It’s almost time, and in the not too distant future, the world’s finest winter athletes will gather in Italy for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. If you’re a huge fan of winter sports, this will be a rare travel opportunity. Because this sporting extravaganza isn’t confined to a single city, but spans the spectacular mountain range of the Dolomites.
We know traveling during the Olympics can feel overwhelming, but we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the host cities, how to get around, and the events, from the opening ceremony to the final medals. Let us get you ready for the ultimate winter sports vacation!
Table of Contents
When and Where Are the 2026 Winter Olympics
How to Get 2026 Winter Olympics Tickets
Where to Stay During the Milan Olympics 2026
How to Get Around During the 2026 Winter Olympics
What Else To Do In Milano Cortina Besides the Olympics
Tips for the 2026 Winter Olympics
When and Where Are the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics dates are set for February 6 to February 22, 2026. Following this, the Winter Paralympics will continue the excitement, taking place from March 6 to March 15, 2026.
The official host cities are Milano Cortina, which is Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but some events will extend into the provinces of Trentino and Alto Adige.
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
- Opening Ceremony: To be held on February 6, 2026, at the historic San Siro Stadium in Milan. The venue can accommodate 75,000 people.
- Closing Ceremony: To be held on February 22, 2026, at the Arena di Verona in Verona. The venue can accommodate 15,000 people.
Location of the Race Venue
Given the dispersed locations of the events, the following are the primary 2026 Winter Olympics locations for major sporting events, which will help you determine which locations you may visit:
- Milan: Indoor competitions, including ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating, and speed skating, will be held here. Events will take place at various ice rinks in Rho and Santa Giulia, Milan.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Hosting events including Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton, and Curling at the Cortina Sliding Centre and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
- Livigno: Freestyle skiing and snowboarding events at the Snow Park, Aerials and Moguls Park.
- Antholz: Biathlon events will be held at the Biathlon Arena.
- Tesero: Cross-country skiing events will be held at the Cross-Country Skiing Stadium.
- Predazzo: Ski jumping and Nordic combined events will be held at the Ski Jumping Stadium.
- Bormio: A new event, ski mountaineering, will be held here.
How to Get 2026 Winter Olympics Tickets
Getting your hands on tickets is step one in making this trip a reality. You have two main routes for purchasing, and both are managed through the official channels.
Ticket-Only
The official ticketing platform is the sole authorized source for standard admission. This is a highly competitive process, so it is crucial to register and stay updated through the official Tickets Milano Cortina 2026 website. Ticket releases typically occur in phases, including presales, general sales, and last-minute tickets, so you must register and be prepared to act quickly.
Key Tip: The official website notes that the mobile application for tickets, which will provide your final seat details, is expected to be available in December 2025. The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will also use a lottery system to allocate tickets for popular events. Please register your account promptly and pay attention to the application deadlines.
Official Hospitality Packages
If you desire guaranteed seating and have sufficient budget, consider the Official Hospitality Packages. These are ticket packages provided exclusively by the Olympic Games’ official suppliers, bundling premium seating, food and beverages, and access to exclusive hospitality lounges.
Where to Stay During the Milan Olympics 2026
Accommodation options during the 2026 Winter Olympics are directly tied to the events you plan to attend. Given the dispersed competition venues, reservations are essential.
Milan & Verona
Events: Milan will host the opening ceremony, ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating, and speed skating. Verona will host the closing ceremony and the Paralympic opening ceremony.
Milan: We recommend staying in the Central Station area, which is just a 20-minute subway ride from San Siro Stadium, the venue for the opening ceremony. Alternatively, consider the Duomo area, conveniently close to both the award ceremony location at Piazza del Duomo and the subway to Mediolanum Forum. Even better, you’ll find many restaurants nearby and easy access to the main shopping streets.
Verona: You can stay in the Centro Storico, which is close to the Arena di Verona and within walking distance. As a historic district, it offers beautiful scenery and a wide variety of dining options.
Cortina d’Ampezzo & the Dolomites
Events: Alpine skiing, curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, luge, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: Downtown is a good choice, as it’s close to the main competition venues and within walking distance. Next is Fiames, which is closer to the ski center.
