Article summary:

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo promise a unique blend of world-class winter sports, Italian culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From Milan’s vibrant art, fashion and culinary scene to Cortina’s Dolomite peaks and alpine villages, more than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries will compete for 195 medals across 16 disciplines. Fans can enjoy historic venues, thrilling competitions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences while exploring northern Italy. This guide provides everything you need to know to join this unforgettable celebration of sport and Italian culture.

The countdown is on: the 2026 Winter Olympics are coming to Italy from Feb. 6–22, 2026. For the first time, Milan will share the Olympic spotlight with Cortina d’Ampezzo, combining cosmopolitan glamour with breathtaking alpine charm. Milan, Italy’s fashion and cultural capital, lies about 300 miles southwest of Cortina, a picturesque mountain town in the Dolomites known for world-class skiing and alpine scenery.

This dual-host approach was chosen to blend urban sophistication with mountain adventure, showcase Italy’s diverse landscapes and take advantage of existing venues—helping to make the Games more sustainable and logistically efficient. Visitors can expect thrilling competitions, historic venues and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re a lifelong Olympics fan or seeking a memorable winter getaway, the Milan-Cortina Games offer the perfect mix of world-class sport, Italian culture and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From Milan’s art-filled streets and fashion scene to Cortina’s snow-covered peaks and alpine villages, travelers will enjoy a uniquely Italian celebration of the Winter Games.

Why Milan-Cortina 2026 will be unforgettable

• A historic first for Milan: While Cortina d’Ampezzo previously hosted the Winter Games in 1956, 2026 marks Milan’s Olympic debut, bringing a modern, stylish twist to the tradition. Visitors can experience the energy of Italy’s fashion and cultural capital while witnessing world-class winter sports.
• Two destinations in one trip: The Games combine Milan’s cosmopolitan allure—with art, shopping and iconic landmarks—with Cortina’s snow-covered Dolomites, alpine villages and premier ski resorts. The two towns are approximately 300 miles apart, connected by Italy’s efficient train and road networks, allowing travelers to enjoy a full spectrum of Italian experiences.
• Sustainability at the forefront: By utilizing existing venues in both Milan and Cortina and minimizing new construction, the 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping up to be one of the most eco-conscious Games in history.
• Cultural immersion meets elite sport: From Milan’s world-renowned museums and culinary scene to Cortina’s breathtaking alpine landscapes and outdoor adventure, the Games provide a rare opportunity to combine Olympic excitement with Italian culture.

Where the action happens: The Olympic venues

The 2026 Winter Olympics will span six vibrant clusters across northern Italy, offering travelers a rare chance to combine world-class winter sports with unforgettable cultural experiences. From Milan’s bustling streets filled with art, fashion and cuisine to Cortina d’Ampezzo’s picturesque mountainscapes and alpine villages, the Games will host more than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries competing for 195 medals across 16 disciplines. Historic venues and thrilling competitions make the Milan-Cortina Olympics a must-see event for sports fans and travelers alike.

• Milan: Host to ice hockey, figure skating and short track speed skating, Milan combines Olympic excitement with the city’s signature art, fashion and culinary experiences.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: The alpine town will showcase alpine skiing, curling and the newly rebuilt bobsleigh and luge track against the stunning Dolomite backdrop.
• Val di Fiemme: Ski jumping, cross-country skiing and Nordic combined events take center stage in this picturesque valley.
• Rasen-Antholz: Biathlon fans will be thrilled by competitions set in this scenic northern Italian venue.
• Valtellina: Speed skating and freestyle skiing competitions provide a mix of precision and adrenaline.
• Verona: The Closing Ceremony will be a spectacular finale inside the historic Roman Arena, blending centuries of history with Olympic pageantry.

The Opening Ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium will launch the 2026 Winter Olympics in grand style. Home to legendary football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan, this 80,000-seat arena is renowned for its striking architecture and electric atmosphere. Expect a dazzling fusion of Italian flair, Olympic tradition and world-class performances, including breathtaking choreography, stunning visuals and a celebration of global athleticism that sets the stage for an unforgettable Games.

Spotlight on Winter Olympic sports

From the elegance of figure skating to the high-flying thrill of snowboarding and the fierce intensity of ice hockey, the 2026 Winter Olympics will bring back all the classic fan favorites that ignite global passion every four years. Fans will witness the artistry of skaters as they glide and spin with precision, the daring of snowboarders as they soar off massive jumps and the relentless drive of hockey players battling for gold. Across every venue, spectators can cheer on athletes as they carve, leap and race their way to the podium in events that define the very essence of winter competition.

