The Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to be the most breathtaking edition yet, blending cosmopolitan Milan with the alpine magic of the Dolomites. Spread across five clusters and multiple provinces, these Games will offer visitors not just elite sport, but also Italian culture, food, and mountain adventure.
Whether you’re chasing medal moments, planning a city break with a sporting twist, or immersing yourself in Dolomite scenery, this guide has you covered.
Table Of Contents
Key Dates for Your Calendar
- Winter Olympic Games: 6–22 February 2026
(Curling actually begins 4 February before the Opening Ceremony) - Winter Paralympic Games: 6–15 March 2026
Ceremonies:
- Olympic Opening – San Siro Stadium, Milan (6 Feb)
- Olympic Closing – Verona Arena (22 Feb)
- Paralympic Opening – Verona Arena (6 Mar)
- Paralympic Closing – Cortina Olympic Ice Stadium (15 Mar)
The Venues: A Five-Cluster Experience
This will be the most geographically spread Winter Games in history. Instead of a single host city, Italy is using existing world-class venues spread across Lombardy, Veneto, and South Tyrol.
Milan – The Urban Hub
- Figure Skating & Short Track Speed Skating: Milano Ice Skating Arena (Forum Assago, 12.5k seats)
- Ice Hockey & Speed Skating: Santa Giulia Arena (new build) + Fiera Milano (temporary venues)
- Opening Ceremony: San Siro
Expect buzzing crowds, easy metro access, and the mix of Olympic sport with big-city nightlife.
Cortina d’Ampezzo – The Glamorous Dolomites
- Women’s Alpine Skiing: Tofane slopes
- Curling: Olympic Ice Stadium (also Paralympic wheelchair curling + Paralympic Closing)
- Sliding Sports: Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton at the Cortina Sliding Centre (rebuilt for 2026, with Lake Placid named earlier as a backup)
Cortina hosted the 1956 Games and is famous for its chic alpine charm and dramatic peaks.
Valtellina – Bormio & Livigno
- Men’s Alpine Skiing: Stelvio slope, Bormio (steep, technical, legendary)
- Freestyle Skiing & Snowboarding: Livigno, including the new Aerials & Moguls Park (first venue completed for 2026)
A true adrenaline hub, with spa towns (Bormio) and duty-free shopping (Livigno).
Val di Fiemme – The Nordic Valley
- Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined: Predazzo
- Cross-Country Skiing: Tesero
- Para Nordic Skiing & Para Biathlon: Tesero
Known for its festival atmosphere and long tradition of hosting world-class Nordic events.
Antholz/Anterselva – The Biathlon Mecca
- Biathlon: At the stunning Antholz Arena, famed for its atmosphere and mountain backdrop.
Verona – Ceremonial Stage
- Olympic Closing & Paralympic Opening Ceremonies at the Roman amphitheatre (Arena di Verona), blending ancient history with modern spectacle.
What’s New at Milano–Cortina 2026
New Olympic Sport
- Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) makes its debut with men’s sprint, women’s sprint, and a mixed relay (Bormio, 19–21 Feb).
New/Updated Events
- Dual Moguls (freestyle skiing)
- Men’s & Women’s Doubles Luge (replacing open doubles)
- Alpine Combined as a two-person team event (M/W)
- Women’s Large Hill Ski Jumping (first time in Olympic history)
- Skeleton Mixed Relay (new team event)
Equal Distances in Cross-Country
For the first time, women will compete over the same race distances as men — a major step for gender equality in the sport.
Must-See Events & Highlights
- Men’s Downhill in Bormio – The Stelvio slope is one of the toughest on Earth.
- Women’s Alpine in Cortina – Glamorous, high-speed racing on the Tofane.
- Freestyle & Snowboard in Livigno – Expect high-energy finals in the brand-new Aerials & Moguls Park.
- Figure Skating Gala in Milan – Always a sell-out, combining athleticism and artistry.
- Nordic Relays in Val di Fiemme – Classic Olympic passion with packed crowds.
