TL;DR: Your Winter Olympics in Italy 2026 Travel Guide:
After 20 years, the Winter Olympics are finally returning to Europe and at Insider Villas, we’re excited. From February 4th to the 22nd, athletes and fans worldwide will gather in Italy to witness a host of events.
If you’re considering travelling to Milan and Cortina to enjoy the Winter Olympics, this guide will cover everything you need to know (and where to stay).
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Italy, but it’s the first time in the event’s history where two cities will share hosting responsibilities.
Both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will welcome athletes and fans, with events taking place across popular ski resorts, such as Val di Fiemme and Alta Valtellina.
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With Milan and Cortina sharing hosting duties, it’s important to know where your favorite events will occur.
Milan will host a range of events at PalaItalia Santa Guila, Mediolanum Forum, PalaSharp, and the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium venues.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium, while other locations will host ice hockey and skating events.
Cortina d’Ampezzo will host most traditional skiing, luge, bobsled, and curling events.
Venues include the Cortina Sliding Center for luge and bobsled events, the Tofane Alpine Skiing Center for women’s Alpine skiing, and the Olympic Ice Stadium, which will host the curling event.
The 2026 Winter Olympics is an exciting event for new and long-time fans, with 116 events taking place over 19 days. You can see the full schedule on the Winter Olympics website, but here are some dates for the most popular events:
| Dates | Event | Information |
| February 4 | Curling – Mixed Doubles | This event takes place two days before the official opening ceremony. |
| February 6 | Opening Ceremony | The San Siro Stadium will host the ceremony. Preliminary rounds of women’s ice hockey and figure skating will also begin. |
| February 7 | Women’s Skiathlon in Val di Fiemme, Women’s 3000m Speed Skating in Milan, Women’s Ski Jumping in Predazzo, Men’s Downhill in Bormio, Men’s Snowboard Big Air in Livigno, Men’s Single Luge in Cortina d’Ampezzo | The first medal events will take place in both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. |
| February 13 | Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final and Women’s Snowboard Cross Finals | Both events will be hosted in Livigno. |
| February 15 | Women’s Giant Slalom and Men’s Cross-Country Relay | There will be nine gold medal events across all categories. |
| February 19 | Ski Mountaineering Sprints | These events will be hosted in Bormio. |
| February 21 | Figure Skating Gala in Milan, Men’s Ski Cross Finals in Livigno, Men’s Ice Hockey Bronze Medal Match in Milan, Men’s 50km Cross-Country Skiing in Val di Fiemme, Women’s 12.5km Biathlon Mass Start in Anterselva | This is the busiest day of the Games with numerous highlight events. |
| February 22 | Men’s Ice Hockey Final in Milan, Four-Man Bobsleigh in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Women’s Curling in Cortina d’Ampezzo | The Closing Ceremony will take place at the Arena di Verona. |
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature a variety of sports across 16 categories, including:
The 2026 Winter Olympics will introduce one new sport: Ski Mountaineering. Participants will make their way up and down a mountain using both their skis and traveling on foot, with women’s, men’s, and mixed competitions.
Several existing categories will also introduce new events, including:
An estimated 2,900 athletes will compete for medals at the 2026 Olympic Games, including 16 disciplines and 6 Paralympic events.
While men have previously dominated winter sports, the 2026 event will have around 1,362 women – making up almost half of all athletes.
The Winter Olympics are always popular, and planning ahead ensures you can reserve your tickets and find suitable accommodation. Here’s what you should know about travelling to Italy for the Olympics.
Tickets for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics went on sale in April 2025, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there are still plenty of tickets available on the official Olympics website.
Visitors can also choose hospitality packages and filter their ticket search by event. With the event drawing even closer, it’s best to act quickly to avoid disappointment.
The price of your tickets depends on the events you choose and whether you opt for VIP hospitality packages. Ticket prices generally start at €30, but luxury experiences may exceed €2,000 plus.
Both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are preparing for the Winter Olympics by adding new infrastructure and revamping venues. The Olympic Village will focus on sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and ensuring it can be repurposed into student housing.
Airlines and travel providers will also help guests from all over find the right flights, transportation, and accommodation.
Trains, flights, shuttles, and private transportation services will also be available to ensure a smooth transition between both destinations.
As you’d expect, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo offer various accommodation options for all budgets. However, if you’re planning a luxury trip, then you might want to consider five-star hotels and private chalets.
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If you’re looking for Italian style, unparalleled service, and five-star facilities, we recommend Crossing Manzoni for an authentic boutique experience. Guests can choose between a variety of rooms and a dedicated concierge team.
Cortina d’Ampezzo also offers five-star accommodation, including the beautiful Faloria Mountain Spa Resort, which lets you combine Olympic adventures with wellness.
Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will be busy during the 2026 Winter Olympics, and you may want to stay in a quieter area.
Italy has an established public transportation network and private car services, making it easy for you to travel to the event and enjoy a peaceful vacation.
Chalet Fenix
Cervina is an expansive ski area in Italy’s Aosta Valley region, connecting Northern Italy and Switzerland. The location is perfect for skiing enthusiasts, and it won’t be hosting any Olympic events.
Private accommodation like Chalet Fenix lets you enjoy a luxury experience, including a private indoor pool, cinema, and games room. Guests can also take advantage of a chauffeur service.
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San Vito de Cadore is a quieter town just 9km away from Cortina, offering a range of accommodation options and luxury experiences. Staying in the area also gives guests access to the stunning Dolomites.
The Winter Olympics will be the premier event in 2026, but Italy has much more to offer. With its rich culture, cosmopolitan cities, and unique history, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in regions like Milan, Cortina, and Cervinia.
Travelling to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics gives you the opportunity to watch your favorite events live, but combining the trip with relaxation and skiing is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation in Cervinia, Tuscany, or any other Italian destinations, please get in touch with Insider Villas today. We’ll help you find the right accommodation for your needs and ensure you have an unforgettable vacation.
Attending the Winter Olympics in Italy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and our concierge team ensures it’s as seamless as it is unforgettable. From the moment you arrive, we can arrange:
Our tip: Plan early. The Olympics will bring an unprecedented buzz to Italy, and the best villas, chalets, and tickets are already in high demand.
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