The Winter Olympics 2026 is set to turn the snowy landscapes of northern Italy into the world’s biggest winter sports playground. Officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, this global sporting spectacle will bring together thousands of elite athletes, dazzling ceremonies, and edge-of-the-seat competition across mountains and ice arenas. Running from 6 February to 22 February 2026, the Games mark a historic moment because they are the first Winter Olympics co-hosted by two cities, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The event will stretch across multiple Italian regions, creating what is expected to be the most geographically widespread Winter Olympics yet.
Here are all the details of Winter Olympics 2026:
Italy is hosting the Winter Olympics for the third time, after Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006, highlighting the nation’s deep connection with the Olympic movement. The opening ceremony will take place at the famous San Siro Stadium in Milan, while the closing ceremony is scheduled for the historic Arena of Verona. About 3,500 athletes are expected to compete in 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, promising nearly three weeks of intense action. From fast-paced ice hockey to gravity-defying skiing, the Games aim to showcase winter sports on a truly global stage.
Meet the mascots of Winter Olympics 2026
The official Mascots of Milano Cortina 2026 are two cheerful stoats named Tina and Milo. The lighter-colored stoat – Tina represents the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, while her younger brother Milo, with his darker fur, is the face of the Paralympic Winter Games.
Tina
Tina is the Olympic Mascot. She was born in Italy, among the mountains where lush green summers give way to snowy white winters. She has a brother named Milo, to whom she is very close, they spent their entire childhood together. Tina is passionate about art and music, and she believes in the power of beauty. Nature is her home, and even though she now lives in the city, she does everything she can to protect it and keep it untouched.
Milo
Milo is the Paralympic Mascot. He was born without one paw, but thanks to his creativity and strong will, he learned to use his tail and turn his difference into a strength.
The Flo
On the road to 2026, Tina and Milo won’t be alone; they’ll be joined by six little snowdrops called “The Flo.” Together, they make a true team! They are six curious and irresistible little flowers symbol of rebirth, they never leave their friends and love to have fun even if sometimes this gets them into trouble.
Winter Olympics 2026 schedule: Key dates to know
The official 2026 Winter Olympics dates are:
- Early events begin: 4–5 February 2026
- Opening Ceremony: 6 February 2026
- Main competition period: 7–21 February 2026
- Closing Ceremony: 22 February 2026
Key Events Schedule
| Date | Major Events |
|---|---|
| 4 Feb 2026 | Curling (Mixed Doubles) – Round Robin |
| 5 Feb 2026 | Women’s Ice Hockey – Preliminary matches |
| 6 Feb 2026 | Opening Ceremony (Milan) |
| 7 Feb 2026 | Alpine Skiing (Men’s Downhill), Speed Skating (Women’s 3000m) |
| 8 Feb 2026 | Biathlon Mixed Relay, Ski Jumping (Women’s Normal Hill) |
| 9 Feb 2026 | Figure Skating Team Finals |
| 10–12 Feb 2026 | Curling Medal Matches, Alpine Skiing Super-G |
| 13–15 Feb 2026 | Ice Hockey Matches, Luge & Skeleton |
| 16–18 Feb 2026 | Bobsleigh, Speed Skating Finals |
| 19–21 Feb 2026 | Ice Hockey Semi-finals and Finals |
| 22 Feb 2026 | Closing Ceremony |
Sports at Winter Olympics 2026
The Games will feature 16 returning sports along with new disciplines that expand the winter programme. Popular categories include:
- Alpine Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Biathlon
- Ski Jumping
- Snowboarding
- Figure Skating
- Speed Skating
- Short Track Speed Skating
- Ice Hockey
- Curling
- Bobsleigh
- Skeleton
- Luge
- Nordic Combined
Venues and host regions
Competitions will be spread across northern Italy, including Milan, Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, and the Fiemme Valley. Cortina carries Olympic heritage, having hosted the 1956 Games, while Milan brings modern infrastructure and global visibility. Together, they blend tradition with innovation. One historic venue is the Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre, redeveloped for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge races on a 1,745-metre track with 16 curves.
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