2026 Winter Olympics: Milan‑Cortina, Italy to host the Games

Introduction: Why it matters

The question “2026 winter olympics held in which country” has a clear answer: Italy. The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially Milano Cortina 2026, are significant for athletes, national teams and winter-sport fans because they combine historic venues with new events and record participation. With a strong focus on inclusion and innovation, these Games are positioned to shape winter sport priorities for the remainder of the decade.

Main body: Key facts and events

Where and when

Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in northern Italy will host the 35th Winter Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee awarded the joint Milan–Cortina bid on 24 June 2019. The Games open on 6 February 2026 and will be staged across multiple venues set in Italy’s mountain landscapes.

Scale and disciplines

The 2026 Winter Olympics will bring together athletes from more than 90 countries competing across 16 disciplines. Organisers have announced a record programme that will award 195 medals—the largest Winter Olympic medal programme to date. The schedule blends traditional events such as alpine skiing and figure skating with newer competitions including big air snowboarding. Notably, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut in Milan‑Cortina 2026.

Inclusion and representation

Organisers highlight that the 2026 Games will feature the highest percentage of women athletes in Winter Olympics history, reflecting a broader push for gender equity and global inclusion across winter sports. Venues are spread through northern Italy to showcase both established resorts and urban settings tied to Milan.

Conclusion: Significance and outlook

In short, the answer to “2026 winter olympics held in which country” is Italy, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo jointly hosting a Games that aim to be both diverse and historic. As the fourth time Italy hosts the Olympics, Milano Cortina 2026 is expected to leave an imprint through its expanded medal programme, debut events and increased female participation. For athletes and national teams, the Games present new competitive opportunities; for spectators, they promise a mix of traditional alpine drama and contemporary winter-sport spectacles. Observers will watch how the record number of medals and the inclusion measures influence future Winter Olympic planning and participation.