At-Milan.org

The Upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy

XXV Olympic Winter Games - Milano-Cortina 2026

February 6 - 22, 2026

Historical Context and Significance

Italy has a storied history with the Olympic Games, having previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 in Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Summer Olympics in 1960 in Rome. The selection of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as co-hosts for the 2026 Winter Olympics was announced on June 24, 2019, during the 134th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lausanne, Switzerland. The joint bid triumphed over Stockholm-Åre, Sweden, highlighting Italy's commitment to delivering a memorable and sustainable Olympic experience.

Venues and Infrastructure

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will utilize a combination of existing, upgraded, and new venues across multiple clusters:

• Milan Cluster: Milan, a global hub for fashion and finance, will host the opening ceremony at the iconic San Siro Stadium. The city will also feature events such as figure skating and short track speed skating at the Mediolanum Forum. Additionally, the PalaItalia Santa Giulia, currently under construction, is set to become a premier venue for ice hockey, boasting a capacity of 16,000 spectators.
• Valtellina Cluster: Located in the Lombardy region, this cluster includes Bormio, renowned for its challenging slopes, which will host alpine skiing events. Livigno, another picturesque town in Valtellina, is slated to host snowboarding and freestyle skiing competitions.
• Cortina d'Ampezzo Cluster: As a previous host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina d'Ampezzo brings historical significance to the Games. It will host alpine skiing events, as well as bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton competitions at the modernized Eugenio Monti track. The Stadio Olimpico Del Ghiaccio will serve as the venue for curling events.
• Val di Fiemme Cluster: This area will host ski jumping and Nordic combined events at the Trampolino Giuseppe Dal Ben in Predazzo, and cross-country skiing competitions at the Lago di Tesero Cross Country Stadium. The Ice Rink Piné in Baselga di Piné is set to host speed skating events, with plans for significant redevelopment to enhance its facilities.
• Verona: The historic Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater, is designated to host the closing ceremony, providing a majestic backdrop to conclude the Games.

Sports and Events

The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 16 Olympic disciplines, encompassing traditional winter sports and introducing new events to engage a global audience. Notably, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and the IOC's commitment to evolving the Games.

The inclusion of ski mountaineering aligns with the Games' emphasis on sustainability and the utilization of natural landscapes, as athletes navigate ascents and descents in alpine terrains. This addition is expected to resonate with audiences and inspire future generations of winter sports enthusiasts.

Sustainability and Legacy

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Milano-Cortina 2026 vision. The organizers are committed to delivering a carbon-neutral event, focusing on the use of existing venues to minimize environmental impact. The strategic selection of venues aims to reduce the need for new construction, thereby preserving natural landscapes and promoting ecological balance.

Post-Games, the infrastructure developed for the Olympics is intended to serve local communities, fostering sports participation and tourism. For instance, the PalaItalia Santa Giulia is designed to become a central hub for sports and entertainment in Milan, enhancing the city's cultural and recreational offerings.

Ticketing and Fan Engagement

To ensure fair and accessible ticket distribution, the Milano-Cortina 2026 organizers have introduced a draw system for ticket sales. This approach aims to provide a stress-free experience for fans worldwide. Ticket sales for the Olympic Winter Games are scheduled to begin in February 2025, followed by the Paralympic Games in March 2025.

Fans are encouraged to register for the draw to secure their opportunity to witness the Games firsthand. The organizers have also launched Fan26, a digital community platform designed to engage fans with exclusive content, updates, and interactive experiences leading up to and during the Games.

Challenges and Preparations

As with any large-scale event, the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics face challenges, particularly concerning infrastructure development and logistical coordination across multiple regions. The construction of new venues, such as the PalaItalia Santa Giulia, is under close scrutiny to ensure timely completion. Additionally, the decision to build a new sliding center in Cortina, despite the IOC's preference for utilizing existing facilities in neighboring countries, has been a topic of discussion. Organizers are working diligently to adhere to timelines and budgets, with ongoing monitoring to address potential issues promptly.

Athlete Participation and Highlights

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are expected to feature over 3,500 athletes from 93 countries, competing for 195 medals. The Games will showcase a balanced representation of male and female athletes, reflecting the IOC's commitment to gender equality in sports.