Quick answer: if you’re asking where are the Winter Olympics this year, they’re in Milan‑Cortina, Italy — the 2026 Winter Games running in early February 2026. That question has shot up in searches because the opening weeks are approaching, broadcast schedules are landing, and qualifying events have given fans names and storylines to follow.
Why people are asking “where are the Winter Olympics this year”
Right now the buzz is a mix of timing and storytelling. With qualifiers wrapping and host-city venues finalized, casual viewers and die-hard fans alike want a short, clear answer: where are the Winter Olympics this year, when do events happen, and how can I watch from the U.S.? It’s seasonal (it happens every four years) but also news-driven—recent announcements from organizers and broadcasters push interest higher.
Host cities, dates and the big picture
The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially branded as Milan‑Cortina 2026. Events will be shared across multiple northern Italian locations, blending big‑city style in Milan with alpine venues around Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites.
Official dates: February 6–22, 2026. The Paralympics follow in March.
For an authoritative schedule and venue list, see the International Olympic Committee page: Milan‑Cortina 2026 (IOC). For deeper historical and logistical context, the Wikipedia overview is helpful: 2026 Winter Olympics (Wikipedia).
How the hosting works
Milan handles indoor, urban events and ceremonies; Cortina and nearby mountain towns host alpine skiing, bobsleigh, skeleton and other mountain sports. The shared model spreads economic benefits and matches venues to ideal terrain.
What U.S. viewers care about
When Americans ask “where are the Winter Olympics this year,” they’re often following three threads: travel (can I attend?), broadcast rights (who’s showing it at home?), and medal contenders (which U.S. athletes should I root for?).
Travel and attending in person
Flying from the U.S. generally means arriving into Milan’s Malpensa (MXP) or Venice (VCE) regional airports then traveling by train, shuttle or rental car to the venues. Cortina is about a 2–3 hour drive from Venice; Milan to Cortina is longer but doable with rail transfers. Book early—hotels and internal transport fill fast as the Games approach.
Broadcast and streaming
Broadcast deals vary by country. In the U.S., major networks typically secure rights months in advance; channels and streaming windows are usually published close to the Games. For official broadcast listings and ticket updates check organizer and broadcaster pages as the event nears: sports news via Reuters often summarizes rights and schedule shifts.
Key venues and what to watch
Here’s a quick table comparing core host locations and flagship events so you get a sense of the geography behind the question “where are the Winter Olympics this year”.
| Location | Main events | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | Opening/closing ceremonies, ice hockey, figure skating | Urban energy, big-capacity arenas and international transport hub |
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | Alpine skiing, snowboarding exhibitions | Iconic mountain terrain and spectator experience |
| Other Dolomites venues | Bobsleigh, Nordic events, biathlon | Specialized tracks and high-altitude courses |
Star athletes and storylines
Expect pre-Games profiles on medal favorites and breakout contenders. U.S. teams in figure skating, alpine skiing and snowboarding usually generate a lot of attention; watch the qualification events leading up to the Olympics for final rosters.
How this affects travelers and fans in the U.S.
If you plan to go, start with three immediate actions: verify passports and visas, reserve event tickets through official channels, and book flexible airfare. If you won’t travel, map out the broadcast schedule, set DVR or streaming reminders, and follow U.S. Olympic team feeds for athlete updates.
Practical checklist
- Check passport validity (six months rule may apply).
- Buy tickets only from official sources to avoid scalpers.
- Plan ground transfers between Milan and mountain venues—trains and private shuttles sell out.
- Pack layers—weather in the Dolomites can change fast.
Costs, safety and logistics
Hosting a Winter Olympics is expensive for travelers and locals. Expect price surges in lodging and services. Safety protocols will align with local health authorities; stay tuned to official updates for travel advisories.
Budget snapshot
Typical costs for a short trip: airfare (varies by origin), mid-range hotel €150–€300 per night near Milan, higher near Cortina during peak days. Ticket prices vary by sport and session. If you’re budgeting, prioritize must-see events and use public transit when possible.
Comparisons: Milan‑Cortina 2026 vs. previous Winter Games
Milan‑Cortina emphasizes regional cooperation across multiple cities, similar to some past Games that used dispersed venues to reduce new construction. Expect more reuse of existing facilities and a focus on sustainability compared with historically larger single-city Olympics.
Quick takeaways
Where are the Winter Olympics this year? Milan‑Cortina 2026. If you care about attending or watching from the U.S., now’s the time to finalize tickets, confirm broadcasts, and make travel plans. The next few weeks will finalize athlete lineups and TV schedules, which raises urgency for fans wanting a front-row seat.
Practical takeaways and next steps
Actionable steps you can take right now:
- Subscribe to updates on the official Milan‑Cortina Olympic page: organizer updates.
- Monitor U.S. broadcaster announcements and set reminders for prime events.
- If traveling, book refundable tickets and confirm local transport options between Milan and mountain venues.
Resources and further reading
For schedules, venue maps and ticketing, the IOC host pages and official Milan‑Cortina sites are primary sources. For continuous news updates and analysis, reliable outlets like Reuters and major national broadcasters will summarize key changes as the Games approach.
Wrapping up
So—where are the Winter Olympics this year? Milan‑Cortina, Italy, in February 2026. The question matters because the Games are close, qualifiers are shaping storylines, and fans are deciding whether to travel or tune in. Keep an eye on official sites and credible news outlets for final schedules and ticketing windows. Expect a stylish urban opening in Milan and classic alpine drama in Cortina—Italy is set to deliver a memorable Winter Games.
Now go check ticket availability or mark your calendar—these moments don’t wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 Winter Olympics are hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, running February 6–22, 2026.
U.S. broadcast rights are typically announced by major networks; check the official Milan‑Cortina page and national broadcasters for schedules and streaming options as the Games approach.
Yes—many fans travel to Milan and Cortina. Book passports, tickets and accommodations early, use official ticketing channels, and plan ground transfers between venues.