Winter 2025/2026 is shaping up to be a legendary season for sports travel. From the return of the Winter Olympics to the high-stakes drama of The Ashes, the calendar is stacked with global mega-events. Whether you’re looking for powder snow, stadium heat, or a break in the winter sun, here are 10 top destinations to explore this Winter.
1. Milan & Cortina, Italy: The Winter Olympics Return 🇮🇹⛸️
The world’s eyes will be on Northern Italy as it hosts the Winter Olympic Games (6–22 Feb 2026). Milan creates a stylish urban hub for ice hockey and figure skating, while the dramatic Dolomites in Cortina d’Ampezzo play host to alpine skiing and sliding sports. This is a bucket-list chance to see the world’s best athletes compete on some of Europe’s most iconic slopes.
📌 Ticket Tip: Register early via the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing platform; ice hockey finals and opening ceremonies are the most oversubscribed events.
✈️ How to Get There: Fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN).
🏨 Where to Stay: Milan’s Porta Nuova district for city events, or Cortina d’Ampezzo for the true alpine atmosphere.
2. Melbourne, Australia: The Ashes & The Open 🏏🎾
Melbourne arguably holds the title of the world’s best sporting city in Jan 2026. The action kicks off with the historic Boxing Day Test (Ashes Series, Australia vs. England, 26–30 Dec 2025) at the colossal MCG. Just weeks later, the Australian Open (12 Jan – 1 Feb 2026) takes over Melbourne Park, bringing summer vibes and Grand Slam intensity.
📌 Ticket Tip: Ashes Boxing Day tickets are gold dust—join the Cricket Australia waitlist. For tennis, a Ground Pass in the first week offers incredible value.
✈️ How to Get There: Melbourne Airport (MEL).
🏨 Where to Stay: Southbank for easy access to both the MCG and Melbourne Park along the Yarra River.
3. San Francisco Bay Area, USA: Super Bowl LX 🏈🌉
The biggest show in American sports heads to the West Coast. Super Bowl LX descends on Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026. Beyond the game, the entire Bay Area will transform into a festival of football, celebrity parties, and fan experiences. With the region’s tech-forward energy, expect this to be the most high-tech Super Bowl yet.
📌 Ticket Tip: Official packages via “On Location” are the safest bet; resale prices on Ticketmaster can soar to $6,000+ closer to kick-off.
✈️ How to Get There: San Francisco (SFO) or San Jose (SJC).
🏨 Where to Stay: Union Square in SF for the party vibe (fan zones), or Santa Clara to be near the stadium on gameday.
4. London, UK: Darts Mania & Premier League 🎯⚽
London in December and January is a sports lover’s dream. The PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace (“Ally Pally”) runs from mid-December to Jan 3, offering the best party atmosphere in sports. Combine this with the frantic festive schedule of the Premier League, where London clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham play crucial fixtures.
📌 Ticket Tip: Darts tickets sell out in July/August; check the PDC’s official resale platform. Premier League tickets are best bought via club memberships.
✈️ How to Get There: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or Stansted (STN).
🏨 Where to Stay: Islington for great pubs and easy access to North London stadiums and Alexandra Palace.
5. Minneapolis-Saint Paul, USA: World Junior Hockey 🏒🥅
For hockey purists, there is no tournament more passionate than the IIHF World Junior Championship (26 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026). The “State of Hockey” hosts the world’s best under-20 players in a tournament renowned for its speed and future NHL stars. The atmosphere in the Xcel Energy Center will be deafening.
📌 Ticket Tip: Ticket packages are available via Ticketmaster; medal round games sell out fastest.
✈️ How to Get There: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP).
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Saint Paul to be within walking distance of the Xcel Energy Center.
6. Kitzbühel, Austria: The Hahnenkamm Races ⛷️🔔
The Hahnenkamm (19–25 Jan 2026) is the Super Bowl of ski racing. Watching the downhill racers throw themselves down the terrifying Streif course is a heart-in-mouth experience. The town itself turns into a week-long party, blending Tyrolean tradition with high-end luxury and legendary aprés-ski.
📌 Ticket Tip: General admission gives you great views of the finish area; VIP grandstands require booking up to a year in advance.
✈️ How to Get There: Fly to Munich (MUC) or Innsbruck (INN) and take the train.
🏨 Where to Stay: Kitzbühel town center is pricey; try Kirchberg for a nearby, slightly quieter alternative.
7. Niseko, Japan: Deep Powder & Night Skiing 🇯🇵❄️
If your idea of sport involves participating, Niseko in January is unbeatable. Famous for its consistent “Japow” (Japanese powder snow), it offers some of the best skiing on the planet. The resort is also unique for its extensive night skiing, allowing you to ride the powder under floodlights before soaking in an onsen.
📌 Ticket Tip: Purchase the “Niseko United All Mountain Pass” online for savings across all four resort zones.
✈️ How to Get There: Fly to Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) and take a bus or train to Niseko.
🏨 Where to Stay: Hirafu Village for the best nightlife and access to the lifts.
8. Cape Town, South Africa: SA20 Cricket & Summer Sun 🏏☀️
Swap the winter coat for sunglasses. January in Cape Town sees the height of the SA20 (South Africa’s premier T20 cricket league), with matches played at the picturesque Newlands Cricket Ground. The fast-paced cricket, combined with Cape Town’s beaches and vineyards, makes this the ultimate winter sun sports escape.
📌 Ticket Tip: Tickets are very affordable; the “Grass Embankment” at Newlands offers a relaxed, picnic-style vibe.
✈️ How to Get There: Cape Town International (CPT).
🏨 Where to Stay: V&A Waterfront for safety and central access, or Claremont to be close to the cricket ground.
9. Banff & Lake Louise, Canada: NHL & The Rockies 🏔️🐻
Combine rugged wilderness with elite ice hockey. Base yourself in Banff for skiing at the “Big 3” resorts (Norquay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise). Then, take the short drive to Calgary to catch the Calgary Flames in NHL action at the Scotiabank Saddledome. It’s the quintessential Canadian winter experience.
📌 Ticket Tip: Use “Ticketmaster Verified Resale” for Flames tickets; weeknight games are often significantly cheaper.
✈️ How to Get There: Calgary International (YYC).
🏨 Where to Stay: Banff Town for the mountain vibe, with a night in downtown Calgary for the hockey.
10. New York City, USA: The Mecca of Indoor Sports 🏀🗽
New York comes alive indoors during winter. Madison Square Garden is buzzing with Knicks (NBA) and Rangers (NHL) games nearly every night, while the Barclays Center in Brooklyn hosts the Nets. The sheer volume of games means you can easily fit 3-4 major sporting events into a single week.
📌 Ticket Tip: Knicks tickets are pricey; consider a Brooklyn Nets game for a more budget-friendly NBA experience.
✈️ How to Get There: JFK, Newark (EWR), or LaGuardia (LGA).
🏨 Where to Stay: Midtown West to be within walking distance of Madison Square Garden and Broadway.
From the slopes of the Dolomites to the cricket grounds of Cape Town, Winter 2025/26 offers incredible diversity for the traveling fan. Which of these trips is on your bucket list? Would you like me to find specific flight prices or hotel availability for any of these destinations?
Last Updated on December 27, 2025 by Sports Tourist
