The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are underway across northern Italy, with competitions hosted jointly by Milan and the alpine resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Officially branded Milano Cortina 2026, the Games run from February 6 through February 22 and mark Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Olympics.
Italy previously hosted the Winter Games in Cortina in 1956 and in Turin in 2006. This year’s event is distinctive for its multi-city format, with venues spread across northern Italy rather than centered in a single metropolitan area.
Milan is serving as the hub for indoor ice sports such as figure skating, short-track speed skating, and portions of the ice hockey tournament. Meanwhile, alpine skiing and several snow-based competitions are taking place in the Dolomite mountain region surrounding Cortina. Additional events are being staged in nearby Alpine communities, creating one of the most geographically expansive Winter Games in recent history.
Nearly 3,000 athletes representing more than 80 nations are competing across a broad slate of winter disciplines. As marquee events approach — including downhill finals, figure skating competitions, and high-profile hockey matchups — global viewership is expected to rise sharply.
Beyond medal counts, the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are serving as a major international showcase for winter sport, tourism, and cultural exchange in one of Europe’s most iconic alpine regions.
