Watch 2026 Winter Olympics: Milan Cortina Schedule, Times, TV Details
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The event spans from February 4 to February 22, 2026. With 93 nations participating across 16 sports, this is a grand assembly of global athleticism.
Key Dates and Viewing Information for the 2026 Winter Olympics
The events will commence with training sessions on February 4, followed by the opening ceremony on February 6. The closing ceremony will conclude the Games on February 22.
Viewing Options
For U.S. audiences, NBC holds exclusive broadcasting rights. Here are the details for viewers:
- Broadcast Channels: NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSN
- Streaming Services: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com
- Live Coverage: NBC will feature live events in the afternoon and weekend mornings.
Due to time zone differences, certain events will be on a tape delay. Milan operates six hours ahead of Eastern Time, and nine hours ahead of Pacific Time.
Olympic Sports and Schedule Highlights
The Games will showcase a total of 116 medal events, covering a diverse range of sports. Notably, a new event, ski mountaineering, will debut at these Olympics. Here’s a simplified overview of the sports schedule:
| Sport | Event Dates |
|---|---|
| Alpine skiing | Feb. 4-18 |
| Biathlon | Feb. 8-21 |
| Figure skating | Feb. 6-21 |
| Ski jumping | Feb. 5-16 |
| Snowboarding | Feb. 5-18 |
Key Medal Events
Some highlighted medal events include:
- Alpine skiing men’s downhill: Feb. 7, 5:30 a.m. ET
- Speed skating women’s 1000m: Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m. ET
- Figure skating men’s free skate: Feb. 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Ski jumping women’s large hill: Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. ET
Team USA at the Olympics
The U.S. hockey teams will feature NHL players, a change from previous years. Key players include Auston Matthews, looking to lead the men’s team. Notably, Team USA hockey has a storied history, with its last gold medal won during the 1980 Olympics.
Star Athletes to Watch
Several prominent U.S. athletes are set to compete in 2026:
- Chloe Kim, aiming for her third consecutive gold in women’s halfpipe.
- Mikaela Shiffrin, targeting her third gold medal in alpine skiing.
- Lindsey Vonn, returning after retirement for a chance on the slopes.
Hosting and Legacy of the 2026 Winter Olympics
This marks Italy’s fourth time hosting Olympic events, with prior Games held in Cortina (1956), Rome (1960), and Turin (2006). Coordinated by the International Olympic Committee, the successful bid was a collaboration between city officials and sports representatives.
As the countdown begins to the 2026 Winter Olympics, viewers and fans worldwide prepare to witness the excitement and achievements in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