Livigno, Bormio, Anterselva, Val di Fiemme: For these more remote venues, booking in the nearest village is your best option. Since they are smaller with fewer accommodation choices, prioritize booking lodging here once you secure event tickets. Many locals and small resorts also rent out apartments or cabins.
How to Get Around During the 2026 Winter Olympics
The venues for the 2026 Milan Olympics are numerous and spread across distant locations, so you’ll need to carefully plan your transportation options.
- High-speed Rail: The high-speed train network connects Milan, Verona, and other major hubs with cities throughout the Veneto region, enabling relatively swift and comfortable travel.
- Olympic Transport System: A dedicated transport system for spectators will be in place, particularly around the mountain venues. Expect shuttle buses connecting major transport hubs to the specific competition sites in places like Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo. Always check the official transport guides closer to the dates for exact routes and schedules.
- Local Transportation: In Milan, you can take the metro, tram, and bus. In Verona, buses are the most common mode of travel. In Cortina, local buses connect the city center to various ski resorts. In mountain villages, walking is often the simplest way to get around.
- Driving: While you might consider renting a car, be warned that traffic, limited parking near venues, and the need for snow tires and chains in the mountains can make driving stressful. It is generally advised to rely on public and official Olympic transport whenever possible.
What Else To Do In Milano Cortina Besides the Olympics
This period also offers an excellent opportunity to explore Italy, particularly the culture, cuisine, and history of the northern regions.
Tourist Attractions
Milan
Milan is a city with a unique culture, high-end fashion, and stunning architecture. Even without the Winter Olympics, it remains one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
- The Duomo di Milano: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Remember to purchase a ticket to the rooftop, where you can see views of the Alps on clear days.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Milan’s iconic landmark, a 19th-century glass-roofed arcade housing luxury boutiques and cafés.
- Santa Maria delle Grazie: Book tickets in advance to view Leonardo da Vinci’s mural The Last Supper.
- Via Montenapoleone: The world-renowned shopping street featuring flagship stores of numerous designer brands.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
This town is not just about the Olympic slopes, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the world, deep in the Dolomites, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Dolomiti Superski: If you have time between events, try the slopes yourself. Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, offering hundreds of kilometers of interconnected pistes.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo: The Three Peaks are perhaps the most famous mountain group in the Dolomites. Even if you can’t attempt the hike, viewing the peaks from afar is a visual feast.
- Corso Italia: Stroll down the town’s main pedestrian street, where you can find artisan shops, high-end mountain gear, and cozy cafés for an apertivo.
Verona
Verona is a major cultural city in Italy and the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It boasts a wealth of Roman ruins and medieval architecture.
- Casa di Giulietta: Inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless love story, this is where you’ll find the most famous balcony.
- Centro Storico: Verona’s historic center features numerous ancient buildings, offering a glimpse into medieval city life.
- Piazza delle Erbe: This historic market square is surrounded by shops and cafes, perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll.
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Must-Try Cuisine
Northern Italian cuisine features rich dishes like cheese, butter, risotto, and red wine, contrasting with the tomato and olive oil flavors of the south. Local fare emphasizes fresh ingredients and robust flavors, making it perfect for enjoying after watching winter sports or skiing.
Milan: Risotto alla Milanese is a saffron-infused rice dish with a creamy, rich texture. It is typically served alongside Cotoletta alla Milanese, a breaded veal cutlet. Another winter tradition is Panettone, a light fruit cake.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: Canederli are the most common dumplings, made from a mixture of bread, cheese, and ham, often served with beef broth or a buttered mushroom sauce. Another traditional dumpling is Polenta, made from cornmeal.
Verona: Risotto all’Amarone, flavored with local red wine, is rich and deeply satisfying, well worth trying. If you’re daring enough, Pastissada de Caval is a traditional local dish featuring horse meat slow-cooked in red wine and spices. Pandoro, meanwhile, is a classic festive dessert, wonderfully light and sweet.
Olympic-Only Activities
Just like every Olympic Games, the 2026 Winter Olympics will also feature limited-time events. These will allow people to experience Winter Olympic culture and participate in interactive activities.
