Milano Cortina 2026: A Preview of the XXV Olympic Winter Games
The XXV Olympic Winter Games, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, are set to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026, across multiple venues in Lombardy and Northeast Italy. Competition in select events will commence on February 4, 2026. This edition marks a significant moment as the first Olympic Games held under the presidency of Kirsty Coventry of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
A Joint Bid Success
The selection of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the host cities was confirmed on June 24, 2019, at the 134th IOC Session. Their joint bid prevailed over a competing bid from Stockholm and Åre, Sweden. This marks the first time in Olympic history that the Games will be officially co-hosted by two cities.
New Sport Debut: Ski Mountaineering
Milano Cortina 2026 will introduce a new discipline to the Winter Olympic program: ski mountaineering. This addition expands the range of sports showcased at the Games and is expected to attract a new audience.
Key Details at a Glance
- Official Name: XXV Olympic Winter Games
- Common Name: Milano Cortina 2026
- Dates: February 6 – February 22, 2026 (with select events starting February 4, 2026)
- Location: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
- Motto: IT’s Your Vibe
- Nations Participating: 92 (including the Athlete Refugee Team)
- Athletes: 2,884 (1,535 men, 1,349 women)
- Events: 116 across 8 sports (16 disciplines)
- Opening Ceremony: Stadio San Siro, Milan
- Closing Ceremony: Verona Arena
- Cauldron Lighters: Deborah Compagnoni and Alberto Tomba (Milan), Sofia Goggia (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
- IOC President: Kirsty Coventry
- Opening Ceremony Presider: President Sergio Mattarella
Venues and Ceremonies
The opening ceremony will be held at the Stadio San Siro in Milan, although the closing ceremony will take place at the Verona Arena. These iconic locations will provide a spectacular backdrop for the Games’ key events.
Looking Ahead
As Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, preparations are underway to deliver a memorable Olympic experience. The introduction of ski mountaineering and the unique co-hosting arrangement promise to add new dimensions to the Winter Games, solidifying Italy’s place as a premier destination for winter sports.