Milano-Cortina 2026
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represent a historic and symbolic event for Italy, which will host the world’s most prestigious sporting competition for the third time in its history. The announcement of the Games being awarded to Milano-Cortina came in 2019, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected the Italian bid over the Swedish candidacy of Stockholm-Åre.
This victory sparked enthusiasm and national pride, as it not only marks Italy’s return to the Olympic stage after the Turin 2006 Winter Games and the Rome 1960 Summer Games but also because the combination of Milan, the country’s economic and cultural capital, and Cortina, one of the most iconic Alpine destinations, represents a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
Milan, one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, will be the nerve centre of the event, hosting the opening ceremony and several competitions. The city, already renowned for its futuristic architecture and as a hub of fashion and design, is preparing for a major transformation, with infrastructure renovations and the construction of new sports facilities. The iconic San Siro Stadium, one of the world’s football temples, will be used for certain ceremonies, while the surrounding districts—particularly those historically linked to Expo 2015—will benefit from infrastructural upgrades, making Milan one of the most accessible and modern cities in Europe.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, which will host most of the skiing events, is a symbol of Italy’s winter sports tradition. This Venetian resort, famed for its natural beauty and elegant charm, has already had the honour of hosting the Alpine Ski World Championships in 1956 and twice the Nordic Ski World Championships. In 2026, Cortina will be at the heart of the competitions, with its breathtaking landscapes providing a stunning backdrop for spectacular events such as downhill skiing, giant slalom, and alpine combined.
Milan
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Val di Fiemme
Livigno
Bormio
Anterselva
Verona
One of the main challenges for the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games will be sustainability. The organisers have stated their intention to use the Games as a platform to promote ecological and sustainable practices. Italian authorities are already working to implement innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact, such as the use of temporary structures and the redevelopment of existing facilities, in order to avoid waste and ensure the legacy of the event in the long term. Additionally, the focus on sustainability extends to public transport, with the enhancement of railway networks and the promotion of low-impact mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and car-sharing.
Technology will play a key role in the Milano-Cortina Olympics, with the involvement of local and international startups in the field of digitalisation. The host cities are preparing to integrate advanced technologies, such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and real-time event monitoring, to enhance the experience for both visitors and athletes.
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics will be an extraordinary event not only for sports enthusiasts but also for the entire nation. The combination of two worlds – the modernity of the metropolitan city of Milan and the beauty of the Dolomites – promises to offer a unique event, capable of showcasing Italy from every angle, from culture to economy, to sustainability. The countdown has already begun: with less than a year to go before the competitions start, the anticipation for the Olympic Games is growing ever more intense. It will be an occasion of great pride for the country, which will see its athletes competing on the world stage while simultaneously welcoming the world with warmth, passion, and innovation.
