The 2026 Winter Olympics Italy will be hosted across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Northern Alpine regions, making this guide essential for planning attractions, stays, and travel routes.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Italy, with competitions spread across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and several Northern Italian mountain towns. Unlike previous Games centered around a single city, the 2026 edition adopts a multi-city hosting model, combining major urban venues with established Alpine resorts.
This structure reflects a broader Olympic shift toward sustainability, reusing existing venues while showcasing diverse regions rather than building a single Olympic hub.
2026 Winter Olympics Host Cities in Italy
These 2026 Winter Olympics host cities highlight Italy’s mix of global cities and historic Alpine resorts. Italy will host the Winter Olympics for the third time, following Cortina d’Ampezzo (1956) and Turin (2006). The 2026 Games return winter sports to the Italian Alps, pairing world-class mountain venues with one of Europe’s most connected cities. For official updates on venues, schedules, and planning information, visitors can refer to the official Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics website. The site provides the most accurate and up-to-date details on host cities, competition locations, and organizational announcements as Italy prepares to host the 2026 Winter Games.
The result is an Olympics that blends:
- Large-scale ceremonies and indoor events in a global city
- Snow sports competitions in historic Alpine resorts
- Travel opportunities across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino regions
Official Host Cities and Venues
For travelers attending the 2026 Winter Olympics Italy, this guide brings together host cities, nearby attractions, and practical planning tips in one place.
Milan
Milan will serve as the primary gateway city for the 2026 Winter Olympics and host the Opening Ceremony along with major indoor ice events.
As Italy’s financial and transport hub, Milan offers:
- Extensive international flight connections
- High-speed rail links to Northern Italy
- A wide range of accommodation options
For many international visitors, Milan will be the starting point of their Olympic journey.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the centerpiece for alpine skiing events, returning to the Olympic stage seventy years after hosting the 1956 Winter Games.
Located in the Dolomites, Cortina is known for:
- Iconic mountain scenery
- Long-standing winter sports infrastructure
- A reputation as one of Europe’s premier ski resorts
Bormio
Bormio will host men’s alpine skiing downhill events, using courses internationally recognized for their steep gradients and technical difficulty.
The town has a strong competitive skiing legacy and regularly hosts World Cup events, making it a natural fit for Olympic competition.
Livigno
Livigno will stage snowboarding and freestyle skiing events. Situated at high altitude, the resort is valued for reliable snow conditions and modern terrain parks.
Livigno’s role reflects the growing prominence of freestyle disciplines within the Winter Games.
Predazzo
Predazzo, located in the Trentino region, will host ski jumping and Nordic combined events, continuing its long association with international Nordic competitions.
Distance Between Olympic Host Cities
Because venues are spread across Northern Italy, travel time is an important planning factor:
- Milan to Cortina d’Ampezzo: approximately 4–5 hours
- Milan to Bormio: around 3 hours
- Cortina d’Ampezzo to Livigno: approximately 5 hours
The geographic spread means spectators typically choose one primary base city, depending on which events they plan to attend. Travelers planning a winter trip around the 2026 Winter Olympics Italy can use this guide to choose attractions, routes, and the best areas to stay near Olympic host cities.
Choosing the Right Base City
- Milan is best suited for visitors attending ceremonies or combining Olympic events with city travel.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo works well for those focused on alpine skiing and mountain competitions.
- Travelers attending events across regions may consider splitting their stay between cities. Visitors following the 2026 Winter Olympics Italy itinerary can use this guide to plan sightseeing, travel routes, and accommodation across all host cities.
What to Expect From the 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milan–Cortina Games will offer one of the most visually striking Winter Olympics to date, combining historic cities with dramatic Alpine landscapes. The multi-city format also means visitors can experience different parts of Italy within a single Olympic trip. Travelers attending the 2026 Winter Olympics Italy can use this guide to plan attractions, accommodations, and travel routes across the host regions.
🏨 Where to Stay in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics
Finding the right base is key when attending events across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and other Olympic host regions. Choosing accommodations close to venues and transport hubs can save time and make your trip smoother.
👉 Browse top hotels, stays, and must-visit areas across Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics
🔗 View Italy Olympic-Ready Hotels & Stays on Expedia
If you’re planning to explore more of the country, check out my top must-visit attractions in Italy guide for iconic places to add to your itinerary.
Final Thoughts
With competitions spread across multiple regions, the Milan–Cortina Games reflect a modern Olympic model that prioritizes sustainability, regional identity, and existing venues. For visitors, understanding the host city layout early makes planning smoother and avoids last-minute travel complications. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy mark a departure from the traditional single-host-city model, spreading events across Milan and the Italian Alps. Understanding where events are held is essential for planning travel, accommodation, and transportation.
With venues divided between city and mountain locations, early planning will play a key role in making the most of the Olympic experience.