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2026 Winter Olympics: When, Where, and How to Experience Milan-Cortina

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 13:48 GMT by WDIO

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Winter Olympics 2026: A Quick Guide to Watching, Planning, and Experiencing the Milan‑Cortina Games

The 2026 Winter Olympics—officially titled the XXVIII Olympic Winter Games—will open the stage for the world’s best athletes in a breathtaking blend of Alpine and Mediterranean settings. From the snow‑clad slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo to the chic, lakeside venues of Milan, the Games promise both classic winter sport spectacles and a fresh, modern atmosphere. If you’re planning to follow the action from home or make the trip across the pond, this concise primer pulls together the essential details from the latest coverage on WDIO.com.

1. When and Where

• Dates: February 12‑23, 2026
• Primary Venues:
  • Cortina d’Ampezzo (Dolomites) – alpine skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, figure skating, short‑track speed skating.
  • Milan – hockey, curling, skeleton, ski jumping, and the iconic opening/closing ceremonies held at the Arno River and the newly renovated Stadio Olimpico.

The dual‑city format is a first for the Winter Games, blending the high‑altitude, mountain‑centric sporting venues with a cosmopolitan, urban host.

2. How to Watch the Games

Key Takeaway: The U.S. audience can rely on Fox Sports for comprehensive coverage, with ESPN+ offering on‑demand and international fans able to stream via DAZN or the official Olympic Channel.

3. Ticketing – What, Where, and How

• Ticketing Platform: The official 2026 ticket portal launched October 15, 2025.
• Ticket Types:
  • General Admission: access to most events; sold in blocks for each venue.
  • VIP Packages: premium seating, meet‑and‑greet opportunities with athletes, and exclusive hospitality suites.
  • Family Packs: discounts for up to four members; includes priority entry and reserved parking.
• Pricing Range: $150–$1,200 USD depending on event and seat location.
• Purchasing Tips:
  1. Buy early – General tickets sell out quickly, especially for popular events like men's alpine combined and women's curling.
  2. Use the “Event Calendar” to align your schedule with preferred sports.
  3. Look for “Group Deals” if traveling with friends or colleagues.

Tickets are sold in pre‑sale windows for high‑interest events, followed by a general sale. Holders receive a digital QR code for entry and can download a dedicated app that offers venue maps, live stats, and on‑site Wi‑Fi hotspots.

4. Travel & Accommodation Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Arriving mid‑January gives you a buffer to acclimatize, explore Milan’s winter festivals, and snag accommodation deals before the Games’ full‑scale demand spikes.
• Air Travel:
  • Milan‑Camponogara Airport (MXP) – major international hub; direct flights from North America to MXP are frequent.
  • Cortina d’Ampezzo is best accessed via Venice Marco Polo (VCE) or Cortina Airport (regional flights).
  • Train: Italy’s high‑speed network (Frecciarossa/Italo) links Milan to Venice in ~2.5 hours; a scenic Sella Ronda train connects to Cortina.
• Accommodation:
  • Milan: Hotels in the Sforza Castle area and Brera offer proximity to events and cultural hotspots.
  • Cortina: Boutique resorts and family‑run inns dot the valley. Book in advance—the 2026 “Snow‑Stay” package bundles lodging with a day‑pass to a ski resort.
• Local Transportation:
  • Milan: Extensive metro, tram, and bike‑share network; a “Olympic Day Pass” gives unlimited rides for athletes and spectators.
  • Cortina: Bus‑Ski network connects major sporting venues; consider renting a snow‑capable vehicle for weekend ski trips.

5. Key Events to Watch

1. Alpine Skiing – The heart of the Games; the men’s and women’s downhill races promise heart‑stopping speeds on the Stelvio slope.
2. Curling – The first Winter Olympics to feature women’s curling as a marquee event; the high‑precision sport’s strategy‑rich play will intrigue new viewers.
3. Skeleton – A thrilling, high‑velocity sled race down the Cortina track; the 2026 Games will see the first women’s skeleton competition in 16 years.
4. Figure Skating – The 2026 Olympic Gala will showcase new scoring formats and “robot” choreographies.
5. Opening Ceremony – Set against the backdrop of the Arno River, the ceremony will feature a blend of traditional Italian music, laser light shows, and a 10‑kilometer LED‑lit torch relay across the city.

6. Digital & Social Media Resources

• Official Olympic Channel – Live streams of the opening and closing ceremonies, plus curated athlete interviews.
• @MilanCortina2026 on Twitter/X – Real‑time updates, ticket alerts, and fan polls.
• Instagram – Daily behind‑the‑scenes stories from athletes and official venues.
• YouTube – Highlights, “How to Ski” tutorials, and a “Winter Games 2026” vlog series featuring local guides.

7. Quick FAQ

8. Final Thoughts

The 2026 Winter Olympics mark a historic collaboration between the storied alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the bustling metropolis of Milan. Whether you’re a die‑hard athlete fan, a casual viewer, or a tourist looking to combine a cultural trip with world‑class sports, the Games deliver everything—from high‑altitude adrenaline to sophisticated urban elegance. Secure your tickets early, set your travel plans, and keep your eyes glued to Fox Sports or the official Olympic streaming portal. The world’s biggest winter celebration is almost here—get ready to experience it in style, from the snow‑capped peaks to the sparkling streets of Milan.