How to experience the best of Italy at the Winter Games
By blending the excitement of elite winter sports with Italian culture, cuisine, and alpine scenery, Milano-Cortina 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable travel destination.
The XXV Olympic Winter Games will be held from 6–22 February 2026, followed by the Paralympics in early March.
Whether you’re cheering during the figure skating in Milan or watching the ski races against the dramatic Dolomite cliffs, planning early and choosing the right logistics can make this your trip of a lifetime.
Planning a trip to the 2026 Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics is more than just buying tickets—it’s about weaving sports, culture, and iconic Italian experiences into one unforgettable adventure. Ticket sales began in early 2025. Many standard sessions are priced under €100, though high-demand events like opening/closing ceremonies can reach up to €3,000.
This will be the first officially co‑hosted Winter Games between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with events also across the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys. The Opening Ceremony will take place at San Siro Stadium in Milan and the Closing Ceremony at the Verona Arena.
The 2026 games will introduce ski mountaineering as a new Olympic discipline and features 116 events across eight sports. These are the most geographically dispersed Winter Games ever—expect travel times up to 12 hours between distant venues, and no single Olympic Village for spectators.
For accommodations, there are endless options – however time is running out and many are booked. Milan offers upscale hotels near transport hubs and fashionable districts, with some turning loyalty points (e.g. Marriott Bonvoy) into savvy stays. Cortina & Dolomites region is seeing a wave of new high-design hotels—such as Aman Rosa Alpina, Ancora Cortina, Hotel de Len, Hotel Tofana and others—blending luxurious ambiance with alpine authenticity. Budget‑conscious travelers may find Airbnb or guesthouses in nearby villages as more affordable options, especially around Cortina.
Beyond the Games: Embrace Italy
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In Milan, soak in architecture (Duomo, Castello Sforzesco), world-class art, galleries, and Milanese cuisine. Use any downtime to explore fashion boutiques or meander in the Brera district.
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In Cortina and surrounding Dolomites, indulge in mountain trails, wellness spas, and Ladin gastronomy—try local specialties like chenedi, Casunziei pasta, and apple strudel.
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If time allows, add side trips to Venice, Verona, or Florence post-Games—rich cultural contrast and scenic beauty await between snow and art.
The 2026 Winter Olympics offer not just thrilling competition, but a chance to experience northern Italy’s stunning contrasts—from Milan’s cosmopolitan glamour to the grandeur of the Dolomites. With venues spread across multiple provinces, success lies in early planning, transport strategy, and finding the right accommodations mix.
For more info on the 2026 Games, visit: https://milanocortina2026.olympics.com/en