2026.
The Opening Ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM at San Siro Stadium.
A not-to-be-missed cultural event is the exhibition at Fondazione Luigi Rovati, dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games and featuring the famous Etruscan Olympic Tomb, shown to the public for the first time outside the Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia.
Cities will host:
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Fan zones
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“Fan 26” initiatives
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Entertainment and cultural events
The combination of Milan and the Alpine valleys creates the perfect mix of urban tourism and mountain adventure.
8. Impact and Legacy: Milan beyond the games
For Milan in Tour, the Milan–Cortina Olympics represent not only a major sporting event but also a remarkable opportunity for storytelling.
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Urban renewal: the Porta Romana Olympic Village becomes student housing and community space.
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Sustainability and innovation: green policies set a model for future international events.
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Tourism promotion: Milan positions itself as a hub for sports tourism, while the Alpine areas attract nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.
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International visibility: hosting the Games strengthens Milan’s global reputation as a city of culture, events and innovation.
9. Travel tips for olympic visitors
If you’re planning a trip to the Olympic sites, here are some ideas:
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City + Mountain Package:
3–4 days in Milan for ice events + 2–3 days in Valtellina or Cortina for ski competitions. -
Olympic Village Tour:
Guided visit to the Porta Romana site to explore its urban transformation. -
Side Events:
Fan 26 activities, torch relay stages, cultural celebrations in the host cities.
A unique moment for Italy
The Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be an extraordinary milestone for Italy.
With venues ranging from Milan’s metropolitan heart to the snowy Dolomites, these Games promise a vibrant, sustainable and immersive experience.
Perfect for anyone who wants to experience the excitement of the Olympics while also enjoying Milanese culture, food, shopping and Alpine excursions.