The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy: Everything You Need To Know
Olivier Heuchenne
Co-founder of Insider Villas.
With a Hotel and Restaurant Management degree from the University of Denver (1991), Olivier embarked on a globetrotting journey, gaining expertise in luxury hospitality. Now based in Mallorca, he combines his global experience with local insights to create exceptional travel experiences.
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TL;DR: Your Winter Olympics in Italy 2026 Travel Guide:
When? February 4–22, 2026, with 116 events over 19 days.
Where? Hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with additional venues in Bormio, Anterselva, Livigno, Tesero, and Predazzo.
What’s new? Ski Mountaineering makes its Olympic debut, along with new events like women’s double luge and mixed-gender skeleton.
Who’s competing? Around 2,900 athletes, with nearly half being women.
Tickets? On sale since April 2025, starting at €30, with VIP hospitality packages exceeding €2,000 +.
Where to stay? Milan: Boutique luxury at Crossing Manzoni.
Nearby escapes: Cervinia: Stay at Chalet Fenix for privacy and alpine luxury.
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).
Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics be held?
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.
What are the main venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo?
With Milan and Cortina sharing hosting duties, it’s important to know where your favorite events will occur.
Milan Venues
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 Venues
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.
Other Venues:
Bormio: The men’s Alpine skiing events will occur at the Stelvio Ski Center.
Anterselva: Anterselva’s Biathlon Center is the go-to venue for biathlon events.
Livingo: Fans of freestyle snowboarding and skiing will find that most events occur at Livingo.
Tesero: Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular Winter Olympics events, and Tereso will host both cross-country and Nordic skiing.
Predazzo: Ski jumping competitions will take place at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Arena.
What are the key dates for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
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.
What sports will be featured at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature a variety of sports across 16 categories, including:
Curling
Biathlon
Cross-Country Skiing
Bobsleigh: (including Skeleton)
Ice Hockey
Snowboard
Freestyle Skiing
Nordic Combined
Figure Skating
Short Track Speed Skating
Luge
Speed Skating
Ski Jumping
Ski Mountaineering
Which new sports will be introduced?
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:
Women’s double luge
Mixed gender skeleton events
Women’s large hill individual ski jumping
Women’s and men’s dual mogul freestyle skiing events
Men’s and women’s combined Alpine skiing
How many athletes are expected to participate in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics?
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.
Planning Your Winter Olympics Trip for 2026
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.
When do tickets go on sale for the 2026 Winter 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.
How much are Winter Olympics tickets in 2026?
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.
How are Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
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.
Where to Stay in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
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.
What are the best hotels in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo?
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.
What are the best luxury accommodations near the 2026 Winter Olympics?
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.
Cervinia – Our luxury chalet rental in the Mountains
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.
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.
What is the best way to combine the Winter Olympics with a luxury stay in Italy?
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.
Milan Luxury Activities:
Art & History: Visit some of Milan’s many art galleries and museums to view historic works, including the Pinacoteca di Brera and Cenacolo Vinciano.
Shopping: There’s nowhere quite like Milan for shopping, and the Quadrilatero della Moda is ideal for designer brands.
Shopping: If you’re looking for designer shopping, Corso Italia is home to luxury jewellery brands and Italy’s most popular clothing designers.
Skiing: Cortina is usually a hot spot for skiing, and some slopes will be open to the public during the Olympics.
Cervinia Luxury Activities:
Snow Adventures: Cervinia offers a range of ski slopes, sledding experiences, and heli-skiing activities, where you can enjoy skiing in complete privacy.
Fine Dining: What makes Cervinia truly unique is its array of fine dining restaurants, many of which offer wine tasting experiences.
Golf: Golf enthusiasts will love testing their skills on Cervino Golf Club’s 18-hole high-altitude course. It’s also the highest golf course in Italy.
Plan Your 2026 Winter Olympics Adventure Today
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.