Fan Zones: Each host city will establish official Olympic fan zones. These areas will be free to enter and feature large screens for viewing, live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and opportunities to meet athletes. Specific locations are yet to be determined, but are likely to be situated near major venues.
Pin Trading: This is a classic Olympic tradition. Many people collect and trade pins, some official, some informal. Look for the official Milano Cortina 2026 pins to start or add to your collection.
Searching for Mascots: The official mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympics are Tina and Milo, two cheerful white weasels. They will appear at venues and fan zones, offering fun photo opportunities!
Tips for the 2026 Winter Olympics
A little preparation goes a long way when traveling for the Olympics. Here are a few essential tips to help your trip go smoothly.
How to Save Money
Traveling during the Olympics is always expensive, but there are ways to help you cut costs.
- Booking accommodations in advance: This is the biggest cost-saving measure. The closer you get to the date, the more accommodation prices will skyrocket.
- Focus on Qualifiers: Medal events are always the most expensive. If you’re a casual fan of a sport, consider purchasing qualifier tickets. You’ll still get to see top athletes compete, but at a fraction of the cost.
- Purchase multi-day passes: While in Milan, choose either a 2 day or 3 day pass based on your itinerary. This pass is valid for Milan’s city metro and bus system.
What to Pack
During the Winter Olympics, northern Italy experiences cold weather with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 8 °C (32 to 46 °F). Mountainous locations like Cortina d’Ampezzo are even colder, with average temperatures between -8 and 3 °C (17 to 37 °F). Therefore, packing appropriate clothing is essential.
- Thermal Clothing: Thermal base layers, wool mid layers, and heavy-duty waterproof shells. Bring a jacket that’s easy to take off, as indoor heating will make you sweat.
- Waterproof footwear: Snow boots or sturdy hiking boots are essential. They should be waterproof and provide excellent traction on icy sidewalks.
- Accessories: A warm hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, and a neck gaiter or scarf. Consider bringing heat patches for extra warmth in cold, snowy conditions.
- Adapter: Don’t forget an EU-standard Type C or Type F adapter for your electronics.
- Water Bottle: Water dispensers are usually available at venues. Bring your own water bottle to save money and stay hydrated.
Safety Tips
Italy is a safe country, but during any major event, it is still advisable to remain mindful of your surroundings.
- Pickpockets in Milan: Be especially vigilant in crowded areas of Milan, such as the Duomo, major train stations, and on public transport. Keep your wallet and phone in secure, zipped inner pockets.
- Altitude in Cortina: Cortina is at a high altitude. If you are prone to altitude sickness, take it easy on your first day, stay hydrated, and limit alcohol consumption.
- Official Channels Only: Only purchase tickets and hospitality packages through the official websites or authorized resellers. Scams are common around major sporting events.
- Be Fully Prepared: Download the official Milano Cortina 2026 App to access real-time event updates, transportation information, and emergency announcements. Keep both digital and physical copies of essential documents such as your passport, tickets, and insurance policies in case of loss.
Next Winter Olympics
The next Winter Olympics will be held in the French Alps in 2030, followed by Salt Lake City, USA, in 2034.
FAQ
Who will host the Winter Olympics in 2026?
The Winter Olympics 2026 will be hosted by the Italian cities of Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Moreover, the venues will span across the Lombardy and Veneto regions, featuring both urban landscapes and mountain scenery.
How much are tickets to the Winter Olympics 2026?
Ticket prices vary significantly. They depend on the sport, whether it’s a preliminary round or a medal final, and the seating category, with prices ranging from €35 to €650.
Tickets for many popular events, such as the gold medal matches in figure skating and ice hockey, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, will be significantly more expensive.
Where are the next 5 Olympics?
| City, Country | Dates |
| Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | 2026 Winter Olympics |
| Los Angeles, United States | 2028 Summer Olympics |
| French Alps, France | 2030 Winter Olympics |
| Brisbane, Australia | 2032 Summer Olympics |
| Salt Lake City, United States | 2034 Winter Olympics |
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