But what makes Milan-Cortina 2026 especially exciting is the introduction of a brand-new event to the Olympic stage: ski mountaineering. This demanding alpine sport blends endurance, speed and technical skill, pushing athletes to their limits as they ascend snow-covered peaks on foot, skis strapped to their backs, before launching into breathtaking downhill descents at top speed. More than just a race, it’s a test of resilience and strategy—an authentic reflection of the mountain spirit.

How to get tickets

If you’ve been dreaming of experiencing the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina firsthand, now’s the time to make it happen—tickets are officially on sale. Fans can secure their seats through the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Milan-Cortina organizing committee, with a variety of options available. From single-event tickets to full hospitality packages that bundle lodging, exclusive perks and premium event access, there’s a way for every spectator to be part of the action. With demand expected to be high, planning early is essential to guarantee your place at this historic celebration of sport. 

Where to stay during the Olympics

Accommodations for the Milan-Cortina Games will be as diverse as Italy itself, ranging from chic city hotels to storybook alpine chalets. Because demand will be high and rooms near the venues will sell out quickly, early booking is essential.

In Milan, travelers can choose from elegant five-star hotels with rooftop views of the Duomo, design-forward boutique properties tucked into historic neighborhoods and modern international chains offering familiar comforts. Many hotels are clustered around the city center and near major train stations, making it easy to blend Olympic events with sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” offers a different experience altogether. Here, visitors can stay in cozy mountain lodges, family-run guesthouses or luxury ski resorts that combine alpine tradition with contemporary amenities.

For those seeking more space, privacy or affordability, villas and vacation rentals in nearby regions such as Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige provide excellent alternatives. Many of these smaller towns are connected by efficient train or shuttle services, giving travelers the chance to enjoy a quieter stay while still being within reach of Olympic venues.

💡 Pro tip: Begin your hotel planning at AAA.com/Hotel, where you can browse AAA Diamond properties and member-exclusive rates. 

Getting around during the games

Traveling between Olympic clusters in northern Italy will be convenient thanks to the country’s efficient train network, shuttle services and regional transportation options. High-speed trains link Milan with Verona, Valtellina and other major cities, offering a fast, comfortable and scenic way to move between urban clusters. For alpine destinations such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val di Fiemme, regional trains, buses and shuttle services provide reliable connections to ski resorts and Olympic venues.

For travelers seeking flexibility and independence, renting a car is an option, though visitors should plan for limited parking, traffic restrictions and congestion near key Olympic sites. Many hotels in Milan and Cortina offer shuttle services to the venues, while select resorts in nearby towns provide organized transportation for guests.

Getting Around: Quick Tips

• High-speed trains: Fast connections from Milan to Verona, Valtellina and other major cities.
• Regional trains & buses: Ideal for reaching alpine clusters like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val di Fiemme.
• Shuttles: Many hotels and resorts provide direct transport to Olympic venues.
• Car rentals: Great for flexibility but expect limited parking and traffic near events.
• Plan with AAA: Travel Advisors can coordinate transfers, advise on passes and help you navigate all clusters efficiently.

What else to do in Italy during the Games

While the Olympics will be the main attraction, northern Italy offers countless opportunities to explore history, art and cuisine between events. In Milan, visitors can stroll through the bustling streets of the fashion district, admire masterpieces like Da Vinci’s The Last Supper or climb to the rooftop of the Duomo for panoramic city views. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Brera district provide world-class shopping and charming cafés, perfect for a leisurely break from Olympic excitement.

In Cortina d’Ampezzo, the natural beauty of the Dolomites takes center stage. Travelers can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking along pristine alpine trails, or simply take in the stunning mountain vistas from cozy resorts. The town’s vibrant local culture, with artisan shops and traditional mountain cuisine, offers an authentic Italian experience off the slopes.

Other nearby destinations are also worth exploring. Verona offers history and romance, with its Roman Arena—the site of the Olympic Closing Ceremony—and Juliet’s Balcony. Lombardy and Veneto provide charming towns, vineyards and medieval villages perfect for day trips between events.

Quick cultural stops: Must-see highlights

• Milan: Duomo rooftop, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Brera art district, Last Supper
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: Dolomites trails, alpine skiing, artisan shops, mountain dining
• Verona: Roman Arena, historic old town, Juliet’s Balcony
• Nearby towns: Explore charming villages in Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige