Attending Milan 2026 Winter Olympics? Here’s All You Need To Know

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be a celebration of sport, culture, and Italian excellence, bringing together the urban and the alpine. Whether you’re heading to Milan for the ice events or making your way to Cortina for some mountain thrills, this trip promises to be one for the books.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are all about Italian contrasts: Milan, with its stylish cityscape, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with its breathtaking mountains. Together, they’ll host the Winter Games, making use of their natural and architectural gems to create unforgettable settings for each event.

Milan: The Urban Winter Wonderland

Milan, best known in Italy for its art, fashion, and impeccable sense of style, will serve as the hub for indoor ice sports. Expect to see plenty of stunning arenas, along with the city’s famous blend of modernity and tradition. Here are the key venues in Milan:

Mediolanum Forum Assago

• Events: Figure skating, Short-track speed skating
• What to Expect: Located just outside the city center, this arena has hosted everything from Beyoncé concerts to basketball championships. During the Olympics, it will be transformed into the elegant setting for figure skating—one of the Games’ most glamorous and widely watched sports. Expect stunning performances from stars like Nathan Chen and Kamila Valieva, as well as the graceful couples of the ice dancing competition.

PalaItalia Santa Giulia

• Events: Ice hockey
• What to Expect: A brand-new facility built especially for the Olympics, PalaItalia Santa Giulia will be the place to catch the high-octane excitement of Olympic ice hockey. Imagine the roar of the crowd as powerhouse teams like the USA, Canada, and Russia battle it out for the gold. Players like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews will be at the heart of the action, making this arena the epicenter of energy and intensity during the Games.

Arena Civica / Parco Sempione

• Events: Curling
• What to Expect: Nestled in Milan’s beautiful Parco Sempione, the Arena Civica usually plays host to football and athletics but will swap running shoes for curling brooms in 2026. This historic venue, surrounded by green space and located near Milan’s famous Sforza Castle, will be the place to watch curling teams from countries like Canada, Sweden, and Great Britain aim for Olympic glory.

Palazzo delle Scintille

• Events: Ice hockey (second venue)
• What to Expect: Originally a historic building used for exhibitions, the Palazzo delle Scintille will serve as an additional ice hockey venue. Completely revamped for the Games, this venue will host some of the group-stage matches and playoff games, making it a key spot for ice hockey fans.

Cortina d’Ampezzo: Queen of the Dolomites

Meanwhile, Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” will be the Italian playground for outdoor alpine events. If you’ve never heard of Cortina, prepare for a postcard-perfect town surrounded by jagged peaks and world-class ski slopes. Here’s where the mountain magic will happen:

Olympia delle Tofane

• Events: Alpine skiing (downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom)
• What to Expect: This is where you’ll catch the world’s best alpine skiers, including stars like Mikaela Shiffrin, flying down one of the most famous slopes in the world. The Tofane slope is a monster of a course, combining speed, skill, and spectacular views. Don’t blink—races can be over in just two minutes, but the thrill will last much longer.

Eugenio Monti Olympic Track

• Events: Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton
• What to Expect: Named after Italy’s most famous bobsleigh champion, this track will host the adrenaline-pumping sliding events. Picture athletes rocketing down a narrow ice chute at terrifying speeds while you watch with bated breath. Francesco Friedrich, the bobsleigh king, and Jacqueline Lölling, a skeleton favorite, will likely dominate these races, bringing some of the most heart-stopping moments of the Games.

Cortina Sliding Center

• Events: Biathlon

What to Expect: Combining the precision of shooting with the endurance of cross-country skiing, biathlon is one of the most challenging Olympic sports. The Cortina Sliding Center, set against a stunning alpine backdrop, will showcase biathletes pushing their mental and physical limits. Expect fierce competition from biathlon powerhouses like Norway and Germany.

