Milano Cortina 2026: The Countdown to the XXV Olympic Winter Games Begins
MELBOURNE, 02 February 2026 – With the world’s eyes turning toward Italy, we are officially in the final countdown to the XXV Olympic Winter Games. Set to be hosted by the cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, this marks a historic return to the Italian Alps, promising a blend of metropolitan innovation and traditional alpine heritage.
As of today, Monday, 02 February 2026, athletes from across the globe—including a strong contingent of Australian winter sport stars—are making their final preparations. This iteration of the Games is particularly significant as it marks the first time in Olympic history that two cities have been jointly named as hosts in an official capacity.
Event Overview and Venues
The 2026 Games are designed to be geographically diverse, utilising existing world-class facilities across Northern Italy to ensure sustainability and a lasting legacy for the region. The events will be spread across several key clusters:
- Milan: The heart of the Games, hosting the Opening Ceremony, ice hockey, and figure skating.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: The “Queen of the Dolomites” will host alpine skiing and curling.
- Val di Fiemme: The designated centre for Nordic skiing and ski jumping.
- Valtellina: Set to host freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions.
Key Facts: Milano Cortina 2026
The following table outlines the essential details for the upcoming Winter Games based on the official Olympic programme.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | XXV Olympic Winter Games |
| Host Cities | Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy |
| Motto | Dreaming Together |
| Opening Ceremony Venue | San Siro Stadium, Milan |
| Closing Ceremony Venue | Verona Arena |
The Australian Perspective
Australia enters these Games with high expectations following record-breaking performances in previous winter cycles. Our athletes have spent the northern summer training at high-performance centres in Europe and North America. Key disciplines to watch include the Women’s Moguls, Men’s Scotty James in the Halfpipe, and our growing strength in Short Track Speed Skating.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has emphasised that the health and preparation of the team remain the top priority as they transition from their final World Cup events into the Olympic Village later this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2026 Winter Olympics officially start?
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to take place on 06 February 2026. However, some preliminary rounds of team sports, such as Ice Hockey, often begin a few days prior to the official start.
Where can I watch the Games in Australia?
In Australia, the Games will be broadcast across major free-to-air networks and their digital streaming platforms. Due to the time difference between Italy and Australia, many marquee events will take place during the late evening and early morning hours (AEDT).
Is this the first time Italy has hosted the Winter Olympics?
No, Italy has a rich Olympic history. It previously hosted the Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and in Turin in 2006. This will be the third time the Winter Olympics have been held on Italian soil.