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Milan-Cortina 2026: Italy's Tri-Decade Olympic Legacy

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 21:33 GMT by KOB 4

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Milan‑Cortina 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Italy’s Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXVIII Olympic Winter Games, will be held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina‑d’Ampezzo. The Games mark Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Olympics, having previously welcomed athletes in 1956 (St. Moritz, Switzerland for the 1956 Winter Games) and 2006 (Turin). The bid that earned the right to host was formally awarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in September 2020, and since then the organising committee has been busy turning a vision of cutting‑edge venues, sustainable infrastructure and a vibrant cultural showcase into a reality.

1. The Bid that Won It All

Milan‑Cortina’s bid was lauded for its emphasis on sustainability, existing infrastructure and the sheer beauty of the Dolomites. The IOC cited the cities’ ability to use existing venues—such as the Stadio Olimpico in Milan, the Pista della Villa in Cortina and the recently refurbished Segantini Sports Centre—as a major factor. The bid also promised “The Games as a catalyst for economic development, tourism and sports participation” while pledging a net‑zero carbon footprint.

The organising committee, run by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), has been collaborating closely with the Italian government, the European Union and local municipalities. Their aim is to create a “legacy” that leaves a lasting positive impact on the region’s economy, environment and sports culture.

2. Venues & Infrastructure

Milan will host the opening and closing ceremonies, the Olympic village, the Olympic Park and the Olympic stadium for the final medal ceremonies. The “Milan 2026 Olympic Park” will sit in the western part of the city, close to the historic Duomo and the Quadrilatero della Moda. The Stadio San Siro, upgraded for the Games, will also be used for certain Alpine events that require a large stadium.

Cortina‑d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomites, will serve as the heart of the mountain competition. The town already boasts world‑class ski slopes and will get two new venues: the “Foppolo Olympic Ski Jump” and a purpose‑built “Cortina‑2026 Ice Rink” for speed skating and short track.

Other venues include the Pista della Villa (Alpine skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined), the Segantini Sports Centre (figure skating, short track, ice hockey) and the newly renovated Mottolengo Ski Centre (freestyle skiing and snowboarding). The organising committee has also secured agreements with nearby venues such as the Val Gardena and Val di Fassa ski areas, which will host events for cross‑country skiing, biathlon and the mixed‑team relay.

3. Sports, Events & Highlights

The 2026 Winter Games will feature 78 medal events across 15 sports, with the same Olympic disciplines as the 2022 Beijing Games plus the debut of the Mixed Relay in biathlon and the return of the Skeleton and Luge events that were dropped in 2018. The full schedule includes:

The Games will run from February 6‑20, 2026, with the opening ceremony on February 6 and the closing ceremony on February 20. The iconic “Milan‑Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony” will take place on the Piazza del Duomo, celebrating Italian culture, fashion, and the Olympic spirit.

4. Ticketing & How to Attend

Tickets will be sold through the official Milan‑Cortina 2026 website and will be released in multiple phases:

1. Pre‑Sale (VIPs & Sponsor Holders) – July 2025
2. General Ticket Sale – September 2025
3. Season Ticket Packages – October 2025

Tickets come in a variety of categories, including single‑event, multi‑sport, and “All‑Access” season passes that cover all events in both cities. Prices start at €75 for a single Alpine skiing event and go up to €3,200 for a season pass. The website will allow purchasers to choose seating sections, purchase tickets in different currencies, and receive digital entry passes for the opening ceremony.

Travel & Accommodation

• Flights: Milan’s Malpensa Airport is a major hub, with nonstop flights from North America, Asia, and Europe. Cortina is best accessed via a transfer from Milan, either by train (the fastest route is the Milan‑Verona‑Cortina train line) or a domestic flight to Venice followed by a 2‑hour bus ride.
• Train: The Trenord and Italo high‑speed trains connect Milan to the northern regions and provide a scenic route to Cortina via the Bussolengo‑Verona line. The train system offers a special “Games ticket” that allows unlimited travel between Milan and Cortina during the competition period.
• Car Rental: Several major rental agencies have dedicated “Olympics packages” with special rates for long‑term rentals.
• Hotels: Major hotel chains in Milan such as Marriott, Hilton and InterContinental will offer “Olympic rates.” In Cortina, boutique hotels and chalets near the slopes will be available. A new “Milan‑Cortina Guesthouse Network” was announced in October 2024 to provide affordable lodging options for budget‑conscious visitors.

5. Sustainability & Legacy

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the 2026 Winter Games. The organising committee pledged that all new venues will be built to LEED Gold or ISO 14001 standards. In Cortina, a new energy‑harvesting ski lift will capture kinetic energy during lifts to power lighting and electronic displays. The “Milan‑Cortina Green Route” will use electric buses and bicycle‑friendly lanes to transport athletes and fans between venues.

Post‑Games, the venues will be repurposed into public sports facilities and community centres. The “Milan‑Cortina Sports Hub” will host a year‑long “Kids Winter Olympics” program to encourage youth participation in winter sports. A cultural festival will showcase Italian cinema, fashion and gastronomy, ensuring that the legacy of the Games extends far beyond the medals.

6. Cultural Attractions & Local Highlights

Milan itself is a magnet for art, fashion, and cuisine. Visitors to the Games can add a Duomo tour, a Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II stroll, and a Sforza Castle visit to their itinerary. Food lovers should try Risotto alla Milanese, Ossobuco, and the region’s famous panettone.

Cortina‑d’Ampezzo offers more than just slopes. The Lago di Misurina, the Alpe di Siusi plateau, and the Cinque Torri climbing route are top picks for off‑season visitors. The town’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stone‑paved streets and 19th‑century architecture that evoke old‑world charm.

7. Key Dates & Practical Tips

Practical Tips:

• Pack Light: Most athletes carry only one backpack for each trip between venues. Travelers should keep luggage under 23 kg to avoid high customs fees.
• Altitude Training: Cortina sits at 1,200 m; acclimation is recommended for high‑altitude athletes and visitors.
• Weather: February can bring temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C; layers are essential.

8. Final Thoughts

The Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games promise an unforgettable blend of high‑performance sport, spectacular scenery, and vibrant Italian culture. With its emphasis on sustainability, innovative infrastructure, and community legacy, the Games are poised to set a new standard for future Olympics. Whether you’re a seasoned fan, a first‑time visitor, or simply a curious traveler, the 2026 Games offer an opportunity to witness history in the making while enjoying the best that the Italian Alps and Lombardy have to offer. Keep an eye on the official Milan‑Cortina 2026 website for the latest ticketing information, travel advisories and official schedules—your adventure into one of the most iconic sporting events of the century is just a click away.