The Winter Olympics 2026, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be hosted in the picturesque regions of Milan and Cortina in Italy. This prestigious event is set to take place from 6th to 22nd February 2026 also in the Dolomites, bringing together athletes from all over the world to compete in various winter sports.
The Dolomites Winter Olympics 2026 will highlight some of Italy’s most iconic mountain venues, bringing global attention to areas known for world-class skiing, panoramic landscapes and exceptional alpine infrastructure. While many events take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, several locations across the Dolomites region will play supporting roles or serve as scenic bases for visitors attending the Milano Cortina Games.
Cortina is the primary Dolomites venue, hosting alpine skiing, sliding events and the famous Tofane and Olympia runs. The town combines historic Olympic heritage with modern sporting facilities and excellent mountain access.
Val di Fiemme, part of the Trentino Dolomites, will support Nordic events with its established cross-country and ski-jumping infrastructure. The valley is known for its efficient event organisation and high-quality snow facilities.
Anterselva (Antholz), located in the northern Dolomites near the Austrian border, is Italy’s premier biathlon destination and a regular host of World Cup competitions. Its high-altitude stadium, reliable snow conditions and long-standing sporting tradition make it one of the most recognisable biathlon venues in Europe. It will host the Dolomites Winter Olympics 2026 biathlon competitions.
Regions such as Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Val di Fassa will not host competitions but make excellent accommodation bases thanks to their lift networks, winter services and accessibility.
Travellers coming for the Games can use the Dolomites as both an event base and a winter holiday destination. Popular ski areas offer wide slopes, reliable snowmaking and scenic runs, allowing visitors to combine competitions with leisure days on the mountains. Accommodation demand is expected to be high, especially around Cortina and Val di Fiemme, so early booking is advised.
The Dolomites offer a unique combination of heritage, mountain culture and world-class winter sports infrastructure. With modern lifts, panoramic viewpoints, efficient transport links and a strong hospitality tradition, the region provides a balanced blend of sport, scenery and alpine lifestyle during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics mark the return of the Winter Games to Italy, a country with a rich history in hosting international sporting events. This will be the first time that Milan hosts the Winter Olympics, while Cortina previously hosted the 1956 Winter Games.
The Winter Olympics have a storied history, dating back to the first Winter Games held in Chamonix, France in 1924. Over the decades, the event has grown in size and scope, showcasing a wide array of winter sports and celebrating the athletic prowess of competitors from around the globe.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will utilise a mix of existing, refurbished, and new venues across Milan and Cortina. Key locations include the Mediolanum Forum in Milan, Cortina, Val di Fiemme and Anterselva.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 16 disciplines, including: Alpine skiing, Biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, skeleton, ski mountaineering, ski jumping, snowboarding, speed skating.
Over 90 nations are expected to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing together a diverse array of athletes from every corner of the globe. Major competing countries include the USA, Canada, Russia, Germany, Norway, and host nation Italy.
Look out for top athletes such as Mikaela Shiffrin in alpine skiing, Ilia Malinin in figure skating, and the Norwegian biathlon stars, all of whom are expected to be standout performers at the Games.
The event schedule is packed with exciting competitions, starting with the opening ceremony on 6th February and culminating in the closing ceremony on 22nd February. Key dates include:
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the main Dolomite venue, while Val di Fiemme will host Nordic events. Surrounding valleys provide excellent bases for spectators.
Yes. Cortina is a central host location, staging alpine skiing, bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events across its upgraded Olympic facilities.
Cortina will be the most in-demand area, but Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa and Kronplatz offer comfortable bases with easy access to the region.
Travelling to Milan and Cortina is straightforward, with Milan's Malpensa Airport serving as a major international hub. From Milan, or Venice as well, high-speed trains and then shuttle services will transport visitors to Cortina.
Absolutely. The ski season remains fully operational, offering scenic slopes across the Dolomiti Superski network while the Games take place.
