The 2026 Winter Olympics are also known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, and they will be held in Italy from February 6 through February 22, 2026. There will be two cities that will jointly host the event, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Olympic Winter Games will be the first Winter Olympic Games to be officially co-hosted.
The Games will take place all around northern Italy, and many of the venues will be located in urban settings, while others will be located in the mountains, to provide athletes and spectators with different experiences.
The Opening Ceremony of the Olympics will take place on February 6, 2026, and will be held at San Siro Stadium in Milan. San Siro Stadium is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. The Opening Ceremony will be a modern spectacle that incorporates both aspects of Italian culture and the celebration of athletes from all over the world.
The ceremony will mark the “official” start of 17 days of competition. The Closing Ceremony will occur on February 22, 2026, at the famous Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre that will create a culturally rich and historic setting for the Closing Ceremony.
Teams, Events, and Schedule Highlights
Participating Teams
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are expected to see approximately 91 countries and hundreds of athletes compete. Delegations will have different sizes based on the strength of countries in Winter Sports. Historically strong winter sports countries (Italy, USA, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Germany) will likely have many large delegations spread across several different types of sports. Smaller nations (such as Hong Kong and Venezuela) will likely be represented at the Olympics, demonstrating the scope of the Winter Games.
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are going to showcase 116 events for medals across eight different sports that consist of 16 disciplines. In addition, athletes will have an opportunity to participate in a huge variety of sporting competitions, from typical ski racing to newer competitions.
Major Events and Venues
- Opening Ceremony: February 6, 2026, at San Siro Stadium (Milan). A celebration of sport, culture, and performance.
- Alpine Skiing: February 7 – 18, 2026, at Stelvio Ski Centre (Bormio) and Tofane Alpine Ski Centre (Cortina). Events include ten medal competitions in downhill, Super G, giant slalom, slalom, and combined events.
- Ice Hockey: February 5-22, 2026, Santagiuai Ice Hockey Arena and Rho Ice Hockey Arena (Milan). Men’s and women’s tournaments, with NHL players returning to compete for the first time since 2014.
- Figure Skating, Speed Skating and Short Track: The ice venues in Milan during the Games will showcase world champions and future stars.
FAQ’s On Winter Olympics 2026
Where Will The 2026 Winter Olympics Be Held?
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will occur in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22, 2026.
What Date Is The Opening Ceremony Taking Place?
San Siro Stadium in Milan will host the opening ceremony for the Games on February 6, 2026.
How Many Nations Will Compete In The Games?
Approximately 91 nations are anticipated to represent their countries during the Olympic Winter Games.
How Many Events Will Take Place During The Winter Games?
There will be 116 medal-winning events within 8 different sports that total of 16 disciplines total.
