The countdown is on for the XXV Olympic Winter Games, and Italy is preparing to host one of the most anticipated sporting events of the decade in Europe. From February 6 to 22, 2026, Milano Cortina 2026 will showcase top winter sports across historic towns, new arenas, and alpine landscapes. This article from Tourisports covers the essential information about the upcoming games in Italy.
Which Cities Are Hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy?
Italy will host the Winter Olympics primarily in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with competitions spread across several regions in northern Italy. This will be the country’s fourth time hosting the Olympic Games, following Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956 (winter), Rome 1960 (summer), and Turin 2006 (winter).
Event Locations: Which Venues Will Host Each Sport at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The Milan cluster will stage the ice competitions, including figure skating, short track, speed skating, and ice hockey tournaments. The opening ceremony is scheduled for San Siro Stadium, while a new arena in Santa Giulia is being constructed for hockey.
The Cortina cluster will host women’s Alpine skiing on the legendary Olympia delle Tofane, as well as curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge.
In Val di Fiemme, fans will see ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined, while Bormio will host men’s Alpine skiing on the renowned Stelvio slope and the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering.
Livigno will feature freestyle skiing and snowboarding, promising one of the most dynamic and adrenaline-filled atmospheres of the Games.
Full List of Sports at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
The Games will feature 16 sport disciplines, with a total of 116 medal events – see the list below. A highlight of the program is ski mountaineering, which will make its Olympic debut as the newest discipline on the winter calendar.
- Alpine Skiing
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Curling
- Figure Skating
- Freestyle Skiing
- Ice Hockey
- Long Track Speed Skating
- Luge
- Nordic Combined
- Short Track Speed Skating
- Skeleton
- Ski Jumping
- Ski Mountaineering
- Snowboarding
Olympic Torch Relay Highlights for the 2026 Winter Games
The Olympic flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, 2025, and will arrive at San Siro Stadium in Milan for the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026.
The relay is called “The Greatest Journey” and will span 12,000 kilometres, crossing all 110 Italian provinces. More than 10,000 torchbearers will carry the flame. The journey includes symbolic stops, such as Naples on Christmas Day, Bari on New Year’s Eve, and a return to Cortina on January 26, 2026, marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Winter Games.
The torch design, created by Carlo Ratti Associati, was unveiled in 2025. Both the Olympic and Paralympic torches are crafted in Italy from recycled aluminum and brass alloy, with reflective surfaces and a lightweight build. They are powered by bio-LPG fuel in refillable bodies. The Olympic version features a blue-green colour, while the Paralympic torch has a bronze finish.
Where and How to Get Tickets for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Tickets are sold exclusively through the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing website. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has warned against buying tickets from unauthorized sources, as they may not be valid for entry.
General sales for the Olympic Games began on April 8, 2025, followed by sales for the Paralympics. Hospitality packages, offering premium seats and lounge access, are also available through the official hospitality program.
Milano Cortina 2026 Ticket Prices: What Fans Can Expect
Ticket prices for the Winter Olympics will start at 30 euros, with more than half available for under 100 euros. Final prices depend on the sport, session, and seating category. For the Paralympic Games, 89% of tickets are priced at 35 euros or less, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.
Each ticketing account can purchase up to 25 tickets across all sales phases. For most sessions, the limit is 10 tickets per session. For high-demand events, including the opening and closing ceremonies and some finals, the maximum is four tickets per account.