Let Insider Villas Take Care of Every Detail
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:
Luxury accommodations in Milan, Cortina, or nearby exclusive chalets
Private transfers between airports, venues, and ski resorts
VIP seats and hospitality packages for the events you don’t want to miss
Personal chefs, wellness treatments, and private guides for downtime between competitions
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.
Hi Emilio,
It was pleasure meeting you and my family and I had an amazing time. We would like to thank you for your kindness and looking over us while we stayed as it was our first trip to Mallorca. We had many incredible memories and many of it was thanks to you.
I wish you and your family all the best and do excuse me for not getting something for you to show our appreciation, but surely we will come back and we shall meet again. And if you ever come to Saudi don’t hesitate to contact me
Best,
Meshal
La casita era perfecta y el Rafa Nadal Academy, fue una gran experiencia. Gracias por Todo!
We enjoyed our week at Seaside Cottage very much.
Kevin CK
August 08, 2026
Our holiday to the Seychelles organised by Insider Villas was absolutely faultless, the itinerary, the hotels, the recommendations , in fact simply everything, an absolute 5 star experience. Truly a trip to paradise. Would do it all again in a heartbeat. We can’t thank Olí, Anna and team enough.
Amelia V.
September 11, 2025
Olivier was absolutely fantastic — he consistently went above and beyond to ensure our holiday was exceptional. The only minor disappointment was that, upon arrival, the villa didn’t feel fully prepared for check-in, which we later learned was due to the condition it had been left in by the previous guest. That said, we completely understand these things can happen, and Olivier handled the situation swiftly and professionally, rectifying everything within 24 hours.
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Ashley F.
August 30, 2025
Super knowledge and responsive team!! Made our trip smooth and rewarding. Thank you!
Jason M.
August 28, 2025
Fantastic experience with Emilio and the Insider Villas team in Mallorca. The villa was exceptional, and they organised all our activities throughout the week and did a brilliant job. And when a different company messed up, they went above and beyond to fix even though it wasn’t their fault. Would give them 6 stars if I could! Highly recommend!
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Anil S.
August 07, 2025
We had an amazing experience working with Oliver during our time in Mallorca. He made the impossible happen—organizing everything flawlessly, even on short notice. From reservations to personalized recommendations, everything was spot-on. If you’re visiting Mallorca, I highly recommend using Oliver for all your travel and concierge needs. Thank you, Oliver!
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KG
July 24, 2025
A beautifully situated house in Consel with all the comforts you need for a family holiday
Michael P.
June 12, 2025
Perfection down to every last detail! Can't recommend enough, if you're looking for a villa to rent or concierge services to enjoy your holidays even more, Insider Villas is the only address on the island!
Thank you for everything Oli, so much!!! Much appreciate everything from the planning of all the activities, to the villa which we loved!! We look forward to work with you again in the future for our family holidays!
Our birthday surprise trip with friends was an unforgettable experience from the seaside villa to the day out on the boat and the private chef dinner in villa! Just what we needed to celebrate our friend Chris. We will return soon!
We loved our villa and wish to come back again for next year at the same time! It has been great fun and a real break for us. My morning swim was amazing and I can't wait to bring the family back again.
Neel S.
August 08, 2022
Total slice of heaven!!! We’ve been upgraded here to an ocean view one bedroom villa (132) … it’s huuuuuuge!!!! Feeling very spoilt! We are having just a wonderful time, and so much thanks to you guys. Muchos besos x
We love the house, the property is gorgeous, the decoration is the type of one we really like 🙂 we are very happy, thank you and thank you for the welcoming. Thank you for your help and have a lovely Sunday
Hi Olivier, Everything is going well at the new villa, Ana was a great help yesterday, we love it here at Finca Only Summer! Thank you for your help to arrange all the extra services at Patiki Beach!
On a adoré notre sejour a Finca Can Basso, surtout on a profité de la proprieté, la piscine, l'espace et la privacité! Un grand merci a tous pour les attentions et petits details.
Dear Annette,
Thank you – we had a wonderful time on our family holiday in Umbria thanks to the beautiful villa and all of Francesca’s assistance. We would also love to purchase some wines from the estate.
