The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be a highly anticipated event that brings together elite athletes from around the world to compete in various winter sports. This edition of the Games is set to take place in Milano-Cortina, Italy, marking the first time in 20 years that Italy hosts the Winter Olympics, following Turin 2006.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the location of the 2026 Winter Olympics, insights into Milano-Cortina, key dates, and information on how to watch the games.
Where Are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be hosted by Italy, with events spread across two main locations: Milan (Milano) and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This dual-hosting approach was chosen to capitalize on the unique strengths of each city. Milan, a bustling metropolitan hub, provides world-class facilities, while Cortina, a historic winter sports destination, offers breathtaking alpine landscapes and existing infrastructure from past winter events.
The official name of the event is the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. This will be the fourth time Italy hosts the Winter Olympics, following:
- 1956 in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- 1960 in Rome (Summer Olympics)
- 2006 in Turin
Milano-Cortina was awarded the Games in 2019, beating out Stockholm-Åre, Sweden, in the bidding process. The selection was driven by Italy’s strong winter sports culture, existing venues, and government support.
Where is Milano-Cortina?
Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo are two distinct locations in northern Italy, each offering unique elements to the Winter Olympics.
Milan (Milano)
- Location: Northern Italy, Lombardy region
- Population: Approximately 1.3 million people
- Known for: Fashion, finance, culture, and the San Siro stadium
- Role in the Olympics: Hosts indoor events such as ice hockey, figure skating, and short-track speed skating.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Location: Veneto region, in the Dolomite Mountains
- Population: Around 5,700 people
- Known for: Breathtaking alpine scenery, ski resorts, and the 1956 Winter Olympics
- Role in the Olympics: Hosts alpine skiing, bobsleigh, skeleton, luge, and curling.
These two locations are about 400 km (250 miles) apart, with Milan representing the urban hub and Cortina d’Ampezzo providing the picturesque alpine experience.
Other host locations within northern Italy include:
- Val di Fiemme – Nordic skiing and ski jumping events
- Bormio – Men’s alpine skiing
- Livigno – Freestyle skiing and snowboarding
- Verona – Opening and closing ceremonies at the historic Arena di Verona
When Are the 2026 Winter Olympics? (Dates & Schedule)
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from:
- Opening Ceremony: February 6, 2026
- Closing Ceremony: February 22, 2026
The full competition schedule will be released closer to the Games, but traditionally, the Winter Olympics include events like:
- Skiing (Alpine, Cross-Country, Freestyle, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping)
- Snowboarding
- Ice Hockey
- Figure Skating
- Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton
- Curling
- Speed Skating & Short Track
- Biathlon
The Paralympic Winter Games will follow from March 6 to March 15, 2026.
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics?
TV Broadcasts & Streaming Services
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be broadcast worldwide, with coverage available on traditional television and various digital platforms. Here’s how you can watch the Games:
United States
- NBC – Official broadcaster with full event coverage
- Peacock – Live streaming of all events
- USA Network & CNBC – Additional TV coverage
Canada
- CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) – Main broadcaster
- TSN & Sportsnet – Supplementary coverage
United Kingdom
- BBC – Free-to-air coverage
- Eurosport – Comprehensive event streaming
Australia
- Channel 7 (Seven Network) – Exclusive rights
- 7plus – Free online streaming
Europe & Other Regions
- Discovery+ & Eurosport – Pan-European rights
- ARD & ZDF (Germany) – Public broadcasting
- RAI (Italy) – Official host country broadcaster
- NHK (Japan) – Japanese coverage
Most major networks will also offer on-demand streaming, highlights, and replays through their websites and apps.
Time Zones & Event Timings
Italy follows Central European Time (CET), which is:
- 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET, USA/Canada)
- 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time (PT, USA/Canada)
- 1 hour ahead of the UK (GMT)
- 10 hours behind Australia (AEST)
This means that prime-time coverage for North American audiences will feature events airing in the morning or early afternoon, while European audiences will enjoy evening broadcasts.
What Makes the 2026 Winter Olympics Special?
1. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Approach
Milano-Cortina 2026 aims to be a sustainable Olympics, utilizing existing venues and minimizing new infrastructure. The goal is to reduce the environmental footprint while promoting green energy solutions.
2. Historic Venues & Unique Locations
- Arena di Verona: A Roman amphitheater hosting the Opening & Closing Ceremonies.
- Sliding Center in Cortina: Used in the 1956 Winter Olympics and refurbished for 2026.
- Bormio & Livigno: Renowned for ski competitions, drawing international audiences.
3. Italian Culture & Hospitality
Hosting the Winter Olympics in Italy ensures a mix of sport and culture, offering visitors the opportunity to experience Italian food, art, and warm hospitality alongside world-class athletic performances.
Conclusion
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina will be a spectacular sporting event, blending Italy’s urban vibrancy with stunning alpine scenery. With events scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, fans worldwide can watch via TV broadcasts and streaming services.
