There is only one year left: the Great Show is about to begin.
Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represent a historic event for Italy and for the international sports scene. It is the fourth edition of the Olympic Games hosted by our country, after Cortina 1956, Roma 1960 Torino 2006.
An important return not without novelties. For the first time in history, the Winter Olympics will take place in two main cities, with an innovative organisational model spread over a wide area.
The awarding of the Games to Milan and Cortina was announced on 24 June 2019 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), surpassing the Swedish bid of Stockholm-Åre. The choice fell on Italy for its unique combination of cutting-edge infrastructure, historical heritage in the world of winter sports, and a solid sustainability plan, in line with the principles of the Olympic Agenda 2020.
Olympics spread across Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige
Milano-Cortina 2026 will introduce a completely new model, which goes beyond the concept of a single Olympic village to distribute events across multiple locations, minimising environmental impact and enhancing the territory, with the involvement of iconic cities and ski resorts.
In addition to hosting the ice hockey and figure skating competitions, Milan will play a central role in the opening and closing ceremonies. The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics will take place at the San Siro Stadium - an icon of world football - while the closing ceremony will be held at the picturesque Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, a symbol of the Dolomites and already the host of the 1956 Games, will welcome the women's alpine skiing events and will host curling.
In Bormio, however, athletes will compete along the legendary Stelvio slope, considered one of the most technical and spectacular in the White Circus, for the men's alpine skiing events. Livigno, a favourite destination for snowboarders and freestylers from around the world, will be the heart of the competitions in their respective disciplines.
In Trentino-Alto Adige, the Val di Fiemme will host the disciplines of Nordic skiing, with the ski jumping and Nordic combined events, while Baselga di Piné will be the venue for the speed skating competitions. Biathlon will find its perfect setting in the Anterselva area.
Thanks to this distribution, 93% of the competitions will take place in existing facilities, avoiding the construction of new structures, in respect of the territory.
Winter Olympics: a programme full of excitement and new features
Milano-Cortina 2026 will therefore maintain all the classic disciplines of the Winter Olympics, with the possibility of introducing new competitions to make the event even more engaging and spectacular. Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, biathlon, snowboarding, freestyle, luge, bobsleigh, skeleton, speed skating, figure skating, short track, curling, and ice hockey will be among the main events.
In the Olympic medal table, which promises to be particularly competitive, Italy will aim to improve on the already excellent result achieved in Beijing 2022, where they won 17 medals. The Azzurri can rely on top athletes in alpine skiing, short track, biathlon, and figure skating, with high expectations also in team sports such as ice hockey.
Milano Cortina 2026 is green
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Milan Cortina 2026 will be its ecological and sustainable footprint. The organising committee has developed a plan aimed at minimising CO₂ emissions and environmental impact.
The event will be characterised by the use of renewable energy, enhanced public transport, and a more efficient management of resources. The aim is to leave a positive legacy for the areas involved.
The economic impact of the 2026 Winter Olympics is also expected to be extraordinary, with an estimated indirect effect of over 3 billion euros, the prospect of thousands of new jobs, and an increase in the influx of visitors not only to the main cities but also to the ski resorts involved.
New facilities and exclusive locations for the 2026 Winter Games
As the countdown progresses, the city of Milan is preparing with new infrastructure and exclusive spaces that will become landmarks during the Games. Among these, the PalaItalia Santa Giulia - set to host the ice hockey competitions and some events of the 2026 Paralympics - will be one of the symbols of the event.
Just a few minutes from the PalaItalia, in the heart of the new Luxury District of Milan, stands the Grand Milan Mecenate, a location of extraordinary elegance.
With its 1,000 square metres inspired by art deco style, this refined and evocative space offers a unique setting for gala evenings, high-profile receptions, product launches, and institutional meetings. Its imposing crystal chandeliers, exquisite marble details, elegant furnishings, and dramatic plants create an exclusive atmosphere of timeless charm.
The ideal choice for companies, delegations, and brands that want to experience the Olympic atmosphere as key players, offering a refined and functional meeting point.
Amidst breathtaking competitions, celebrations, and prestigious venues, Milan will be the perfect stage to welcome the world, offering unique settings where tradition, innovation, and luxury meet to create something extraordinary.
Milano dresses up for the occasion, ready to weave together sport, elegance, and major events in an atmosphere that will leave a mark. Amidst the lights of the city and the charm of the Dolomites, every detail will contribute to creating an unprecedented experience.
The wait becomes short, the excitement grows. The world is about to arrive.
