Winter Olympics Italy 2026: Host Cities & Travel Guide

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will bring the Games back to Italy with a very different shape. Instead of one compact host city, events will be spread across Milan and several mountain regions, from the Dolomites to northern Alpine towns. It is a Winter Olympics built around movement, scenery, and regional travel.

This guide is for spectators planning to attend the Games in person, especially those visiting Italy for the first time or combining events with sightseeing. It focuses on what you actually need to plan. Where events take place, how far venues are from each other, when to book, where to stay, and how to move between cities without rushing.

Because these Games span multiple regions, staying connected while moving between bases matters more than usual. A simple international eSIM like Jetpac can make navigation, transport planning, and last-minute changes easier once you are on the ground.

Key Dates for Milano Cortina 2026 (Quick Facts)

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will run across February 2026, with competitions spread over nearly three weeks and multiple regions in northern Italy.

Events are scheduled across four main geographical clusters, which means travel planning matters just as much as ticket selection. Because competitions start before the Opening Ceremony, some events will take place earlier than many spectators expect.

Time Zone Notes

All events are listed in local time (Central European Time). CET is one hour ahead of UTC and several hours ahead of North American time zones, which is worth keeping in mind when booking flights or planning arrival days.

Planning Around the Schedule

• Arrive early if your events start before the Opening Ceremony. Some competitions begin on 4 February.
• Book accommodation with buffer days. Travel between clusters takes time, especially in winter conditions.
• Expect changes. The competition schedule is considered preliminary and may shift closer to the Games.

Ticket sales and day-by-day schedules are released in phases. Registering early and staying flexible with dates and locations gives you the best chance to see the events you care about without rushing between regions.

Where the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics Take Place

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are spread across four main geographical clusters, with Verona added for major ceremonies. This makes it the most geographically distributed Winter Olympics to date, covering large parts of northern Italy across Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino, and South Tyrol.

For spectators, this means planning matters more than usual. Events are grouped by sport and region, and most visitors will choose one or two clusters rather than trying to see everything.

Milano Cluster (Urban Ice Sports Hub)

Milan serves as the urban anchor of the Games. This is where most ice sports and major ceremonies take place, making it the most practical base for first-time Olympic visitors.

Milan also hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Village at Porta Romana, built as a sustainable redevelopment project. For spectators, Milan offers the best transport links, the widest hotel choice, and the easiest access to multiple events, all without the challenges of winter driving.

Cortina Cluster (Dolomites Alpine Hub)

Cortina d’Ampezzo sits in the heart of the Dolomites and hosts many of the classic outdoor Winter Olympic events. This cluster is visually dramatic but requires more careful planning due to mountain travel and limited accommodation.

Cortina also hosts a temporary Olympic Village in Fiames, while biathlon athletes stay in nearby Anterselva hotels. For spectators, this cluster suits those prioritizing alpine events and mountain atmosphere.

Valtellina Cluster (High-Alpine Sports and New Olympic Disciplines)

The Valtellina Valley cluster is split between Bormio and Livigno, both well-known ski towns.

This cluster works best for spectators planning longer alpine stays or combining events with skiing.

Val di Fiemme Cluster (Nordic Sports Region)

Val di Fiemme focuses on Nordic disciplines, spread across two main towns.

Verona (Ceremony Venue)

Verona hosts the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games at the historic Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater dating back to 30 AD. It also hosts the Paralympic Opening Ceremony, marking the first time a Winter Paralympic Opening Ceremony is held outside a traditional stadium.

Why the Regional Model Matters for Spectators

These Games span two cities, two regions, and two autonomous provinces, using mostly existing or temporary venues. While this supports sustainability, it means spectators need to plan bases carefully and allow travel time between clusters.

Trying to cover every region in one trip is unrealistic. Most visitors will focus on:

• Milan plus one Alpine cluster, or
• A single mountain region for the duration of their stay

This layout makes itinerary planning, accommodation choice, and transport strategy just as important as event tickets.

How to Plan Your Olympics Trip

Because Milano Cortina 2026 is spread across regions, planning matters more than usual. A good plan keeps travel time reasonable, leaves space for weather changes, and lets you enjoy events without constantly moving.

1. Decide on Your Base Strategy Early

Start by choosing how many places you want to stay.

• Single base works best if you focus on one cluster, such as Milan for ice sports or Cortina for alpine events.
• Split stays make sense if you want both city and mountain experiences, but limit it to two bases to avoid packing and travel fatigue.

Trying to cover all clusters in one trip usually leads to rushed days and missed events.

2. Choose Events by Region, Not by Sport List

It’s tempting to pick events based only on sports you like, but geography should guide your choices.

• Group events within the same cluster or nearby towns.
• Avoid scheduling events in different regions on consecutive days.
• Leave at least one buffer day when moving between Milan and mountain areas.

This approach reduces stress and makes winter travel more predictable.

3. Lock Accommodation Before Final Schedules

Hotels and rentals in Cortina, Livigno, and Bormio are limited and will fill quickly.

• Book accommodation once you know your preferred cluster, even before final event times are announced.
• Choose locations near transport hubs rather than chasing the closest venue.
• In mountain areas, prioritize walkability or shuttle access over views.

