The 2026 Winter Games: Making the Most of Your Trip to Italy

This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Olympic Committee or Milano Cortina 2026 organizers.

Excitement is building as Italy prepares to host the 2026 Winter Games. Athletes, coaches, judges, and spectators will soon gather across the country’s host cities to celebrate the world’s most prominent international sporting event. 

Also known as Milano Cortina 2026, the Winter Games will be held throughout Northern Italy and will feature numerous snow, ice, and sliding sports. Tourists from around the world are eager to experience not only the emotional, inspirational, and exciting competitions but also to embrace Italy’s rich culture and centuries-old history nestled within the country’s lovely alpine scenery. 

If you’re planning to attend the 2026 Winter Games, refer to this guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Italy. 

Milano Cortina 2026 Schedule of Events

Milano Cortina 2026 will commence on Friday, February 6, at the Milano San Siro Stadium, with the parade of delegations and the lighting of the iconic cauldron. Like previous opening ceremonies, this one will highlight the spirit of the event and spread the joy of coming together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. 

The 2026 Winter Games will continue through Sunday, February 22. If you’re interested in visiting a specific venue or watching a particular sport, check out the full Competition Schedule to plan accordingly. 

The closing ceremony will take place at the historic Verona Arena. Like the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony will celebrate the athletes, their achievements, and the ongoing unity among nations worldwide. 

When and Where: Key Dates for Milano Cortina 2026 

To make the best use of Northern Italy’s charming landscape and the structures/venues already in place, six athlete villages have been designated as host sites. Events will be split across each cluster, reflecting the “multi-centered model” organizers have instituted so athletes can enjoy the full experience. 

To help you decide where to go and what to do, we’ve put together a list of venues, events, and popular tourist destinations within each of the 2026 Winter Games territories: 

Anterselva/Antholz 

Venue: Anterselva Biathlon Arena 

Event: Biathlon 

Things to do and see: This little Italian village situated near the Austrian border is known for its Biathlon Arena. Beyond that, it’s home to Lake Antholz and the mountain scenery that surrounds it. While here, consider staying at Hotel Bruggerwirt, which has been in operation since 1896. 

Bormio 

Venue: Stelvio Ski Centre 

Events: Alpine skiing, ski mountaineering 

Things to do and see: Bormio’s main square, Piazza del Kuerc, comprises charming cafes, local shops, and the must-see Torre delle Ore, a 14th-century bell tower. Interested in thermal baths? Bormio’s therapeutic thermal baths are worth visiting to add some self-care to your itinerary. 

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Venues: Cortina Curling Stadium, Cortina Sliding Centre, Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre 

Events: Curling, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, alpine skiing 

Things to do and see: Also known as “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d'Ampezzo is located in the heart of the Italian Alps. There will be many exciting opportunities awaiting you within this upscale resort. Shop at a world-class variety of boutiques, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or spend the day on world-class slopes with powdery snow and panoramic views. 

Livigno

Venues: Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, Livigno Snow Park 

Events: Freestyle skiing, snowboarding 

Things to do and see: Foodies would be wise to visit one or more restaurants in Livigno, which is known for its passion for food and using local ingredients to create impressive flavor combinations. Popular dishes in Livigno restaurants include pizzoccheri (a flat ribbon pasta that blends buckwheat and wheat flours) and bresaola (aged, air-dried beef). 

Milano 

Venues: Milano Ice Skating Arena, Milano San Siro Stadium, Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milano Speed Skating Stadium 

Events: Figure skating, speed skating, short track speed skating, ice hockey 

Things to do and see: If you visit Milan during Milano Cortina 2026, we recommend checking out Duomo’s Terraces. The towers, spires, and marble statues are truly a sight to behold. Milan also boasts picturesque canals that can be explored on foot or by boat. 

Predazzo

Venue: Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium 

Events: Nordic combined, ski jumping 

Things to do and see: Located in the province of Trento, Predazzo is home to many noteworthy attractions and views, among them Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park. The changing landscapes throughout the park beckon visitors to unplug and savor their natural surroundings. The Paneveggio forest was nicknamed the "Forest of the Violins" because famous luthiers such as Antonio Stradivari were said to have sourced wood from centuries-old red spruce trees to create their spectacular-sounding violins. 

Tesero 

Venue: Cross-Country Skiing Stadium 

Events: Cross-country skiing, Nordic combined 

Things to do and see: Families traveling to Italy for the 2026 Winter Games might want to spend some time at Latemarium, exploring its adventure trails and family-friendly activities. The Osservatorio Astronomico Val di Fiemme, an astronomical observatory, is also a worthwhile stop. 

Verona 

Venue: Verona Arena 

Event: Ceremony (closing the 2026 Winter Games) 

Things to do and see: Museum lovers might want to visit Castelvecchio, a medieval castle. Its art collection spans 29 exhibition halls and includes paintings, coins, medals, sculptures, and more. Literature lovers, meanwhile, can purchase tickets to visit Juliet's House, which gives you access to one of the most legendary settings in all of Shakespeare's works. 

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