Every two years, the Olympic Games offer a rare convergence of sport, culture, and human achievement. In February 2026, that stage will be set across the landscapes of Northern Italy — from Milan’s cosmopolitan elegance to the crystalline peaks of the Dolomites. The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics promise more than athletic excellence: they offer an immersion in Italy’s art of living, framed by snow and centuries of history.
Uniquely, Milano-Cortina 2026 will be the most geographically expansive Winter Olympics in history, with events spread across eight cities and villages in Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. For travelers, it’s a chance to experience multiple Italys in one trip — the urban, the alpine, and the historic — connected by high-speed trains, winding mountain passes, and unforgettable culinary interludes.
Dates & Overview
Olympic Winter Games: Friday, February 6 – Sunday, February 22, 2026
Paralympic Winter Games: Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 15, 2026
The Opening Ceremony will unfold at Milan’s legendary San Siro Stadium, while the Closing Ceremony will be held in the UNESCO-listed Arena di Verona, an amphitheater that has hosted spectacles for nearly two millennia.
What's New?
One debut to watch: ski mountaineering, a demanding discipline that combines alpine skiing with mountain ascents. It's a perfect embodiment of the adventurous spirit of these Games.
Alongside this newcomer, you can expect the full roster of Winter Olympic events, from figure skating to freestyle skiing, each framed by Italy’s architectural and natural beauty.
A Geography of the Games
Milan Cluster
- San Siro Stadium – Opening Ceremony
- PalaItalia (Santa Giulia) – Ice hockey finals
- Fiera Milano Rho – Preliminary ice hockey & speed skating
- Forum di Milano (Assago) – Figure skating & short track
- Olympic Village, Scalo Romana – Athlete housing
Cortina d’Ampezzo Cluster
- Olimpia delle Tofane – Women’s alpine skiing
- Cortina Sliding Centre "Eugenio Monti" – Bobsleigh, luge, skeleton
- Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio – Curling
- South Tyrol Arena – Biathlon
Valtellina Cluster
- Stelvio, Bormio – Men’s alpine skiing & ski mountaineering
- Livigno – Freestyle skiing & snowboarding
Val di Fiemme Cluster
- Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium – Ski jumping & Nordic combined
- Tesero Cross-Country Stadium – Cross-country skiing
Verona
Arena di Verona – Closing Ceremony & Paralympic Opening Ceremony
Tickets & Booking Timeline
Tickets are now available on the Milano-Cortina site. An official ticket resale platform will be available starting from December 2025. Tickets will be in digital format, and access to the competition venues will be possible exclusively through the app, which will be available for download from December 2025. Tickets are personalised; however, name changes will be allowed.
Seat assignments will be visible in your digital tickets starting from December 2025. The QR code for entry will be available in the app 24 hours before the session begins.
Cultural Highlights During the Games
- Duomo di Milano: Expect the cathedral square to be alive with public celebrations and a dedicated Milano-Cortina 2026 Sports Village.
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper: Potential for extended hours or special exhibits during the Games.
- Arena di Verona: A historic stage for the Closing Ceremony and Paralympic Opening Ceremony.
Visiting During the Olympics
If you’re traveling to Northern Italy in February or March 2026, you’ll feel the Olympic energy everywhere, even if you don’t step into a single venue.
For Spectators:
- Plan early: Tickets for marquee events like alpine finals, figure skating, and ice hockey will sell out quickly.
- Base yourself strategically: Staying in Milan, Verona, or Bolzano offers easy rail access to multiple clusters.
- Build in buffer days: Weather and mountain travel can impact event schedules.
For Non-Spectators:
- Expect higher demand in accommodations, trains, and restaurants near venues. Book ahead, even for day trips.
- Seek the quieter corners; the Dolomites have valleys untouched by the Games, where you can ski or snowshoe in peace.
- Embrace the atmosphere! Cities like Milan will host free cultural events, public screenings, and pop-up culinary experiences.
Either way, visiting during the Olympics means stepping into an Italy buzzing with international camaraderie, cultural programming, and winter magic.
Sustainability and Cultural Stewardship
It's not just about gold, silver, and bronze; it's also about green. These are the ways Milano-Cortina 2026 aims to set a new sustainability standard:
- Over 90% of venues will reuse existing structures, some from the 1956 Cortina Olympics.
- Low-impact travel is encouraged. Italy’s high-speed trains connect Milan, Verona, and Bolzano, while shuttles link alpine towns.
- Local-first cuisine will keep flavors fresh and food miles low.
By traveling lightly, savoring slowly, and supporting local businesses, you can turn your Olympic journey into a meaningful cultural exchange.
The Context Traveler’s Takeaway
Milano-Cortina 2026 is a celebration of athleticism alongside iconic culture and beauty. If you're heading to Milan or Northern Italy during this winter's Olympic games, prepare to see a juxtaposition of medieval piazzas and modern arenas, where snowy slopes lead to trattoria tables.
Looking for assistance in booking tours while you're in Milan this winter? Our Introduction to Milan tour and Aperitivo in Navigli tour are great options for first-time visitors or anyone getting re-acquainted with the city.
Travel with intention: plan ahead, move lightly, and let the spirit of the Games (and of Italy!) shape your journey.