You can adjust event plans more easily than lodging later.

4. Plan Transport With Winter Conditions in Mind

Trains are reliable for major routes, especially between Milan and larger towns. Mountain travel often involves buses or driving.

• If driving, check winter tire rules and chain requirements.
• Build extra time into travel days for weather delays.
• Avoid late-night transfers on mountain roads if possible.

Shorter travel days leave more energy for event viewing.

5. Build Rest and Flex Days Into Your Schedule

Cold weather and crowds add physical strain.

• Plan indoor activities or lighter sightseeing between outdoor events.
• Leave evenings free after long days outside.
• Keep one flexible day in case the weather affects schedules.

A slower pace often leads to a better overall experience.

6. Sort Connectivity and Tickets Before You Go

Download official event apps, transport apps, and maps in advance. Keep digital copies of tickets and accommodation details accessible offline.

Because you’ll be moving between cities and regions, having reliable mobile data helps with schedule changes, transport updates, and navigation. Sorting this out before departure removes one more variable once you arrive.

Ticketing and Costs

Ticketing for the Winter Olympics follows a phased process, and costs can vary widely depending on sport, venue, and timing. Planning with a rough budget in mind helps you make better choices once tickets go on sale.

When Tickets Go on Sale

Tickets are usually released in stages, starting with registration and lottery-style access, followed by general sales closer to the Games.

• Register early on the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing platform
• Early phases often offer better seat selection
• Popular events sell out faster than less central venues

Because schedules can shift, buying tickets with some flexibility in dates and locations is often safer than locking everything too tightly.

What Ticket Prices Tend to Look Like

Exact prices will be confirmed closer to the Games, but past Winter Olympics give a useful reference.

• Ice sports and early-round events are usually more affordable
• Alpine finals and medal sessions tend to cost more
• Weekday sessions are often cheaper and less crowded

Events held outside Milan, such as Nordic or freestyle competitions, can be easier to access and better value for spectators.

Budgeting Beyond Tickets

Tickets are only part of the cost. The biggest expenses usually come from travel and accommodation.

• Flights: Prices rise as February approaches, especially for Milan
• Accommodation: Mountain towns have a limited supply and higher winter rates
• Transport: Trains are affordable, but mountain transfers add up
• Food: City dining offers a range, while resort areas skew higher

A balanced budget often includes fewer premium event sessions and more time enjoying the host regions.

Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Target midweek events instead of weekends
• Look at less central venues within a cluster
• Avoid scheduling events back-to-back across regions
• Book accommodation early, even before tickets

Olympics trips reward flexibility. Being open to different sports, times, and venues usually leads to a smoother experience and better value overall.

Where to Stay: Best Bases by Traveler Type

Choosing the right base shapes how easy your Olympic trip feels. Because venues are spread out, where you sleep matters as much as which events you attend.

Milan: Best for First-Timers and Ice Sports

Milan works well if this is your first Winter Olympics or your first trip to Italy.

• Easy access to multiple ice venues
• Excellent public transport and train connections
• Wide range of hotels at different price points
• Plenty to do on non-event days

Staying near Sapporo Station–style hubs equivalent in Milan means short walks, indoor passages, and less exposure to cold between stops.

Cortina d’Ampezzo: Best for Alpine Atmosphere

Cortina suits travelers focused on outdoor alpine events and scenery.

• Close to women’s alpine skiing, sliding sports, and curling
• Classic mountain town feel
• Limited accommodation and higher prices
• Best booked early

If Cortina itself is full, nearby towns in the Dolomites can work, but check shuttle access carefully.

Livigno or Bormio: Best for Ski Town Stays

These towns work well if you want to combine events with skiing.

• Close to freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering
• Slower pace and longer stays
• Fewer transport options compared to Milan

These bases suit travelers staying longer rather than hopping between regions.

Turin Area: Best for Curling and City Add-Ons

If your focus is curling in Pinerolo, Turin can be a practical base.

• Larger city with better accommodation availability
• Easy cultural add-ons between events
• Straightforward rail access

Booking Tips

• Book accommodation before the final event schedules are released
• Choose transport convenience over views
• Avoid changing hotels too often

The right base reduces travel stress and keeps energy for the events themselves.

Getting to Italy and Moving Between Venues

Milano Cortina 2026 is spread across regions, so transport planning matters as much as choosing events. Northern Italy is well connected, but winter conditions and distance can slow things down.

Arriving in Italy

Most international visitors arrive in Milan.

• Milan Malpensa (MXP) for long-haul flights
• Milan Linate (LIN) for European routes
• Bergamo (BGY) for budget airlines

All three airports have easy train or shuttle links to central Milan.

Using Trains Between Cities

Trains are the most reliable option in winter.

• Milan to Turin for curling and city add-ons
• Milan to Verona for ceremonies
• Milan to Trento or Bolzano as gateways to the mountain regions

High-speed and regional trains are warm, frequent, and less affected by weather than roads.

Reaching Mountain Regions

Mountain areas need extra time and planning.