If you’re traveling all the way to Italy for the Winter Olympics, you’ll need tickets—preferably to the most exciting events. Ticket sales for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will officially open in mid-2025, and it’s important to act fast. Olympic tickets are known to sell out quickly, especially for events like figure skating, ice hockey, and alpine skiing.

Tickets will be available through the official Olympic website, and you can register now to get an immediate notification for when tickets will go on sale.

For international visitors, there will likely be authorized resellers offering packages that include both tickets and accommodations. Make sure to stick with official channels to avoid scams.

Prices will vary widely depending on the event and seating, with high-demand events like figure skating finals and ice hockey gold medal matches fetching higher prices. On the other hand, less popular events or preliminary rounds, like curling and early biathlon races, may offer more affordable options.

Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) will be your primary point of entry. With direct flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, getting to Milan has never been easier. Malpensa is a modern airport with plenty of transportation options to take you into the city center.

Once you land at Malpensa, hop on the Malpensa Express, a quick and efficient train that gets you to Milano Centrale in about 50 minutes. From there, you’ll be right in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Duomo and other famous landmarks.

For those arriving from European cities, Linate Airport (LIN) is the more convenient choice, as it’s located just 20 minutes from the city center. If you’re flying budget, you may land at Orio al Serio (BGY) near Bergamo, a bit farther out but well-connected by bus and train.

While Milan is buzzing with city energy, getting to the alpine wonderland of Cortina d’Ampezzo is a bit more of a journey. The most scenic option is to take the train from Milano Centrale to Calalzo di Cadore, the nearest station to Cortina, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the town itself.

Alternatively, for those seeking more convenience, Olympic shuttle services will likely run between Milan and Cortina, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for spectators eager to catch alpine events.

If you’re up for a road trip, rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive through the Italian Alps. The trip from Milan to Cortina takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather, and is filled with jaw-dropping views of the snow-covered peaks.

The million-dollar question: should you stay in Milan or Cortina? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

Milan: Where Elegance Meets Action

Milan offers a wide range of accommodations to fit any style, whether you’re looking to splurge on a luxury hotel or find something more budget-friendly.

• Luxury: Hotel Principe di Savoia or Bulgari Hotel Milan for top-tier elegance, steps from the city’s best attractions.
• Mid-range: The Square Milano Duomo or NH Collection Milano President provide great comfort in the heart of Milan without breaking the bank.
• Budget: Ostello Bello Grande for travelers on a tighter budget, offering a social atmosphere and excellent location near Milano Centrale.

Cortina: Cozy Alpine Retreat

Cortina’s accommodation options may be fewer, but they’re no less charming. For luxury travelers, Cristallo, A Luxury Collection Resort offers breathtaking views and top-notch service. For something a little more modest yet cozy, Hotel de la Poste or Hotel Villa Blu provide warm, inviting mountain vibes at a more reasonable price point.

Wherever you choose to stay, book early—accommodations will fill up quickly, especially in Cortina where rooms are limited.

Milan is a city that never stops, and while the Winter Games will be the highlight, there’s plenty more to explore beyond the Olympic venues.

Milan Must-Dos

Here you will find a dedicated article to the best of what the city can offer you. Your unmissable sights will be:

• The Duomo: Milan’s most famous landmark, and yes, you can climb to the rooftop for panoramic views.
• The Last Supper: Don’t miss Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie. Pro tip: book tickets well in advance.
• Shopping: From high-end designer stores on Via Montenapoleone to vintage finds in Brera, Milan is a shopping mecca.

Cortina d’Ampezzo & Dolomites Magic

In Cortina, the beauty of the Dolomites is unmatched. Spend a day exploring the town’s luxury boutiques or indulge in the hearty mountain cuisine at local trattorias. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a snowshoeing or hiking excursion into the snowy peaks, where you can experience the stunning alpine landscapes firsthand.

If you’d like to explore a bit more, here’s a dedicated travel guide to the Dolomites.

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Tags: Milan 2026 Winter Olympics; Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 info