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Luge at the 2026 Olympics: What You Need to Know

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 21:36 GMT by NBC DFW
      Locales: Lombardy, Valle d'Aosta, Trentino-Alto Adige, ITALY

Understanding the Sport: Beyond the Slide

Luge, often referred to as 'sledding', involves competitors sliding down a near-vertical, icy track on a small, one- or two-person sled. What distinguishes luge from bobsleigh or skeleton is the rider's position. Lugers lie supine (on their back), feet-first, steering with subtle shifts in weight and pressure on small foot controls and occasionally with their calves. This seemingly simple method of steering requires years of training to master, as even the slightest miscalculation at speeds exceeding 130 km/h (80 mph) can have dramatic consequences.

The Cortina d'Ampezzo Track: A Venue Steeped in History

The luge competitions at the 2026 Olympics will be hosted at the Eugenio Monti Go with You track in Cortina d'Ampezzo. This isn't a new venue; it has a rich history of hosting international sliding events, including previous Winter Olympics and World Championships. The 1,210-meter (3,937 feet) track, carved into the mountainside, boasts a significant vertical drop of 120 meters (394 feet). This combination of length and steepness presents a formidable challenge for athletes, demanding both speed and meticulous control. The track's curves and gradients require lugers to maintain an optimal line throughout the run, utilizing every inch of the icy channel to maximize speed while minimizing the risk of crashing.

The Olympic Luge Program: A Full Schedule of Events The Olympic luge program consists of four distinct events:

• Men's Singles: The classic individual competition, showcasing the skill and courage of male athletes.
• Women's Singles: A parallel event for female athletes, rapidly gaining popularity and competitiveness.
• Doubles: A synchronized display of teamwork and precision, with two athletes working in harmony to navigate the track.
• Team Relay: The newest and arguably most exciting luge event. This mixed-gender team event combines the times of one male slider, one female slider, and a doubles team, creating a fast-paced and dynamic competition.

The competition schedule is rigorous, beginning with intensive training runs from February 11th to 16th, 2026, followed by qualification heats from February 17th to 19th, and culminating in the race runs from February 20th to 26th. The team relay is scheduled for the final day, offering a thrilling finale to the luge program.

The Contenders: Nations to Watch

Historically, Germany has been the dominant force in luge, consistently topping the medal charts. Their athletes are renowned for their technical prowess and relentless training. However, Austria is a perennial threat, boasting a strong luge program and a history of producing world-class sliders. The host nation, Italy, will be under immense pressure to perform well in front of their home crowd, and they are investing heavily in their luge program to achieve success. Beyond these traditional powerhouses, other nations, including Canada, Russia (if permitted to compete), and the United States, are steadily improving and could challenge for medals.

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics promises a thrilling luge competition. The Cortina track is known for its challenging conditions, and athletes will need to adapt quickly to the ever-changing ice. Look for close races, spectacular crashes, and the emergence of new stars. The team relay event, in particular, is expected to be a crowd favorite, offering a unique blend of individual skill and team synergy. With the world's best lugers converging on Cortina d'Ampezzo, the 2026 Winter Olympics will undoubtedly be a spectacle for luge enthusiasts and newcomers alike.