My trip to Italy in 2026 felt like a grand adventure across a beautiful, sprawling landscape. The Milano-Cortina Winter Games were centered in two main areas, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but the events were spread across eight different locations. It was quite a logistical puzzle, making travel from one venue to another a significant part of the experience itself. Imagine trying to see everything from the stylish city of Milan to charming mountain towns with amazing views—we covered a lot of ground, about 22,000 square kilometers in total! It made me realize just how diverse northern Italy is.
Exploring Northern Italy’s Diverse Venues
Getting around was an interesting part of the journey. The Italian rail system was the simplest way to travel between many of the six main hubs. For example, if you were heading to Milan for ice sports or to Cortina d’Ampezzo for alpine and sliding events, the train was a good option. We found the trains to be generally on time and quite efficient for covering longer distances. It was a chance to see the Italian countryside roll by. When we were closer to the competition sites, especially in the mountain areas like Cortina, cars weren’t allowed right at the venues. Instead, we used designated park-and-ride lots and then hopped onto dedicated shuttle buses. These buses were super convenient, taking us directly from the parking areas or train stations right to the Olympic venues, which really cut down on any hassle.
Milan itself has a fantastic public transport system. The metro, trams, and buses extended their hours to help people get to the Olympic venues located within the city. For the main arenas in Milan, the metro stops were conveniently paired with special shuttle services for the very last bit of the journey to the venues. This made attending events in the city super easy. We felt very connected to the city’s rhythm, using its public transport like locals.
Experiencing the Olympic Spirit Across Regions
The decision to spread the Games across such a large area was an interesting one. It meant that more parts of northern Italy could benefit from the event and the visitors it brought. It felt like a different approach to hosting, aiming for sustainability by using existing venues as much as possible. This was a departure from some past Games that involved building massive new structures. It also meant that the spirit of the Games was spread out, too, across this beautiful Italian landscape. We heard from other travelers that it made it harder to feel a single “center” for the event, but for us, it was an opportunity to see so many different kinds of places.
One thing I noticed was how this geographical spread affected the sense of community for the athletes and their supporters. Usually, national teams might have a central gathering spot. For the 2026 Games, however, there were celebrations happening on different days in different locations. This meant that even though we were there to support the athletes, seeing everyone together in one place was less common. It made you appreciate the moments when you were able to catch friends or fellow spectators from different parts of the Games.
Adapting to New Ways of Experiencing the Games
The opening ceremony itself was designed to bring all these spread-out locations together. While Milan’s San Siro stadium hosted the main headliners and a big part of the show, there were simultaneous ceremonies happening in other locations like Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This was a really thoughtful touch, ensuring that athletes from all the different hubs could participate in the traditional parade of nations. And I thought it was especially cool that they lit two Olympic cauldrons at the same time—one in Milan and one in Cortina. It really felt like a way to connect the different parts of Italy that were hosting.
We had to stay in a few different places because of how spread out the venues were. There were Olympic villages and athlete accommodations in Milan and Cortina, but also in other towns like Antholz-Anterselva near the Austrian border, Livigno and Bormio near the Swiss border, and Val di Fiemme in the Trentino province. In the smaller towns, athletes were housed in hotels and other places that were already there. It was a smart way to use existing facilities, which felt good for the environment.
Milan A Gateway to Ice Sports
Milan was our starting point, and it really set the tone with its metropolitan energy. It was the main center for all the ice sports, and the city really came alive with activity. We spent a few days exploring the city before heading out to the mountains. The architecture is stunning, and the food scene is absolutely incredible. We made sure to try as much as we could, and I kept a little journal of all the delicious meals we had. Michael loved trying all the different gelato flavors, and the kids were just amazed by the sheer energy of the city.
The venues in Milan were quite accessible, and the public transport made it easy to navigate. We took the metro to get to some of the ice arenas, and even with the extra crowds, things ran smoothly. It was exciting to be in a major city that was hosting such a global event. The atmosphere was electric, and you could feel the anticipation building for the competitions.
What are the main sports in Milan?
Milan primarily hosted the ice sports for the Winter Games. This included events like figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey.
The city was humming with activity, with spectators from all over the world arriving to cheer on their favorite athletes. The modern facilities in Milan were impressive, and it was a great contrast to the more rustic settings we planned to visit later.
Cortina d’Ampezzo Alpine Majesty
Our journey then took us to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a place that felt like stepping into a postcard. The setting is simply breathtaking, with the Dolomites soaring all around. This area was the hub for many of the alpine and sliding disciplines, like downhill skiing and bobsleigh. The mountain air was crisp and clean, and the views were just spectacular at every turn. Seeing the ski runs lit up against the twilight sky was a truly magical sight.