• Cortina d’Ampezzo: train plus bus or car
• Livigno and Bormio: mountain roads or train plus bus
• Val di Fiemme: train to Trento, then bus

Always allow buffer time on mountain travel days.

Driving in Winter

Driving offers flexibility but requires preparation.

• Winter tires are often mandatory
• Snow chains may be required
• Parking near venues can be limited

If you are not comfortable driving in snow, trains and shuttles are safer.

Event Shuttles and Local Transport

During the Games, official shuttles are expected.

• Use event transport where possible
• Avoid same-day transfers between regions
• Stay overnight near venues instead of rushing back

A slower, well-planned transport strategy makes the Olympics far more enjoyable.

Connectivity on the Move

Moving between Milan, Alpine towns, and ceremony cities during the Olympics means relying on live information. Train changes, shuttle timings, weather updates, and navigation all happen on the go, often outdoors and in cold conditions. Setting up mobile data before arrival helps avoid depending on unreliable public Wi-Fi.

A travel eSIM like Jetpac eSIM fits well for a multi-region event like Milano Cortina 2026. It installs digitally and works across locations without needing to swap SIMs or change settings.

For an Olympics spread across regions, having connectivity sorted in advance removes friction. It lets you focus on events, travel days, and winter conditions without adding another layer of planning once you arrive.

Sample Itineraries

These sample plans focus on pacing and geography. The goal is to see events without spending half your trip in transit or dealing with winter delays.

3 to 4 Days: Milan Ice Sports City Break

This works well if you are attending the Games alongside a short Italy trip.

✅ Day 1 - Arrive in Milan and settle near the city center or a major station. Walk the area, get familiar with transport, and rest.

✅ Day 2 - Attend one or two ice sports sessions in Milan. Use the afternoon for indoor sights, cafés, or shopping to stay warm. Evening sessions are easier once you know the venue routes.

✅ Day 3 - Attend a final event or revisit a favorite venue. If time allows, add sightseeing like the Duomo area or Navigli before departure.

This plan keeps everything walkable or reachable by subway.

If you want to stay longer, just add the below itineraries to the exciting one:

✅ Days 4 to 5 - Repeat your preferred events or add biathlon or curling, depending on location.

✅ Days 6 to 10 - Attend alpine, freestyle, or Nordic events. Mix event days with lighter sightseeing or rest.

This approach limits hotel changes while giving you both city and mountain experiences.

What to Pack for the Winter Olympics

Watching winter sports outdoors for several hours is very different from regular sightseeing. Staying warm and comfortable affects how long you can stay outside and how much you enjoy the events.

Being prepared reduces stress, especially on long event days or when moving between cities and mountain venues.

Things to Do Between Events

Olympic schedules often leave gaps between sessions, especially when events are spread across regions. Using this time well helps balance long outdoor days with warmer, slower experiences.

Milan Highlights

Milan works well between ice sport sessions because many attractions are indoors.

• Duomo di Milano for a short visit or rooftop views if the weather allows
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for cafés and people watching
• Navigli for evening aperitivo and relaxed dinners

These stops are easy to fit around event times without long travel.

Turin as a Cultural Add-On

If you’re based near Pinerolo or attending curling events, Turin is a natural addition.

• The Egyptian Museum and cinema museum for indoor time
• Historic cafés for slow afternoons
• Easy day trips by train without winter driving

Turin adds variety without adding complexity.

Dolomites Winter Experiences

Mountain bases offer quieter ways to fill non-event days.

• Snowshoeing or winter walks near Cortina or Val di Fiemme
• Spa towns and wellness centers for recovery days
• Scenic drives or cable cars when the weather is clear

These activities help break up the intensity of competition days.

Food and Rest Matter Too

Not every gap needs to be filled with sightseeing.

• Long lunches and warm cafés help reset after cold mornings
• Rest days keep energy up for outdoor venues
• Local food experiences often become highlights of the trip

Using time between events wisely makes the Olympics feel like a trip, not just a schedule.

FAQs

Where are the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics held?

Events are spread across northern Italy, with main clusters in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, and Val di Fiemme. The Closing Ceremony takes place in Verona.

What are the official dates for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics?

Competitions begin on 4 February 2026, the Opening Ceremony is on 6 February, and the Games run until the Closing Ceremony on 22 February 2026.

Which city should I stay in for the Olympics?

It depends on the events you plan to attend. Milan works best for ice sports and first-time visitors. Cortina, Livigno, or Bormio suit alpine and mountain events. Most travelers choose one main base rather than moving daily.

Can I travel between venues without a car?

Yes. Trains and event shuttles connect major cities and regions. Mountain venues require train-plus-bus transfers, but a car is not essential if you plan carefully.

How far apart are the main Olympic regions?

The clusters are several hours apart by train or road. Most visitors focus on one or two regions instead of trying to cover everything.

Disclaimer

Event schedules, venues, transport arrangements, and accommodation availability for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics may change as the Games approach. Information shared here is based on officially available details and general travel planning patterns at the time of writing. This content is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee specific experiences, pricing, or access. Travelers should check official Milano Cortina 2026 announcements, ticketing platforms, and local transport updates for the most current information before booking or traveling.