Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Italy is set to welcome the world for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, a celebration of athletic excellence and Italian culture. Under the vibrant motto "IT's Your Vibe," these Games will be hosted across two primary hubs—the metropolitan energy of Milan and the breathtaking alpine scenery of Cortina d'Ampezzo—along with several other regional clusters. The event promises to be one of the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics in history.
The Games are scheduled to run from February 6 to February 22, 2026. The opening ceremony will be presided over by President Sergio Mattarella at the iconic Stadio San Siro, while the closing ceremony will be led by IOC President Kirsty Coventry at the historic Verona Arena.
Key Facts
- Dates: February 6 – February 22, 2026.
- Host Cities: Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
- Participants: 2,884 athletes from 92 nations.
- Scope: 116 events across 8 sports and 16 disciplines.
- Motto: "IT's Your Vibe".
- New Sport: Ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut.
The Bidding and Selection Process
The journey to 2026 began with a competitive bidding process. Italy's joint bid for Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo secured the hosting rights after receiving 47 votes, surpassing the bid from Stockholm and Åre, Sweden, which received 34 votes.
Venues and Regional Clusters
To maximize existing infrastructure and minimize environmental impact, the Games are organized into several geographical clusters.
Milan Cluster
The Milan cluster focuses on urban sports and ceremonies. The Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium will host the opening ceremony with a capacity of 75,817. Other key venues include the new Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena and the existing Milano Ice Skating Arena for figure skating and short track speed skating.
Cortina d'Ampezzo Cluster
Cortina d'Ampezzo serves as a hub for alpine and sliding sports. The Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre will host women's alpine skiing, while the new Cortina Sliding Centre will be the venue for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton.
Valtellina and Val di Fiemme Clusters
The Valtellina cluster features the Stelvio Ski Centre for men's alpine skiing and the Livigno Snow Park for snowboarding and freestyle skiing. Meanwhile, the Val di Fiemme cluster will host Nordic events, including ski jumping at the Predazzo stadium and cross-country skiing at the Tesero stadium.
Sports and Competition
The 2026 Games feature 116 events. A significant addition to the program is ski mountaineering, a sport that combines skiing and climbing. Additionally, the alpine skiing combined event has been transitioned into a team event.
The competition will see a diverse array of athletes, with the United States, Canada, and the host nation Italy leading the delegation sizes. Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) will also participate under specific IOC conditions.
Symbols and Ceremonies
The Olympic spirit will be carried by a torch relay known as "The Greatest Journey." The Olympic cauldron in Milan will be lit by legends Deborah Compagnoni and Alberto Tomba, while Sofia Goggia will light the cauldron in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Adding a touch of charm to the Games are the official mascots, Tina and Milo, who represent the spirit of the host region.
The broadcasting of the event will be a high-tech affair, with RAI operating a specialized studio at Porta Sempione and the implementation of 5G broadcast trials to enhance the viewer experience.
Games Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Nation | Italy |
| Total Athletes | 2,884 (1,535 men, 1,349 women) |
| Number of Nations | 92 |
| Total Events | 116 |
| Opening Venue | Stadio San Siro, Milan |
| Closing Venue | Verona Arena, Verona |
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics take place?
The Games will begin with the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026, and conclude with the closing ceremony on February 22, 2026.
Which new sport is being introduced in 2026?
Ski mountaineering is the new addition to the Olympic program for the 2026 Winter Games.
Where will the opening and closing ceremonies be held?
The opening ceremony will take place at the Stadio San Siro in Milan, and the closing ceremony will be held at the Verona Arena in Verona.
Who are the official mascots of the 2026 Games?
The official mascots for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are Tina and Milo.
How many athletes are expected to participate?
A total of 2,884 athletes are expected to compete, consisting of 1,535 men and 1,349 women from 92 nations.