The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Italy from February 6 to February 22, 2026, marking the 25th edition of the Winter Olympic Games. Nearly 3,000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete across more than 100 events, bringing global attention back to elite winter sports.

For the first time in Winter Olympic history, the Games will be jointly named after and hosted by two cities. Milan, a major European metropolitan center, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, a well-known alpine resort, will together provide the backdrop for competitions spread across northern Italy. This approach allows each discipline to be staged in locations that naturally suit its environment.

Venues and Competition Structure

Ice sports such as ice hockey, curling, and skating disciplines will be primarily hosted in and around the Milan area, while snow and sliding events will take place in established mountain venues across Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, and the Fiemme Valley. Many of the sites have previously hosted international competitions, reflecting an emphasis on long-term venue use rather than short-term construction.

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to be held in Milan, with the Closing Ceremony taking place in Verona, extending the Olympic atmosphere beyond the competition venues and highlighting Italy’s cultural heritage.

Sports Program and New Developments

Milano Cortina 2026 will feature a wide range of winter disciplines, including alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, curling, figure skating, speed skating, biathlon, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and luge.
A notable addition to the Olympic program is Ski Mountaineering, reflecting the continued evolution of winter sports and the growing interest in endurance-focused competition.

Design and Athlete Experience

Visual identity and functional design are central elements of the Milano Cortina 2026 concept. From venues to competition equipment, the Games emphasize efficiency, movement, and adaptability—key considerations for athletes performing in cold and demanding conditions.

Across winter sports, apparel and equipment play an essential role in supporting performance, particularly in team sports that require repeated high-intensity effort over extended periods.

A Brief Industry Perspective

Manufacturers and sports organizations around the world continue to follow major events such as the Winter Olympics as reference points for evolving performance standards. Companies like Achieve Sportswear, which focuses on custom sublimated sportswear for teams and clubs, observe these developments as part of ongoing product planning and technical refinement.

As Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, the Games serve as a reminder of the scale, diversity, and continued global appeal of winter sports.