- Biathlon Mass Starts in Antholz – The sport’s most fan-friendly event in one of its iconic venues.
And of course — the Opening Ceremony in Milan’s San Siro and the Olympic Closing Ceremony in Verona Arena will be unforgettable.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
Because the Games are spread out, where you stay depends on what you want to see.
- Milan: Central areas like Porta Romana, Porta Venezia, or Navigli for metro links. Green Line gives direct access to Forum Assago.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Book at least a year ahead. For cheaper options, try San Vito di Cadore, Dobbiaco, or Auronzo.
- Bormio: Slope-side hotels, thermal spas, and spillover into Valdidentro or Santa Caterina.
- Livigno: Limited capacity — Trepalle or Mottolino areas are alternatives.
- Val di Fiemme: Cavalese, Tesero, Moena, or Ziano are all close to events.
- Antholz/Anterselva: Limited — base in Brunico or Dobbiaco and take shuttles.
Pro tip: Pick one cluster as your base — don’t try to commute between Milan and the Dolomites in the same day.
See booking.com or trip.com to see what accomodation is still available!
Travel & Logistics
- Long Distances: Events are spread out; plan realistically. You’ll need separate bases if you want to see both ice events in Milan and alpine races in the Dolomites.
- Public Transport: Trenitalia trains to Verona, Trento, or Bolzano connect with shuttle buses into mountain valleys. Milan arenas are metro-accessible.
- Driving: If you hire a car, note that winter tyres or snow chains are legally required in alpine provinces between mid-November and mid-April. Always carry chains, even with winter tyres.
- Weather: Milan can be damp and chilly, while the Dolomites are colder, drier, and windier. Pack warm layers, gloves, and microspikes for icy paths.
- Money & Connectivity: Cards accepted everywhere, but small cash is useful for huts, buses, or parking. eSIMs work fine.
Local Know-How
- Meal Times: Lunch is 12:30–14:30; dinner rarely before 19:30. Book restaurants in ski towns on big race days.
- Try TripAdvisor.com to find restaurant recommendations!
- Handy Phrases:
- Buongiorno – Good morning
- Un caffè per favore – A coffee, please
- Dov’è la navetta per lo stadio? – Where is the shuttle to the stadium?
- Grazie mille! – Thanks a lot!
Sample Itineraries
City Break: Milan (Ice & Ceremonies)
- Day 1: Curling mixed doubles or figure skating team events.
- Day 2: Short track heats + Milan sightseeing (Duomo, Brera).
- Day 3: Speed skating finals + aperitivo in Navigli.
- Day 4: Optional trip to Verona for the Closing Ceremony.
Alpine Escape: Cortina Focus
- Day 1: Women’s downhill training.
- Day 2: Women’s downhill finals on Tofane slopes.
- Day 3: Curling sessions (indoor alternative).
- Day 4: Explore Lagazuoi or Passo Falzarego viewpoints.
Adventure: Valtellina (Bormio & Livigno)
- Day 1: Men’s downhill training in Bormio.
- Day 2: Downhill finals, evening in thermal baths.
- Day 3: Transfer to Livigno for moguls/aerials.
- Day 4: Snowboard halfpipe finals + duty-free shopping.
Final Tips
- Choose one cluster base (two max) to keep travel realistic.
- Anchor your plans around 2–4 headline sessions (downhill, gala, relays, freestyle finals).
- Build extra time for weather delays or road closures.
- Keep an eye on sliding venue updates — Cortina remains the planned site for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton, though construction has faced scrutiny.
Why Milano–Cortina 2026 Will Be Special
From the urban spectacle of Milan to the snowy peaks of Cortina, from historic arenas to brand-new Olympic sports, these Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime blend of Italy’s culture, sport, and landscapes.
Plan ahead, book early, and get ready for an unforgettable winter in Italy.
Our Most Recent Destination Blogs
This blog uncovers trending destinations, offering fresh travel insights, inspiring guides, and expert tips to help readers discover and experience the world’s next must-visit places.
