Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics? Milan–Cortina, Italy

Introduction: Why the location matters

Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics and why does it matter? The answer—Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy—shapes the logistics, climate preparation and economic impact of the Games. As organizers prepare venues, transportation and accommodation, the choice of host cities influences athlete performance, spectator access and regional development across northern Italy.

Main body: Facts and context

Host cities and dates

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially promoted as Milan–Cortina 2026, are scheduled from 6 to 22 February 2026. The joint bid by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo was selected by the International Olympic Committee in 2019. The arrangement spreads competitions between the metropolitan and alpine settings of Lombardy and the Dolomites in Veneto.

Historical and regional significance

Cortina d’Ampezzo previously hosted the Winter Games in 1956, returning as an alpine hub seven decades later. Milan will bring major-city infrastructure and event-hosting capacity to ice sports and ceremonies. This will mark Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Olympics following Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006.

Events and logistics

Competitions are planned across multiple mountain and city venues to accommodate alpine, Nordic and ice disciplines. Combining a large urban centre with alpine resorts aims to balance spectator access, media operations and athlete support. Organizers have highlighted investments in transport links, venue upgrades and sustainability measures to manage the dispersed format.

Conclusion: What it means for readers

For sports fans and travellers asking where are the 2026 Winter Olympics, Milan–Cortina 2026 offers a mix of city spectacle and mountain tradition. The Games are likely to deliver a short-term boost to tourism and infrastructure in northern Italy and renewed focus on winter-sport development. Observers will watch preparations for environmental resilience, transport capacity and legacy planning as the event approaches in early 2026.