What to know about the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina

Introduction

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are a major international sporting event with broad public interest. The Games bring together elite winter-sport athletes across multiple disciplines, offering viewers and attendees competition, spectacle and cultural moments such as the opening ceremony and the Olympic flame relay. For fans, local communities and prospective visitors, understanding dates, disciplines and access information is essential to plan attendance and follow the competition.

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Key dates and the Olympic flame relay

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will feature a high-profile opening ceremony on 6 February 2026 at the iconic San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan. Ahead of the Games, the Olympic flame will travel from 6 December 2025 to 6 February 2026, covering nearly 7,500 miles and passing through 20 regions and 110 provinces. The relay itinerary underlines the broad regional engagement planned in the run‑up to the opening ceremony.

Sports on offer

The Milano Cortina 2026 programme includes 16 different sport disciplines. Confirmed sports are: alpine skiing; biathlon; bobsleigh; cross‑country skiing; curling; figure skating; freestyle skiing; ice hockey; luge; Nordic combined; short track speed skating; skeleton; ski jumping; ski mountaineering; snowboard; and speed skating. This lineup represents the full breadth of winter competition that spectators can expect across venues associated with Milano Cortina 2026.

Notable results and lead‑up events

Competitive events in the run‑up to Milano Cortina have already produced headlines. For example, Giovanni Franzoni recorded his first career victory in the 2026 Wengen super‑G, a result that will attract attention as national teams finalise their lineups and momentum builds toward the Olympics. Ongoing World Cup and preparatory events will continue to shape expectations for the Games.

Tickets and attendance

Organisers encourage prospective attendees to consult the official “How to Attend the Games” page for information on where and how to buy tickets. With high demand for marquee moments such as the opening ceremony at San Siro, early planning is advised.

Conclusion

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina combine a packed sports programme, a long‑distance flame relay and a landmark opening ceremony in Milan. For fans and travellers, the immediate priorities are following lead‑up competitions, monitoring official schedules and securing tickets through the organiser’s channels. As the Games approach, these elements will shape how audiences engage with one of the world’s foremost winter‑sport events.