Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games turn northern Italy into the epicenter of world sport

Milano-Cortina 2026 takes place from February 6 to 22, bringing together thousands of athletes and visitors in a celebration that combines sports competitions, Italian culture, music, and unique Alpine landscapes.  

The official opening was held on February 6 with a historic ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, where sport merged with artistic and musical spectacle.

Among the featured figures were Italian singerLaura Pausini, who performed the national anthem; artist Ghali, who took part with a stage performance inspired by the values of unity and diversity; and the international presence ofMariah Carey, who starred in one of the most talked-about moments of the event with a special performance linked to Italian musical tradition.

The ceremony also paid tribute to icons of Italian culture. One of the most emotional moments was the performance by tenor Andrea Bocelli, who sang the classic “Nessun Dorma” during the arrival of the Olympic torch.  

In addition, the show included tributes to historic figures of Italian entertainment, including the beloved artist Raffaella Carrà, in a segment that celebrated the cultural identity of the host country.  

The gala featured choreographies, symbolic representations of national identity, and the traditional parade of delegations with athletes from more than 90 nations.

An event that transforms cities and mountains   

Milano-Cortina 2026 is characterized by its decentralized format, with competitions distributed across different locations in northern Italy.

The main venues include Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Anterselva, Predazzo, Tesero, and Verona, with multiple sports facilities interconnected. 

This model makes it possible to combine the sporting experience with tourism exploration of historic cities, ski resorts, and natural landscapes of the Italian Alps. 

Milan hosts a large portion of ice sports and cultural events, while Cortina d’Ampezzo and other Alpine venues stage snow competitions. This distribution not only expands the Olympic experience for visitors but also promotes tourism across different regions, integrating local communities and highlighting the diversity of the territory.     

Sports, new features, and highlights  

The sports program brings together traditional disciplines such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, biathlon, and ski jumping, among others.  

One of the main novelties of this edition is the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, a discipline that expands the competitive offering and strengthens the connection between the event and the Alpine natural environment.  

The first days of competition have already delivered historic moments. Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida won the host country’s first gold medal by taking victory in the women’s 3,000-meter speed skating event, while Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen claimed gold in the men’s downhill on the demanding Stelvio course in Bormio, one of the most iconic tracks on the calendar.

Experiences for tourists and visitors

Beyond sport, Milano-Cortina 2026 offers a comprehensive tourism experience. In Milan, the Sport Village set up in Piazza Duomoallows visitors to experience winter sports disciplines, take part in interactive activities, and immerse themselves in the Olympic atmosphere in the heart of the city.  

The various host venues also offer cultural festivals, musical performances, gastronomic experiences, and sightseeing tours that showcase the identity of each region. The event is also presented as a model of sustainability, promoting the use of existing facilities and infrastructure projects designed to leave a lasting urban and environmental legacy.

A calendar that keeps expectations high 

In the coming weeks, the schedule will continue with qualifying rounds, semifinals, and finals across all disciplines, generating a constant flow of competitions alongside parallel cultural activities.

The Alpine venues will host the most anticipated events, while Milan will continue to concentrate urban events and celebrations linked to the Olympic spirit.

Verona, setting for the grand closing of the Winter Olympic Games  

The event will conclude on February 22 with the closing ceremony at the historic Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.

The final show will be inspired by the artistic concept “Beauty in Action,” a proposal that seeks to reflect the union of sport, art, and Italian culture. The ceremony will feature leading national talents, including renowned dancer Roberto Bolle, and will mark the symbolic passing of the Olympic spirit to future editions.

Italy, protagonist of the global winter  

Milano-Cortina 2026 represents far more than a sporting competition. The event showcases to the world Italy’s cultural richness, the natural beauty of the Dolomites, and the country’s ability to organize large-scale international celebrations.

During these weeks, the combination of sport, tradition, music, and tourism turns northern Italy into an attractive destination, consolidating theWinter Olympic Games as an experience that goes beyond sport and becomes a true cultural journey.  

Yanina Navarro