Italy is set to be the spotlight of the global sporting world in early 2026 as it hosts the Winter Olympics, a joint endeavor between Milan and the charming Alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This marks Italy’s third time as host for the Winter Games, and notably, the first time the event will span across two distinct cities. As February unfolds, Milan will be the epicenter for all ice-based competitions, while Cortina and its mountainous surroundings will transform into a winter wonderland for ski events. Planning a trip for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offers a unique chance to experience athletic excellence combined with Italian culture and breathtaking scenery.
Planning Your Winter Games Visit
The 2026 Winter Olympics will officially commence on February 6th and conclude on February 22nd, with the Paralympic Winter Games following from March 6th to March 15th. The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 6th, with the first gold medal events taking place the following day. You’ll have the chance to witness iconic events like the women’s Alpine skiing downhill on February 8th and the men’s figure skating on February 13th. A particularly exciting day for winter sports enthusiasts will be February 19th, featuring the women’s figure skating, women’s ice hockey gold medal game, and the debut of Olympic ski mountaineering. The Games will wrap up with the men’s ice hockey final and the closing ceremony on February 22nd.
Milan The Ice Hub
Milan will host the spectacular Opening Ceremony at the renowned San Siro stadium before shifting its focus to being the primary venue for all ice sports. This includes figure skating, short track speed skating, and ice hockey. Several key venues within Milan will host these events, such as PalaItalia Santa Giulia, Fiera Milano, and the Forum di Milano Ice Skating Arena, along with a specially constructed temporary rink. The Olympic flame’s journey will culminate here, igniting the cauldron to officially begin the Games.
Cortina The Snow Haven
Cortina d’Ampezzo, returning to the Olympic stage after a 70-year hiatus, will be the heart of the snow and ice events. The legendary Olimpia delle Tofane course will host all women’s Alpine skiing competitions, including downhill, Super-G, and slalom. For the thrill-seekers, the newly built Eugenio Monti sliding track will stage bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events. Curling will be held at the renovated Olympic Ice Stadium. Beyond these main venues, events will also take place across the picturesque regions of Valtellina, Trentino, Bormio, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, and Antholz.
Navigating The Venues
You’ll find a total of 15 venues spread across the host regions. In Milan, these include the Milano Ice Skating Arena, Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium, Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milano Speed Skating Stadium, and the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Cortina’s Olympic venues will comprise the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, Cortina Sliding Centre, and the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre. Other notable locations include the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, Stelvio Ski Centre, Livigno Snow Park, Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium, and the Verona Olympic Arena.
Getting Your Tickets
How to secure your Olympic tickets
General admission tickets for all Olympic disciplines are now available for purchase through the official Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic ticketing platform. For a more exclusive experience, ticket-inclusive hospitality packages are also being offered, a new feature for the Winter Games. The recommended approach for purchasing tickets independently is to browse the available Olympic disciplines and buy through the authorized channels. You’ll be able to download the official Milano-Cortina 2026 app in December 2025, and seating assignments will be finalized by that same month. It’s crucial to use only the official Milano-Cortina 2026 Ticketing Programme and Hospitality Programme to ensure your tickets are legitimate and secure.
Getting To The Games
How to reach the Olympic venues
During the Games, public transportation services will be significantly enhanced. In Milan, you can expect extended operating hours and increased frequency for trains, subways, and local transport networks. In the mountainous regions surrounding Cortina, dedicated shuttle services will connect train stations and park-and-ride areas directly to the competition venues. While parking at the venues themselves will not be permitted, designated parking zones will be available. Some railway stations will serve as key access points to the venues, with shuttles operating in synchronization with event schedules from both park-and-ride and train-and-ride hubs. Traveling between Milan and Cortina is made easy with Frecciarossa high-speed trains, private transfers, or even helicopter shuttles for those seeking a top-tier experience.
For international arrivals, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the primary international gateway into Italy. Milan Linate (LIN) is convenient for short-haul European flights. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the closest major airport to Cortina. Additional options include Verona and Treviso airports, often served by budget carriers. Innsbruck Airport in Austria also offers access for those heading towards Predazzo. High-speed rail services effectively connect Milan, Verona, and Venice. To reach Cortina, you can take a train to Calalzo di Cadore and then continue by bus or private transfer through the stunning Dolomites. International train travel is also a viable option, with direct services from Paris to Milan and connections from London via Eurostar. Overnight European Sleeper services from Brussels can connect you to cities like Innsbruck, Bolzano, Verona, and Venice. While driving offers scenic freedom, remember that winter tires are mandatory, and parking near venues will be scarce.
Exploring Beyond The Events
What else is worth seeing nearby
While the Olympics are the main attraction, there are several enriching experiences you might consider incorporating into your itinerary. In Milan, visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie is a must, though reservations are strictly capped and mandatory. A ride on Milan’s historic tram line 1 offers a charming way to see key sights, passing landmarks like Teatro alla Scala as it winds through fashionable districts. For spectacular city views, enjoy an aperitivo at Ceresio 7 or on the rooftop of Fondazione Prada. Exploring the Navigli canals, once a vital part of Milan’s medieval trade routes, offers a unique glimpse into the city’s history and is a wonderful place to dine. In Cortina, you can not only ski the Olympic slopes but also explore the wider Dolomiti Superski system. For those who enjoy winter activities beyond skiing, consider exploring the Dolomites on marked winter trails or snowshoe routes that traverse the Ampezzo basin and surrounding peaks. And of course, you must indulge in Cortina’s local cuisine, which features influences from Tyrolean traditions, with dishes like canederli dumplings and casunziei ravioli being common finds in mountain restaurants.
How to watch the Winter Olympics from home
For those unable to attend in person, the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will be broadcast live globally by the Official Media Rights Holders of the Olympic Movement, ensuring comprehensive coverage of every event. A full list of official broadcasters is available online.
Visiting Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics offers a truly unique travel experience, blending world-class sport with the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s a chance to witness history unfold and create your own unforgettable memories.