Discover everything about the Olimpiadas de Invierno 2026 in Italy. Dates, venues, sports, athletes, and how to watch the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics from the U.S.
The Olimpiadas de Invierno 2026, known in English as the Winter Olympics 2026, are shaping up to be one of the most unique and visually stunning Olympic Games in history. Hosted by Italy, these Winter Games will take place across multiple cities and regions, combining world-class winter sports with iconic European culture, architecture, and alpine landscapes.
For fans searching online using terms like olimpiadas de invierno 2026, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—from locations and sports to why these Olympics are unlike any before.
Where Will the Winter Olympics 2026 Be Held?
Unlike previous editions hosted in a single city, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be spread across northern Italy. The main host cities are Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, supported by several other venues in the Lombardy and Veneto regions.
Milan will host the opening ceremony and indoor events, while Cortina d’Ampezzo—nestled in the Dolomite Mountains—will be the heart of alpine sports such as downhill skiing and snowboarding. Additional competitions will take place in cities like Bormio, Livigno, and Anterselva, creating a geographically diverse Olympic experience.
This distributed format reflects Italy’s goal of sustainability, reusing existing venues rather than building massive new facilities.
Dates and Schedule of Olimpiadas de Invierno 2026
The Winter Olympics 2026 will officially begin on February 6, 2026, and conclude with the closing ceremony on February 22, 2026. Over these 17 days, athletes from around the world will compete in 16 different sports and more than 110 medal events.
Some sports, including curling and ice hockey, will begin a couple of days before the opening ceremony, giving fans early action to enjoy.
Sports Featured in the Winter Olympics 2026
The Olimpiadas de Invierno 2026 will include all the classic winter sports fans expect, such as:
- Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Figure Skating
- Speed Skating and Short Track
- Ice Hockey
- Curling
- Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton
These sports will be contested by hundreds of elite athletes representing nations from every continent. The Games will also continue to emphasize gender equality, with balanced participation between male and female athletes.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The opening ceremony will take place at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan. Known worldwide as the home of elite football clubs, the stadium will transform into a global stage celebrating Italian culture, music, and Olympic tradition.
In a historic first, a second Olympic cauldron will also be lit in Cortina d’Ampezzo, symbolizing the shared hosting of the Games.
The closing ceremony will be held in Verona, inside a historic Roman amphitheater, adding a dramatic and cultural finale to the Olympics.
How to Watch the Olimpiadas de Invierno 2026 in the U.S.
For U.S. audiences, the Winter Olympics 2026 will be broadcast primarily by NBC, with extensive coverage across television and digital platforms.
Viewers will be able to watch:
- Live events during the day
- Prime-time highlights each evening
- Full replays and on-demand streams
Streaming services like Peacock will offer enhanced viewing experiences, including multi-event viewing and real-time highlights, making it easier than ever to follow your favorite sports and athletes.
Why the Winter Olympics 2026 Are Special
The Olimpiadas de Invierno 2026 stand out for several reasons:
1. Multiple Host Cities
This is the first Winter Olympics officially co-hosted by two cities, redefining how future Games may be organized.
2. Sustainability Focus
Italy is emphasizing environmental responsibility by using existing venues and minimizing new construction.
3. Historic and Scenic Locations
From Milan’s modern skyline to the snow-covered Dolomites, the visual backdrop of these Olympics will be unforgettable.
4. Return of Full Spectators
Unlike the pandemic-affected Games of the past, fans will be able to attend events in person, bringing back the electric Olympic atmosphere.
Paralympic Winter Games 2026
Following the Olympics, the Winter Paralympic Games will begin in March 2026. Hundreds of Para athletes will compete across multiple sports, including Para alpine skiing and wheelchair curling, continuing the celebration of athletic excellence and inclusivity.
Final Thoughts
The Olimpiadas de Invierno 2026 are more than just a sporting event—they are a global celebration of competition, culture, and unity set against one of the most beautiful winter landscapes in the world. Whether you’re watching from the United States or planning to follow every medal event online, the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics promise unforgettable moments on and off the ice.
As February 2026 approaches, interest in the Winter Olympics will only grow. One thing is certain: Italy is ready to welcome the world.
