The stage is set for a spectacular and uniquely dispersed Winter Olympic Games. The 2026 edition, officially known as the Milan Cortina Olympics, is fast approaching, with the torch relay already illuminating the path to the opening ceremony. This historic event will see the world's finest winter athletes compete across Italy's stunning landscapes for 116 gold medals.
Key Dates and How to Watch the Games
Mark your calendars for a thrilling fortnight of competition running from 4 to 22 February 2026. The action begins with curling on the 4th, two days before the grand opening ceremony on 6 February. The first gold medals will be awarded on 7 February.
Highlight events for your diary include the women's Alpine skiing downhill on 8 February, men's figure skating on 13 February, and a blockbuster day on 19 February featuring women's figure skating, the women's ice hockey final, and the inaugural Olympic ski mountaineering medals. The Games conclude on 22 February with the men's ice hockey final and the closing ceremony in Verona.
For viewers in the United Kingdom and around the globe, broadcasters will provide extensive coverage. With Milan and Cortina operating on Central European Time (CET), UK audiences will enjoy prime-time viewing with only a one-hour time difference. Major events will be shown live, with comprehensive streaming services offering every moment of the action.
A Historic and Spread-Out Games
These will be the most geographically expansive Winter Olympics in history. The two primary host locations are the fashion capital Milan and the prestigious Dolomites resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, which are separated by over 400 kilometres by road. Beyond these hubs, competition will also take place in three additional mountain clusters near Cortina.
The closing ceremony breaks new ground by being held in Verona, located approximately 160 kilometres east of Milan. This sprawling format presents unique logistical challenges, with athletes' villages including over 350 mobile homes in Cortina. All eyes are also on the hockey venues in Milan, where the main rink's dimensions will be about three feet shorter than the standard NHL and PWHL ice surface.
Star Athletes and New Events
The Games promise compelling storylines with legendary athletes targeting glory. American Alpine icons Lindsey Vonn, 41, and Mikaela Shiffrin have shown dominant early-season form, raising hopes for a golden run in Cortina's familiar slopes. Freestyle skiing superstar Eileen Gu and snowboarding phenom Chloe Kim are also set to return.
In a major boost for ice hockey, NHL players are returning to the Olympic tournament for the first time since 2014, setting the stage for stars like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid to compete for gold. The participation of Russian athletes remains under review, with international federations deciding on a neutral status only after an independent vetting process confirms no support for the war in Ukraine or military ties.
The Olympic programme welcomes exciting new events. Ski mountaineering makes its long-awaited Olympic debut, testing athletes' endurance and technical skill. Other additions include a mixed team event in skeleton, women's doubles in luge, and super team events for both women and men in the large hill ski jumping competition.
With sixteen sports in total, the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are poised to deliver a unforgettable chapter in sporting history, blending tradition with innovation against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Alps.
