The world’s greatest winter spectacle has finally arrived! From Mariah Carey’s glittering opening performance to the controversial presence of ICE agents and Lindsey Vonn’s high-stakes comeback, Milano Cortina 2026 is set to be the most “spread-out” Olympics in history. WATCH the ultimate guide to the stars, the new sports, and the scandals that have everyone talking. Don’t miss a second of the action!
Stars, debut events, storied Alpine venues, and a return to the full Olympic spirit after the pandemic era—here is your comprehensive guide to the Milano Cortina Games.
The Winter Games have returned—and this time they are crisscrossing across northern Italy. Milano Cortina 2026 will represent the most geographically expansive Winter Games ever organized, leaping from Milan’s urban arenas to the Dolomites’ classic Alpine slopes. With returning icons, brand-new events, and Italy emphasizing its Olympic heritage, these Games may have arrived quietly—but there is significant activity ahead. From broadcast details to the athletes who matter and why this edition could look vastly different, here are your primary questions answered.
Hold on – is an Olympics underway?
Yes. The 2026 Winter Olympics officially commence on Friday and continue through 22 February. Given their placement in a dense sports schedule—with Super Bowl LX arriving Sunday, the Premier League in motion, and the Australian Open recently concluded—it is understandable how the Games might have stealthily approached some enthusiasts.
When do the Winter Olympics commence?
The Games formally begin on Friday with the opening ceremony, although several competitions will already be in progress before then, including curling, ice hockey, luge, and figure skating. As the Winter Olympics have expanded—with longer timelines and more competitors—starting specific events early has become the necessary method to fit every event into the official window.
Who is presiding over the Winter Olympics?
Italy is presiding over the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Games are officially designated Milano Cortina 2026 and are distributed across northern Italy, with Milan acting as the primary urban host and Cortina d’Ampezzo anchoring the mountain competitions.
What are the primary Winter Olympics venues and sites?
These Olympics are dispersed across northern Italy, with events grouped by sport and geography. Milan will host most indoor ice events—including ice hockey and speed skating—and will also stage the opening ceremony. Cortina d’Ampezzo serves as the hub for alpine events and sliding disciplines. Snowboarding and freestyle skiing are located in Livigno, while biathlon events are based in Antholz.
This feels unusually spread out. Is it?
Yes. Organizers have labeled this the most geographically dispersed Winter Olympics ever organized. The benefit is the scenery and sustainability; the drawback is the complicated logistics for competitors, media, and spectators.
Why Italy, and why now?
Italy last hosted the Winter Games in Turin in 2006, while Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted in 1956. Milano Cortina draws extensively on that heritage while emphasizing existing sites and iconic mountain backdrops rather than purpose-built stadiums.
Where can I watch the opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony occurs on 6 February at the San Siro stadium in Milan. In the US, it will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock. The BBC and CBC are the primary broadcasters in the UK and Canada, respectively.
Will Céline Dion be performing again?
No, unfortunately. Instead, Mariah Carey is set to feature as the headliner. She will be joined by pianist Lang Lang, tenor Andrea Bocelli, and pop star Laura Pausini. The ceremony’s theme, Armonia (Italian for “harmony”), will focus on Italian culture and history.
Where can I watch the Winter Olympics 2026 online?
Peacock is the primary streaming destination in the US, providing live feeds and replays across all sports.
Will the time difference be a problem for audiences in North America?
Not particularly. Italy is six hours ahead of the US east coast, meaning many finals will air live in the morning or early afternoon. This is a much more favorable schedule than the previous two Games in Asia.
How is Team USA looking?
The US has announced a 232-athlete roster with a nearly equal gender split. Ages range from 15-year-old Abby Winterberger to 54-year-old Rich Ruohonen.
What are the big US storylines heading in?
Lindsey Vonn is attempting an incredible comeback at 41 with a ruptured ACL, while Mikaela Shiffrin seeks vindication after a difficult Beijing Games. Speed skater Jordan Stolz is targeting a rare treble, and Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God,” is favored for gold with his quadruple Axel. The US women’s figure skating team, known as the Blade Angels, is chasing the first singles gold for the country since 2002.
Who else should casual fans recognize?
Chloe Kim is bidding for a historic third consecutive halfpipe gold. Speed skater Erin Jackson will be defending her title as the first Black woman to win gold in an individual Winter event.
How about non-US stories?
The return of NHL players means superstars like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby will participate. On home ice, Italian ice dancers Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri are chasing an elusive medal, while legend Arianna Fontana attempts an extraordinary double in both short and long track.
Which countries usually dominate the Winter Olympics?
Norway leads historically, followed by Germany, which excels in biathlon and sliding sports. The United States typically thrives in alpine skiing and snowboarding, while Canada is strongest in ice sports like hockey.
What sports are in the Winter Olympics?
There are 16 disciplines, including alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, and the newly added ski mountaineering.
Are there any new sports at the Winter Olympics?
Yes, ski mountaineering (skimo) makes its Olympic debut. It blends uphill endurance climbing with downhill racing.
Anything new within familiar sports?
New medal events include dual moguls in freestyle skiing, mixed team relay in skeleton, and women’s large hill ski jumping.
Is the Winter Olympics hockey rink really smaller than the NHL?
Yes—slightly. The main rink in Milan is smaller than a standard NHL surface, which could lead to faster play and more physical games.
Is Russia in the Winter Olympics?
Yes—but only in a limited capacity. Russian athletes may only compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN).
What does neutral status actually mean?
Neutral athletes cannot compete under Russia’s flag or hear their national anthem. Team sports like hockey are entirely excluded. Athletes must pass eligibility checks showing they have not supported the war in Ukraine.
What’s the Olympic village like?
There is no single village. Instead, a decentralized six-village model is being utilized, with athletes staying in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio, Predazzo, and Anterselva.
Do they really have a lot of sex in there?
Yes, but the reality is more mundane than the legends suggest. While the Village has a reputation as a hookup hotspot, many athletes are exhausted or intensely focused on their routines.
How much do tickets cost for the Winter Olympics?
Prices vary significantly; some early rounds start under €30, while high-demand finals can cost several hundred euros.
Will ICE agents be at the Winter Olympics?
Yes, but in a limited capacity. A small unit from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI) will provide security support and liaise with Italian authorities on transnational crime. They will not perform immigration enforcement or patrol the streets.
So, bottom line – why should I care?
Because Milano Cortina unites star power and history in a way the Beijing Games could not. This is shaping up to feel like a full, authentic Olympics once again.
