Luge at Milan-Cortina 2026: Dates and Location Revealed
Locales: Lombardy, Valle d'Aosta, ITALY

Luge at Milan-Cortina 2026: Key Dates and Location
The luge competitions are scheduled to take place from February 16th to March 4th, 2026. Athletes will be battling for glory at the Eugenio Montano Luge Track, a renowned facility nestled in the stunning landscape of Cortina d'Ampezzo. This track has a rich history of hosting international luge events, and its challenging curves and high speeds promise a spectacular showcase of athletic skill. The track itself underwent significant renovations in recent years to meet the demands of modern competition and ensure athlete safety.
Detailed Schedule Breakdown
The competition begins with several days dedicated to training, allowing athletes to familiarize themselves with the track and fine-tune their techniques. Here's a more detailed look at the schedule:
- February 16-22: Training sessions for Men's Singles, Women's Singles, and Doubles.
- February 23-24: Men's Singles Qualification Rounds.
- February 25: Men's Singles Final - The culmination of intense training and qualifying for the men's event.
- February 26-27: Women's Singles Qualification Rounds.
- February 28: Women's Singles Final - The women compete for their chance at Olympic gold.
- March 1-2: Men's Doubles Qualification Rounds.
- March 3: Men's Doubles Final - A test of synchronization and teamwork.
- March 4: Mixed Team Relay Final - The final luge event, featuring a thrilling combination of disciplines.
How to Tune In: Broadcasting Information
For viewers in the United States, NBC and its streaming service, Peacock, are expected to be the primary broadcasters of the 2026 Winter Olympics, including comprehensive coverage of luge. Check local listings and the NBC Sports website for specific broadcast times and streaming options. It is anticipated that coverage will include live events, highlight reels, and athlete profiles, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the world of luge.
Understanding the Sport of Luge
Luge, derived from the French word for "sled," is a high-speed, gravity-driven sport with origins dating back to 19th-century Switzerland. Competitors lie supine (on their back) on a small sled, steering using subtle shifts in body weight and calf pressure on the sled's runners. It's a sport that demands incredible core strength, precision, and courage. The speeds reached can exceed 130 km/h (80 mph), making it one of the fastest sliding sports.
There are four disciplines of luge:
- Singles: One athlete races down the track.
- Doubles: Two athletes race on a single sled, requiring perfect synchronization.
- Mixed Team Relay: A team composed of one man, one woman, and one doubles team competes, adding a tactical dimension to the competition.
Luge tracks are not made of natural ice, but rather a sophisticated synthetic ice created by spraying water onto the track and allowing it to freeze. This ensures a consistent and predictable racing surface. The design of the track, with its steep curves and complex turns, is crucial to the challenge and excitement of the sport.
The Evolution of Luge and its Olympic History
Luge first appeared at the Winter Olympics in 1948 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and has been a staple ever since. Over the years, the sport has evolved with advancements in sled technology, track design, and athlete training. Modern luge athletes are highly specialized, dedicating years to perfecting their technique and physical conditioning. The sport requires not only athleticism but also a deep understanding of physics and aerodynamics. The mixed team relay, a relatively recent addition to the Olympic program, has proven to be a popular and exciting event, attracting a wider audience to the sport.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/olympics-luge-schedule-channels-streams-watch-milan-2026/4477d48ad232af198b8e199b ]