Your Guide to Watching the 2026 Winter Olympics

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 2, 2026 7:53 PM ET

Fans of winter sports can prepare for an exciting spectacle as the 2026 Winter Olympics approach. This thrilling event will take place in Milan and Cortina, Italy, during February 2026. The games promise to showcase a mix of traditional and newer sports, catering to diverse viewer interests.

Your Guide to Watching the 2026 Winter Olympics

The Milano Cortina Olympics will officially kick off with the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. Renowned performers, including Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, will grace the event. In total, the Olympics will run until the closing ceremony on February 22 at 2:30 PM ET.

Broadcasting Information

In the United States, NBC will be the exclusive broadcaster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Viewers can tune in through various platforms:

Cable and satellite TV on NBC channels and local affiliates.
Streaming live through Peacock Premium with a monthly subscription of $11.
An ad-free option, Peacock Premium Plus, is available for $18 a month.

Peacock will also host an Olympics hub, simplifying event tracking and notifications. This is particularly beneficial for viewers in different time zones, as Italy follows GMT+1.

Event Schedule Highlights

The Winter Olympics will feature a variety of competitions. Below is an overview of key events with their respective dates:

Opening Ceremony

The three-hour opening ceremony will occur on February 6, starting at 2 PM ET.

Alpine Skiing

Training begins on February 4.
Men’s downhill races commence on February 7 at 5:30 AM ET.
Women’s downhill events start on February 8.
Medal competitions continue through February 18.
Final slalom runs for men will take place on February 16, with women following on February 18.

Biathlon

The mixed relay (4 x 6 km) kicks off on February 8.
Competitions culminate with the men’s 1-km mass start on February 20 and women’s 12.5-km mass start on February 21.

Bobsleigh

Events begin with training on February 12 at 6:50 AM ET.
Medal matches start on February 16 with women’s monobob heat four.

For a complete list of all events, including their timings and formats, consult the official Olympics competition schedule. This comprehensive guide will enhance your viewing experience as you support your favorite athletes during the 2026 Winter Olympics.