2026 Winter Olympics Locations: Amazing Guide to Milano Cortina

The 2026 Winter Olympics are breaking the mold. For the first time in Olympic history, the Games won’t be centered in a single city. Instead, the 2026 Winter Olympics locations are taking over a massive, breathtaking swathe of Northern Italy, stretching from the fashion capital of Milan to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites.

For Team USA fans and travelers, this is both a dream and a logistical puzzle. The “Milano Cortina 2026” games covers over 22,000 square kilometers. If you’re planning a trip across the pond to watch the action, you can’t just book a hotel “near the Olympics.” You need to know exactly where the specific 2026 Winter Olympics locations for your sport are situated.

This guide breaks down every major venue, the hidden alpine gems, and the travel secrets you need to navigate the 2026 Winter Olympics locations like a local.

Key 2026 Winter Olympics Locations: A Tale of Two Cities

The official name is Milano Cortina 2026, representing the two poles of the Games: the city and the mountains. These two hubs serve as the primary 2026 Winter Olympics locations for most visitors.

1. Milan: The City of Ice

Vibe: Fashion, Skyscrapers, Aperitivo, and High-Speed Action.

Sports: Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Short Track Speed Skating.

Milan is the logistical heart of the games and arguably the most accessible of all 2026 Winter Olympics locations. If you want city comforts, luxury shopping, and easy access to airports (MXP, LIN), this is your base.

• The Opening Ceremony (San Siro Stadium): For the first time, the Opening Ceremony will be held in a football (soccer) stadium. The legendary San Siro (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza) will host the kickoff on February 6, 2026. With a capacity of nearly 75,000, the energy here will be unmatched.
  • Travel Tip: The San Siro is easily accessible by the M5 (Purple) Metro line.
• Ice Hockey (PalaItalia & Rho Fiera): The NHL is expected to return for 2026, making hockey the hottest ticket in town. Games will be split between the new PalaItalia Santa Giulia (a new 12,000-seat arena) and the Milano Ice Park at Rho Fiera.
• Figure Skating (Mediolanum Forum): Located in Assago (just outside the city center), this is where Team USA’s skaters will aim for gold. It’s a proven venue that hosts major concerts and EuroLeague basketball.

2. Cortina d’Ampezzo: Queen of the Dolomites

Vibe: Old-school glamour, spectacular scenery, alpine history.

Sports: Women’s Alpine Skiing, Curling, Bobsleigh, Skeleton, Luge.

Cortina is pure magic. It hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and retains a vintage charm that distinguishes it from other 2026 Winter Olympics locations. It is located about 250 miles from Milan, so do not plan to commute daily.

• Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre: The women’s downhill events will take place on the Olimpia delle Tofane, arguably the most beautiful ski run in the world. The course features a maximum gradient of 65%, and the rocks turn pink at sunset (a phenomenon called enrosadira).
• The Cortina Sliding Centre: Controversial but historic, the track for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton is being rebuilt on the site of the 1956 track.

Alpine Clusters: Remote 2026 Winter Olympics Locations

Beyond the two hubs, three other mountain clusters are hosting major events. These remote 2026 Winter Olympics locations are where the true snow action happens. If you are a die-hard fan of skiing or snowboarding, you might spend your whole trip here.

3. Valtellina Cluster (Bormio & Livigno)

Location: Lombardy region (Northeast of Milan).

• Bormio (Alpine Skiing – Men): The Stelvio Piste in Bormio is legendary—steep, icy, and fast. This is where the Men’s Downhill will be decided on February 8, 2026.
  • Secret Keyword Insight: Search for “Stelvio ski slope gradient” to understand why this is considered the most punishing course in the world.
• Livigno (Snowboard & Freestyle Skiing): Known as “Little Tibet” because of its high altitude and isolation, Livigno will host the X-Games style events: Halfpipe, Slopestyle, and Big Air.
  • USA Fan Alert: This is likely where you’ll see American snowboarding stars defending titles. The vibe here will be young, loud, and party-centric.

4. Val di Fiemme Cluster (Trentino)

Location: The Dolomites (between Bolzano and Trento).

• Predazzo (Ski Jumping): The “Giuseppe Dal Ben” Ski Jumping Stadium is nestled right against the mountains.
• Tesero (Cross-Country Skiing): If you love endurance sports, this valley is the cradle of Italian Nordic skiing.

5. Anterselva / Antholz

Location: South Tyrol (near the Austrian border).

• Biathlon: The Südtirol Arena is the Mecca of Biathlon. The atmosphere here is raucous, with German and Austrian fans crossing the border to create a beer-hall atmosphere in the stands.

6. Verona: The Grand Finale

The Closing Ceremony will be held at the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater built in 30 AD. Imagine ending the Olympics in a venue that is 2,000 years old. It serves as one of the most historic 2026 Winter Olympics locations, roughly halfway between Milan and Venice.

Travel Logistics for Americans: How to Get Around

The “Secret” to these games is mastering the Italian transport network to move between the various 2026 Winter Olympics locations.

Flights

• For Milan/Valtellina: Fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP). Direct flights are available from NYC, Atlanta, and other major US hubs.
• For Cortina/Val di Fiemme: Consider flying into Venice (VCE). It is much closer to Cortina (about a 2-hour drive) than Milan is (5 hours).

Trains vs. Cars

• Take the Train: Italy’s high-speed trains are excellent. You can check schedules and book tickets directly on Trenitalia (Official Site). You can get from Milan to Verona or Venice in under 2 hours.
• Rent a Car for the Mountains: While shuttles will exist for the Games, having a car gives you freedom in the Dolomites. Warning: Winter driving in Italy requires snow chains by law. If you aren’t comfortable driving on snowy, narrow mountain passes, stick to the official Olympic shuttles.
• Important Resource: Before you travel, check the U.S. Embassy in Italy’s 2026 Olympics Page for safety updates and passport requirements.
• Tickets: Always buy from the Official Milano Cortina 2026 Ticketing Site to avoid scams.

2026 Olympics Location: Frequently Asked Questions