The Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will bring the Games back to Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026. This edition stands out for its two official host cities—Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo—and a model that spreads events across northern Italy.

It matters because it is the first Winter Olympics officially co-hosted by two primary cities. The multi-city plan leans on existing arenas and mountains, aiming to lower costs and reduce new construction while showcasing different regions.

For fans, athletes, and cities, Milano–Cortina 2026 is designed around clear venue roles, efficient use of infrastructure, and a broad geographic footprint that is unprecedented in Olympic history.

Dates, Hosts, and Olympic Context

The Games are scheduled for February 6–22, 2026. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are the official co-host cities, anchoring a wider map of events.

Italy has deep Olympic history. Cortina d’Ampezzo staged the Winter Games in 1956, and Turin hosted in 2006. Milano–Cortina 2026 continues that tradition with a format fit for modern needs.

Key points at a glance:

• Dates: February 6–22, 2026
• Co-hosts: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Venue model: Four clusters across northern Italy
• Closing ceremony: Arena di Verona

Venue Clusters Across Northern Italy

Events are grouped into clusters to align sports with the best-suited venues. The plan uses 25 event sites across four main areas and covers more than 22,000 square kilometers, the most widespread footprint in Olympic history.

Over 90% of venues are existing or temporary. The total includes 19 existing venues, two newly built, and four temporary sites. This approach builds on what is already working while adding only what is necessary.

The core clusters are Milano, Cortina, Valtellina (Bormio and Livigno), and Anterselva (Antholz). Each has a clear role in the overall schedule.

Milano Venues: Ice Sports and the Opening Ceremony

Milan is the home for many indoor ice events and the global kickoff. The opening ceremony is planned for Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium, one of the most famous arenas in Italy.

Ice hockey will be staged at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Milano Ice Park in Rho. Speed skating also takes place at the Ice Park in Rho, aligning two fast-paced disciplines in one hub.

Figure skating and short track speed skating will be held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. These venues place the heart of ice sport competition close to the host city’s transport links and services.

Cortina d’Ampezzo: Alpine and Sliding Sports

Cortina d’Ampezzo returns as a stage for elite winter sport. The Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre will host women’s alpine events, building on the area’s long history with the sport.

The Cortina Sliding Centre will welcome bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton. These high-speed events benefit from a purpose-built sliding venue within the Dolomites’ alpine setting.

For precision on ice, the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium will host curling. Cortina’s cluster concentrates gravity-driven disciplines and technical ice sports in one mountain destination.

Valtellina Cluster: Bormio and Livigno

The Valtellina region brings world-class slopes and freestyle terrain into the Games. Bormio and Livigno will stage alpine skiing and freestyle events.

Livigno’s Aerials & Moguls Park, inaugurated on December 11, 2024, enhances the freestyle offering. This addition strengthens the cluster’s readiness for technical and spectator-friendly events.

The Valtellina valleys are known for steep, challenging terrain. Aligning these sports with Bormio and Livigno fits the Games’ plan to use proven mountain venues.

Anterselva/Antholz: A Biathlon Stronghold

Anterselva (Antholz) will host biathlon at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena. The venue and the region are built around Nordic sport and winter endurance culture.

Placing biathlon in Anterselva ensures a dedicated environment for a discipline that mixes cross-country skiing with shooting. It keeps a major endurance event in a specialist setting.

Why the Multi-City Model Matters

Milano–Cortina 2026 emphasizes reuse and regional collaboration. With 19 existing venues and only two newly built, the plan favors smart upgrades over large-scale construction.

That choice can reduce costs, limit environmental impact, and leave a lighter footprint after the Games. Temporary venues offer flexibility without long-term strain on local communities.

The geographic spread—more than 22,000 square kilometers—also brings economic and cultural benefits to multiple areas. Different regions share in the spotlight while focusing on the sports they host well.

What to Know About Ceremonies and Scheduling

The opening ceremony is set for Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium, a landmark venue aligned with the Games’ urban presence. The closing ceremony is planned for Arena di Verona, a historic amphitheater that connects the event to Italy’s cultural heritage.

Events are organized by cluster to reduce travel time for athletes and officials within each sport. Fans can follow clear groupings: ice events in Milan, alpine and sliding in Cortina, skiing and freestyle in Valtellina, and biathlon in Anterselva.

How This Fits in Italy’s Winter Olympic Story

Milano–Cortina 2026 extends a line from Cortina 1956 to Turin 2006. Each Italian Winter Games reflects its era and its approach to building venues and hosting fans.

This edition underlines efficiency and legacy. By using mostly existing or temporary venues, it aims to serve both the competition and the communities that remain after the flame goes out.

Essential Takeaways for Fans and Viewers

Think of Milano–Cortina 2026 as a network. Milan handles the big indoor stages and the opening. Cortina anchors alpine and sliding. Valtellina adds alpine and freestyle depth. Anterselva specializes in biathlon. Verona hosts the farewell.

The plan is designed for clarity and long-term value. It places the right sport in the right venue, leans on proven infrastructure, and spreads the Games across a broad, scenic region of northern Italy.

As the calendar moves toward February 6–22, 2026, those basics will guide how the Games look and feel. The co-host model, the cluster layout, and the venue mix are the pillars of Milano–Cortina 2026.