2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina)

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, will be held in Italy from 4 to 22 February 2026. This edition marks the third time Italy hosts the Winter Games, with competitions spread across major locations including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, and other mountain venues in northern Italy.

2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony: A Grand Start in Italy

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics will mark the official start of the Milano-Cortina Games in Italy. The event is expected to celebrate Italy’s rich culture, history, and love for sport, combining modern technology with traditional performances. Athletes from around the world will march under their national flags, creating a powerful moment of unity and Olympic spirit. The ceremony will also feature music, visual storytelling, and artistic displays that highlight Italy’s heritage. With a global audience watching, the opening ceremony will set the tone for an exciting and memorable 2026 Winter Olympics.

Sports and Events at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics will bring together the world’s best athletes to compete in a wide range of snow and ice sports. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, fans will see popular events such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, snowboarding, and freestyle skiing. Ice sports like figure skating, speed skating, short track speed skating, ice hockey, and curling will also be major highlights.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will include exciting sliding sports such as bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, where athletes race at high speeds on icy tracks. There will be events for men, women, and mixed teams, giving more athletes a chance to compete and win medals.

All competitions of the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in different locations across Italy, including Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with beautiful mountain views and modern facilities. With many medal events and daily competitions, the 2026 Winter Olympics will offer thrilling moments, strong rivalries, and unforgettable performances for sports fans around the world.

Venues of the 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held across multiple cities and mountain regions in Italy.

• Milan will host ice sports such as figure skating, speed skating, short track, and ice hockey.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the center for alpine skiing, curling, and sliding sports like bobsleigh and luge.
• Valtellina will host alpine skiing and snowboarding events.
• Val di Fiemme will be used for cross-country skiing and ski jumping.

Key Competition Days at the 2026 Winter Olympics

• 4–5 February 2026: Early competitions and qualification rounds begin for ice sports such as curling, ice hockey, and skating.
• 6 February 2026: Opening Ceremony takes place, officially starting the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• 7–9 February 2026: First medal events in alpine skiing, snowboarding, speed skating, and biathlon.
• 12–15 February 2026: Busy competition days with major finals in skiing, figure skating, biathlon, and sliding sports.
• 18–20 February 2026: Key medal matches in ice hockey and important finals in snow and ice events.
• 22 February 2026: Final competitions followed by the Closing Ceremony, marking the end of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  

Closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics

The closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics will take place on 22 February 2026 at the historic Verona Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This will be the first time an Olympic closing ceremony is held at such a famous ancient venue. The event will celebrate the athletes’ achievements and memorable moments of the Games. Spectators can expect music, cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere that reflects Italy’s rich history. The ceremony will also mark the official handover to the next Olympic host city, bringing the 2026 Winter Olympics to a grand and emotional close.