Navigating Cortina required a bit more planning than in Milan. As I mentioned, driving directly to the venues wasn’t an option for most. We relied heavily on the shuttle buses that connected the park-and-ride areas to the competition sites. It was worth the minor inconvenience for the incredible scenery and the world-class sporting events taking place against such a dramatic natural backdrop. Lily kept pointing out the jagged limestone peaks, and Ethan was fascinated by the sheer scale of the mountains.
What sports are held in Cortina?
Cortina d’Ampezzo was the main venue for alpine ski events and sliding sports such as bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton.
The atmosphere in Cortina was a unique blend of sporting excitement and the natural beauty of the Dolomites. It felt like a truly special place to experience the Winter Games, combining top-tier athletic competition with unforgettable landscapes.
Livigno Freestyle Thrills
For freestyle skiing enthusiasts, Livigno was the place to be. This picturesque alpine village, located in the Alps, offered a different kind of excitement. The landscape here felt wilder and more remote, adding to the thrill of the freestyle events. We decided to make a special trip to Livigno, and the journey itself was part of the adventure, winding through stunning mountain passes.
Being in Livigno felt like being in the heart of the mountains. The snow-covered slopes and the clear blue skies provided a perfect setting for the dynamic freestyle competitions. We watched skiers and snowboarders perform incredible aerial tricks against the backdrop of the majestic Alps. It was a completely different vibe from the more traditional alpine events in Cortina, but equally exhilarating. It was great to see such a variety of disciplines across different Italian locations.
Where is freestyle skiing happening?
Freestyle skiing events were held in Livigno, a well-known alpine resort in the Italian Alps.
The energy in Livigno was infectious, with a younger, more energetic crowd drawn to the innovative and daring performances of the freestyle athletes. It was a reminder of the diverse appeal of winter sports and how Italy was showcasing them in such varied settings.
Antholz-Anterselva for Biathlon
For fans of biathlon, a visit to Antholz-Anterselva was essential. This venue, located about a 3.5-hour drive east of Cortina, is renowned for its stunning natural setting and its excellent biathlon facilities. The drive itself was scenic, taking us through charming valleys and past deep gorges. We opted for a rental car for this leg of the trip, which gave us more flexibility to stop and admire the views along the way.
Antholz-Anterselva felt very much like a community dedicated to winter sports. The biathlon competitions are always intense, combining the precision of target shooting with the endurance of cross-country skiing. The stadium there is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, making each race a visually spectacular event. We even saw some Olympic Village housing nearby, with athletes based close to the action. It was a more intimate setting compared to the larger city venues, offering a close-up view of the demanding nature of the sport.
What sport is in Antholz-Anterselva?
Antholz-Anterselva was the dedicated venue for the biathlon competitions.
The focus here was entirely on the skill and determination of the biathletes. The clean, crisp air and the vastness of the landscape provided an ideal stage for this demanding sport, and it was a privilege to witness it firsthand.
Navigating the Logistics of a Spread-Out Games
The sheer spread of the Milano-Cortina Games made transportation a central theme of our visit. We learned to rely on train schedules, shuttle services, and the efficient public transport networks in cities like Milan. It was a constant process of checking timings and routes, but it also became part of the adventure. It truly was like an endurance sport in itself, but one that allowed us to see so much of northern Italy.
The International Olympic Committee’s strategy to use existing infrastructure was evident throughout. It meant that instead of vast new constructions, we saw venues integrated into existing urban and natural landscapes. This felt more responsible and aligned with a modern approach to major events. Our visit to Milan’s Olympic Village, which will later become student housing, was a perfect example of this sustainable planning. Similarly, the mobile homes used in Cortina were slated for redistribution to tourist destinations across Italy.
How do I travel between venues?
Travel between venues primarily involves using the Italian rail network, dedicated shuttle buses from park-and-ride areas, and enhanced public transport in cities like Milan.
Planning your travel between the different Olympic hubs is key to making the most of your experience. It requires a bit more research and flexibility than attending a more compact Games, but the reward is a deeper exploration of Italy’s diverse regions and a firsthand experience of its stunning natural beauty.
Venturing through Italy for the 2026 Games was an unforgettable experience. From the dynamic energy of Milan to the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, each location offered something unique. I loved seeing the different landscapes and how each venue was a part of this grand Italian backdrop. It’s a trip I’ll be recalling for a long time.