Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dates, Events, and the Full Competition Calendar
February 6–22, 2026. These dates mark Italy’s return to the global Olympic stage with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. While the name highlights both Milan and Cortina, the true alpine heart of the Games beats in Cortina d’Ampezzo, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites.
This guide provides a complete, practical overview of Milano Cortina 2026 with a special focus on Cortina, including official competition dates by sport, venues, and why this mountain town will define the visual and emotional identity of the Games.
Milano Cortina 2026: Official Olympic Dates
- Preliminary competitions: February 4–5, 2026
- Opening Ceremony: February 6, 2026 (Milan – San Siro Stadium)
- Official competition period: February 6–22, 2026
- Closing Ceremony: February 22, 2026 (Verona Arena)
The Games will span 16 competition days and involve more than 90 nations across northern Italy.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Alpine Core of the Olympics
Cortina d’Ampezzo, a UNESCO-listed alpine landscape and former Olympic host in 1956, will once again play a central role. Unlike temporary Olympic cities, Cortina is a living winter sports capital, hosting World Cup races and elite training every year.
For Milano Cortina 2026, Cortina will host alpine skiing, sliding sports, and curling — some of the most iconic events of the Games.
Complete Competition Dates – Events Hosted in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Alpine Skiing (Tofane Slopes – Cortina d’Ampezzo)
Competition dates: February 7–16, 2026
- Men’s and Women’s Downhill
- Men’s and Women’s Super-G
- Men’s and Women’s Giant Slalom
- Men’s and Women’s Slalom
- Alpine Combined
These events will be staged on the legendary Tofane slopes, known for their steep gradients, speed, and technical difficulty. Alpine skiing in Cortina is expected to be among the most watched events of the entire Olympics.
Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton (Cortina Sliding Centre)
Competition dates: February 8–20, 2026
- Bobsleigh (men’s and women’s)
- Luge (singles, doubles, team relay)
- Skeleton (men’s and women’s)
The newly rebuilt Cortina Sliding Centre will host these high-speed disciplines, with athletes reaching speeds exceeding 130 km/h. Finals for sliding events traditionally take place during the second week of the Games.
Curling (Cortina d’Ampezzo)
Competition dates: February 4–21, 2026
- Mixed Doubles Curling (starts before Opening Ceremony)
- Men’s Curling
- Women’s Curling
Curling is always among the earliest Olympic sports to begin and one of the last to conclude, with medal matches scheduled in the final days of the Games.
Complete Milano Cortina 2026 Competition Calendar by Sport
Below is an overview of all Olympic sports with official competition date ranges:
- Alpine Skiing: February 7–16
- Bobsleigh: February 14–20
- Skeleton: February 12–15
- Luge: February 8–13
- Curling: February 4–21
- Ice Hockey: February 5–22
- Figure Skating: February 6–21
- Speed Skating: February 7–21
- Short Track Speed Skating: February 6–16
- Nordic Combined: February 7–19
- Cross-Country Skiing: February 7–21
- Ski Jumping: February 6–17
- Biathlon: February 7–21
- Freestyle Skiing: February 6–21
- Snowboarding: February 6–21
- Ski Mountaineering (new Olympic sport): February 8–19
Exact daily schedules and medal events will be confirmed closer to the Games, depending on weather and snow conditions.
Cortina 1956 and Cortina 2026: A Historic Return
The 1956 Winter Olympics made Cortina internationally famous and introduced millions of viewers to the Dolomites for the first time. Milano Cortina 2026 continues that legacy with modern infrastructure, sustainability goals, and global reach — without altering the soul of the place.
Why Cortina Will Define Milano Cortina 2026
- Unmatched Dolomite scenery
- Legendary Olympic and World Cup slopes
- A real alpine town, not a temporary venue
- The perfect balance of sport, nature, and Italian lifestyle
Cortina will be the image, the memory, and the emotion of these Games.
Visiting Cortina During the Olympics
February 2026 will make Cortina one of the most sought-after winter destinations in the world. Accommodation will be limited, access regulated, and transportation carefully managed. Planning well in advance will be essential, especially for travelers seeking premium or private experiences.
Why Experience Milano Cortina 2026 with Tour Leader Venice
Major events in Italy are unforgettable — but complex. Tour Leader Venice specializes in seamless, high-end travel planning, including private transfers, curated alpine stays, and personalized itineraries connecting Venice, Cortina, and the Dolomites.
During extraordinary moments like the Winter Olympics, local expertise makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Milano Cortina 2026 will be remembered as one of the most scenic Winter Olympics ever held.
And while Milan will host the flame, it is in Cortina d’Ampezzo — between speed, snow, and stone — that the true Olympic spirit will come alive.
If winter has a capital in 2026, this is it.
