Discover Milan-Cortina: Unveiling Italy’s Dual Olympic Host Cities
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Italy, primarily across two remarkable locations: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. These cities, while both in northern Italy, are over 400 kilometers apart. Milan, a bustling metropolis in Lombardy, is near the southern border of Switzerland, while Cortina d’Ampezzo is closer to Austria, approximately 50 kilometers away.
Discover Milan: The Global Fashion Capital
Milan is renowned worldwide as the fashion and design capital. The city boasts a population of around 1.4 million and is home to Italy’s stock exchange. Milan attracts numerous tourists with its diverse architecture, high-end shops, and gourmet restaurants.
Olympic Events in Milan
- The opening ceremony will take place on February 6, at the iconic San Siro Olympic Stadium.
- Various events, including ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and short track speed skating, will be held in several venues across the metropolis.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: A Skiing Haven
Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomites, is famous for its skiing and luxury accommodations. Nine sites in this region have UNESCO World Heritage status since 2009. This picturesque locale previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and remains a favorite among affluent tourists.
Olympic Events in Cortina
- Cortina will feature a parallel opening ceremony alongside Milan’s main event.
- Events planned include bobsleigh, curling, luge, skeleton, and alpine skiing.
Other Host Cities for the Winter Olympics
In addition to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, other northern Italian cities will play a role in the Olympics. Notably, simultaneous ceremonies and athlete parades will take place in both Predazzo and Livigno.
Key Locations and Events
| City | Notable Events | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Verona | Closing ceremony | Verona Olympic Arena |
| Predazzo | Nordic combined, ski jumping | Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium |
| Tesero | Cross-country skiing, Nordic combined | Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium |
| Antholz-Anterselva | Biathlon, cross-country skiing | Local venues |
| Bormio | Alpine skiing, ski mountaineering | Local ski resorts |
| Livigno | Freestyle skiing, snowboarding | Various snow parks |
The 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a significant event in Italy, showcasing the beauty and capabilities of both Milan and Cortina, along with the surrounding northern regions.