Milan Set to Shine as Host of 2026 Winter Olympics

MILAN, Italy — The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are poised to be the most geographically expansive games in history, taking place across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, the event promises to showcase a rich blend of winter sports and Italian culture.

The nearly five-hour drive between Milan and Cortina highlights the breadth of the venues, which have been designed to embrace the International Olympic Committee‘s new cost-cutting reforms. Impressively, 90% of the facilities are either existing venues or temporary structures, significantly reducing expenses.

Fraser Bullock, the then-president of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the 2034 Winter Olympics, praised the unique geographic arrangement of the events. “It’s a huge benefit to have all the venues within a one-hour drive,” he noted during a previous discussion. This advantage allows fans to experience multiple events in one day, maximizing their enjoyment of the games.

In Cortina, a picturesque mountain resort, events like alpine skiing, biathlon, and bobsled will take place. However, organizers are racing against time as construction lags behind schedule, particularly with the sliding track. The International Olympic Committee has set a March deadline for the track to pass pre-certification tests; otherwise, the competitions may move to Lake Placid, New York.

The 2026 Games will introduce new sports, including “skimo,” a mountain race that involves skiing and running, demonstrating the evolution of winter sports. Three new events will also debut, enhancing competition in mixed-gender categories, something that is being welcomed by advocates for gender equality in sports.

The Opening Ceremony will be held at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, an apt location for this historical event that will feature 116 medals up for grabs. Alex Cabrero, a KSL reporter covering the lead-up, has been engaging with local organizers and athletes getting ready for their moment on the world stage.

As Milan transitions to its role as the host city, the anticipation is palpable. The city is notorious for its fashion, history, and gastronomy, making it an attractive destination for Olympic visitors. From the stunning architecture of the Duomo to vibrant neighborhoods like Navigli, visitors will have plenty to explore between events.

The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics not only promise thrilling athletic competition but will also showcase Italy’s cultural richness, solidifying its place in Olympic history.