Milan–Cortina 2026: Europe’s Great Winter Event
Only a few days remain until the start of the 25th Winter Olympic Games, which will be held in Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026, with the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium and competitions taking place in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and other Alpine locations.
This edition marks the third time Italy has hosted the Winter Games (after Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006) and is characterized by its “distributed” structure across multiple cities and venues, with more than 3,500 athletes from dozens of countries competing.
A global stage at the heart of Europe
The Milan–Cortina Winter Games are not just about sport: they also represent an opportunity to promote unity, dialogue, and international cooperation. Shortly before the opening, the Pontiff invited world leaders to use the event to promote peace initiatives, recalling the ancient tradition of the Olympic truce and the symbolic value of sporting events in overcoming conflicts.
However, tensions are not lacking: in Italy, protests have erupted against the presence of foreign security agents, sparking debates over sovereignty and civil rights, while the International Olympic Committee has described these developments as “distractions” but remains confident in the success of the event.
Media coverage and fans’ expectations
In the lead-up to the event, Rai has unveiled a comprehensive broadcasting package, featuring live coverage, updates, and in-depth reports dedicated to the competitions and athletes’ stories, with the aim of making the Games accessible to audiences throughout Italy and across Europe.
A curious and compelling aspect also concerns some athletes who have already competed in the Summer Olympics and will now take part in the Winter Games as well—a phenomenon that is increasingly rare and fascinating for sports fans.
History, innovations, and the competition format
The Winter Games trace their origins back to the first Chamonix Games in 1924, which featured only a few dozen athletes and a limited number of disciplines; since then, they have grown into a global event with dozens of sports and hundreds of medals awarded.
For Milan–Cortina 2026:
- Athletes from nearly 100 nations are expected to compete in traditional disciplines such as alpine skiing, skating, ice hockey, biathlon, snowboarding, and many more.
- Some disciplines will also include mixed-gender events, highlighting the evolution of sport toward greater inclusivity.
- Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut, marking a new frontier for winter sports.
Preparations, infrastructure, and sustainability
Preparations are in full swing, with athletes already arriving and the Olympic Villages coming to life. The Milan Olympic Village, for example, has been designed with particular attention to comfort and sustainability, and will be converted into student housing after the Games.
The program also focuses on renewable energy, reuse of existing infrastructure, and waste minimization, making Milan–Cortina one of the most eco-friendly editions in the history of the Winter Olympics.
Conclusion: the heart of European sport
The Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Games promise to be not only a grand celebration of European and global sport, but also a moment of reflection on the values of unity, peace, and sustainability. With athletes from every continent and a schedule full of exciting competitions, Italy is preparing to host one of the most significant events of the year for fans, spectators, and sports enthusiasts.