The world is once again preparing for the magic of snow and ice. The XXV Olympic Winter Games, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, are set to be a landmark event in sporting history. For the first time, the Winter Olympics will be hosted across two major Italian cities and several Alpine regions, promising a “Games for All.”
Key Dates and Locations
The Games are scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026. Following the Olympics, the Winter Paralympics will be held from March 6 to March 15, 2026.
Unlike traditional single-city hosts, Milano Cortina 2026 is spreading the excitement across 22,000 square kilometers in Northern Italy:
- Milan: The hub for ice hockey, figure skating, and short track speed skating.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: The legendary home of alpine skiing and curling.
- Val di Fiemme: The stage for cross-country skiing and ski jumping.
- Valtellina: Hosting freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
New Sports and Historic Debuts
The 2026 edition is bringing fresh energy to the winter program. One of the most anticipated additions is Ski Mountaineering (Skimo), which makes its Olympic debut. This grueling sport involves climbing mountains on skis and then descending rapidly.
Additionally, we will see:
- Dual Moguls (Freestyle Skiing) added as a full medal event.
- Women’s Large Hill individual event in Ski Jumping.
- Mixed Team events across various disciplines to promote gender equality.
A Sustainable Vision
In line with the IOC’s “Olympic Agenda 2020,” Milano Cortina 2026 is focusing heavily on sustainability. Over 90% of the venues being used are existing or temporary structures. For instance, the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan will host the Opening Ceremony, while the closing ceremony will take place at the historic Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater.
Athletes to Watch
While the qualification rounds are in full swing, several icons are expected to dominate the headlines:
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA): Looking to further cement her legacy in Alpine Skiing.
- Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (Norway): The king of Cross-Country sprint.
- Sofia Goggia (Italy): The hometown hero aiming for gold on her home slopes in Cortina.
Fast Facts: Milano Cortina 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Mascots | Tina and Milo (Two adorable brother-and-sister stoats) |
| Motto | “Dreaming Together” |
| Participants | Approx. 2,900 athletes from 90+ nations |
| Events | 116 medal events across 8 sports |
How to Follow the Action
Global broadcasters will provide 24/7 coverage. In the US, NBC/Peacock will be the primary home, while Eurosport will cover Europe. Fans can also follow real-time updates through the official Olympics app and social media channels.
The 2026 Winter Olympics aren’t just about medals; they are a celebration of Italian culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the unbreakable human spirit.