Live Updates: Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Open with Spectacular Ceremony
The excitement surrounding the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is palpable as events unfold. The Games, officially known as the XXV Winter Olympic Games, will mark a historic co-hosting by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in northern Italy.
Key Details of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
These Olympics will take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026. Notably, certain events will begin before the official opening day, showcasing a vibrant lineup.
Events and Competitions
The Olympics will feature:
- 116 events across eight sports.
- 16 disciplines, including alpine skiing, figure skating, and ice hockey.
- The debut of ski mountaineering, referred to as skimo.
Host Cities and Venue Information
Milan will host the ice events, while Cortina d’Ampezzo will accommodate the remaining events. These two cities are approximately 250 miles apart, equating to a five-hour drive.
This event represents a milestone, as it is the first Winter Olympics co-hosted by two cities. Italy has a rich history with the Winter Olympics, having previously hosted them in:
| Year | Location |
|---|---|
| 1956 | Cortina d’Ampezzo |
| 2006 | Turin |
Team USA’s Lindsey Vonn Returns
In the lead-up to the Games, American alpine skiing star Lindsey Vonn returned to the slopes following a recent injury. She participated in an official Olympic training event for women’s downhill skiing.
Vonn’s recent practice marked her first official run since tearing her left ACL during a World Cup event in the Swiss Alps. Her competitive debut in the women’s downhill will take place on Sunday.
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Mascots
Adding to the excitement, the official mascots for the Olympics are Tina and Milo, designed by students from the Istituto Comprensivo of Taverna. These mascots represent the Italian spirit and are inspired by the stoat, an animal less familiar to many.
Tina serves as the Olympic mascot, while Milo represents the Paralympic Games. They will be featured prominently during various events, adding charm to the festivities.
Viewing the Opening Ceremony
Fans can catch the opening ceremony live in the U.S. on NBC at 2 p.m. ET. The ceremony will also be available for streaming on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. The event is expected to last around three hours, with an enhanced encore presentation airing at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise a thrilling spectacle for athletes and fans alike, set against the beautiful backdrop of northern Italy.
