2026 Olympic Winter Games: Everything you need to know

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious games yet spanning cities, mountains, ice arenas and alpine valleys. Whether you’re in South Africa or anywhere abroad, here’s what you need to know.

When and where the the 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place

These Winter Games will run from 6 February to 22 February 2026, with competitions starting as early as 4 February for some events. They’ll be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in northern Italy – the first Olympics officially hosted by two cities together.

About 116 medal events across 8 sports and 16 disciplines are on the programme.

What competitions are scheduled at Milano Cortina 2026

Fans will see traditional Winter Olympic sports: Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, figure skating, ice hockey, ski jumping, snowboarding and more. Some key points:

• Curling events run almost from the start of the Games, roughly 4–22 February.
• For other disciplines, including ski mountaineering (new for 2026) and team alpine combined, the schedule is packed throughout the 19-day span.
• The opening ceremony will take place at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium on 6 February, with the closing ceremony at the ancient Arena di Verona in Verona on 22 February.

What is the Olympic Village?

The Olympic Village is the hub where athletes live, eat, train and relax during the Games. It’s essentially a temporary city built to Olympic standards, housing thousands of athletes and officials, providing meals, medical care, recreation and transport links to competition venues.

At the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the village design focuses on sustainability and athlete experience. Facilities link Milan’s city life with the mountain venues around Cortina and the Valtellina & Fiemme valleys.

Staying in the Olympic Village also allows athletes to immerse in the Olympic atmosphere. The ceremonies, cultural activities, camaraderie so for spectators, visiting the village zone offers that same feeling of being part of the global community.

These 2026 Games merge city and mountain, speed and snow, global stars and local fans.

Whether you’re watching from home or planning to travel abroad, mark your calendar, pick your events and jump into the moment because Milano Cortina 2026 won’t just be Winter Games, it will be an experience.