The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will be the most geographically widespread Games in history, covering more than 8,000 square miles across northern Italy. Athletes in 16 sports will compete at 25 venues divided into four main clusters, with events kicking off in Milan and concluding in Verona. Organizers emphasize the use of existing facilities to minimize environmental impact.
The 2026 Winter Olympics mark a historic milestone as the first to span multiple regions and two primary host cities: Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, separated by about 250 miles by road. Over two and a half weeks starting February 6, 2026, competitions will unfold at 25 venues spanning 8,495 square miles, requiring spectators to plan for significant travel times on potentially challenging winter roads.
The International Olympic Committee highlights sustainability, stating on Olympics.com: "This approach allows the maximum use of existing venues, reducing the need for new construction and, as a consequence, minimising the carbon footprint." Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, advises attendees: "I think this will be the classic 'pack your patience,' because there will be some travel time."
Events are organized into four clusters. In Milan, a global hub for finance, fashion, and design, the opening ceremony will occur at San Siro Stadium on February 6, coinciding with its 100th anniversary and home to AC Milan and Inter Milan. Indoor sports include figure skating and short track at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Assago, ice hockey at temporary and new arenas, and speed skating at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium. Milan hosts one of six Olympic Villages.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, the "Pearl of the Dolomites" and 1956 Games host, features women's Alpine skiing at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, known from World Cup circuits and 2021 FIS Championships. Curling returns to the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, which will also host the Paralympics closing ceremony. Sliding sports like bobsled, luge, and skeleton take place at the new Cortina Sliding Centre, built on the 1956 site and slated for 2028 Youth Olympics. Biathlon events are in nearby Anterselva, with capacity for 19,000 spectators.
Valtellina Valley, bordering Switzerland and famed for skiing, cheeses, and wine, includes men's Alpine skiing and debut sport ski mountaineering at Bormio's Stelvio Ski Centre. Freestyle skiing and snowboarding occur at Livigno's Aerials & Moguls Park and Snow Park.
Val di Fiemme in Trentino hosts cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, and Para events at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, with 12 miles of trails and 15,000 capacity, a site since 1991 World Championships. Ski jumping is at renovated Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium, also seating 15,000.
The Games close on February 22 at Verona's ancient Roman amphitheater, built in A.D. 30, which will also host the Paralympics opening on March 6. Athletes reside in villages in Milan, Cortina, Anterselva, Bormio, Livigno, and Predazzo.
