2026 Winter Olympics
February 6 – February 22 CET

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will take place in Italy. This landmark edition, branded as Milano Cortina 2026, represents a new era for the Olympic movement, utilizing a decentralized model across 22,000 square kilometers of Northern Italy to promote sustainability and regional heritage.
📅 When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
- Olympic Games: February 6 – February 22, 2026.
- Opening Ceremony: To be held at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan.
- Closing Ceremony: To be held at the historic Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater.
- Paralympic Games: March 6 – March 15, 2026.
🏔️ Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The Games are divided into several distinct clusters across Northern Italy.
1. Milan Cluster (The Ice Hub)
- Sports: Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, Ice Hockey.
- Key Venue: Mediolanum Forum and the new Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena.
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo Cluster (The Alpine Hub)
- Sports: Alpine Skiing (Women), Curling, Bobsleigh, Skeleton, Luge.
- Key Venue: Olympia delle Tofane slope.
3. Valtellina Cluster (Bormio & Livigno)
- Sports: Alpine Skiing (Men’s Speed), Ski Mountaineering (Debut), Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding.
- Key Venue: Stelvio Slope in Bormio.
4. Val di Fiemme & Anterselva Clusters
- Sports: Cross-Country Skiing, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping, Biathlon.
🎟️ How do I get tickets for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
- Official Platform: Tickets are sold exclusively through the official Milano Cortina 2026 digital ticketing portal.
- Hospitality: Official hospitality packages (including tickets and premium lounge access) are managed by On Location.
🚆 How to travel between Olympic Venues
- By Train: Italy’s Frecciarossa high-speed rail connects Milan and Verona in ~1 hour.
- Olympic Shuttles: Dedicated spectator shuttles will run from major train stations (like Calalzo di Cadore) to mountain venues.
- By Air: Milan Malpensa (MXP) for ice sports; Venice Marco Polo (VCE) for Cortina/Alpine events.
🏨 Where to stay for the 2026 Winter Olympics
Accommodation will be the most competitive part of your planning. Here are specific recommendations based on the cluster you plan to visit:
1. Milan (Best for Ice Sports & Ceremonies)
Staying in Milan offers the most flexibility and the best nightlife.
- Luxury: Hotel Principe di Savoia – A legendary five-star stay near Porta Nuova.
- Strategic Hub: NYX Hotel Milan – Right at Stazione Centrale; perfect for catching early “Olympic Specials” to the mountains.
- Modern Choice: Starhotels Anderson – Located at the Piazza Luigi di Savoia (Centrale), offering modern rooms and easy Metro M2/M3 access.
- Boutique in Loreto: Hotel Ai Summes – A highly-rated boutique option near the Loreto/Corso Buenos Aires shopping district.
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo & Belluno (Best for Women’s Alpine & Curling)
Cortina is the “Queen of the Dolomites,” but it is very expensive.
- Iconic Luxury: Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort – The most famous hotel in the Dolomites.
- Alternative Hub: Albergo delle Alpi (Belluno) – Staying in the city of Belluno is a smart budget choice. It is connected by train to the mountains and offers a more local feel.
- Active/Sporty: Hotel Faloria Mountain Spa Resort – Perfect for those wanting a wellness-focused stay between events.
3. Valtellina: Bormio & Livigno (Best for Snowboarding & Men’s Alpine)
- Wellness Focus: QC Terme Hotel Bagni Vecchi (Bormio) – Famous for its ancient Roman thermal baths overlooking the slopes.
- Chalet Style: Hotel Alexander (Livigno) – Traditional Alpine hospitality in the duty-free hub of Livigno.
- Budget-Friendly: Look for Agriturismos (farm stays) in the lower valley near Tirano.
4. Verona (Best for the Closing Ceremony)
- Luxury: NH Collection Palazzo Verona – Located steps away from the Arena where the Games will conclude.
- Boutique: Hotel Milano & Spa – Offers a rooftop lounge with a direct view of the Arena.
🔗 Helpful Links for Planning Your Trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics
- Official Milano Cortina 2026 Website
- Olympic Hospitality Packages (On Location)
- Trenitalia Official Site (Train Booking)
- Visit Italy – Lombardy & Veneto Guides
Last Updated on December 30, 2025 by Sports Tourist