Today, marks the official start of a historic chapter in sporting history as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Italy. Breaking from traditional single-city hosting, these XXV Winter Games are spread across 8,494 square miles of northern Italy, bridging the urban sophistication of Milan with the rugged peaks of the Dolomites in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
With the Opening Ceremony taking place today at the iconic San Siro Stadium, the world’s focus shifts to an event defined by "distributed hosting" and the debut of thrilling new disciplines like Ski Mountaineering.
Who is hosting the 2026 Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being co-hosted by two primary Italian cities: Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Host Country: Italy.
Venues: Competitions are spread across four main clusters: Milan (ice sports), Cortina (alpine events), Valtellina (freestyle), and Val di Fiemme (Nordic events).Historical Significance: This is the first time in Olympic history that two cities have officially co-hosted the Games. It is Italy's fourth time hosting an Olympics, following Cortina 1956, Rome 1960 (Summer), and Turin 2006.
2026 Olympics Opening Ceremony
The symbolic heartbeat of the Games occurs today, Friday, February 6, 2026.
Location: San Siro Stadium, Milan.
Time: The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM local time (CET).Theme: "Harmony"—connecting the diverse regions of northern Italy.
Performers: A star-studded lineup including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Laura Pausini is expected to perform, with a tribute to the late legendary designer Giorgio Armani.
Where are the 2026 and 2030 Olympics?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already secured the roadmap for the next decade of winter and summer sport.
| Year | Season | Host Location | Country |
| 2026 | Winter | Milano Cortina | Italy |
| 2028 | Summer | Los Angeles | USA |
| 2030 | Winter | French Alps | France |
| 2032 | Summer | Brisbane | Australia |
Note: The 2030 Winter Olympics will be primarily based in the French Alps, with the city of Nice hosting the ice events and closing ceremonies.
Winter Olympics 2026 Schedule Highlights
While the Opening Ceremony is today, preliminary rounds for curling and ice hockey actually began on February 4.
February 6: Opening Ceremony (Milan).
February 7: First Gold Medals awarded (Men’s Downhill in Bormio, Speed Skating, and Snowboarding).February 13–16: Marquee Figure Skating events (Men’s and Pairs Free Skate).
February 19: Women’s Ice Hockey Final.
February 22: Men’s Ice Hockey Final and
Fast Facts: Milano Cortina 2026
Mascots: Milo and Tina, a pair of sibling stoats.
Motto: "Dreaming Together" (and the official vibe tag "IT's Your Vibe").New Sport: Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) makes its Olympic debut, featuring athletes climbing and skiing down mountainous terrain.
Participants: Approximately 2,900 athletes from nearly 90 nations.