Which country is hosting the Olympics in 2026?

Host country and city for the 2026 Games

The 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be held in Italy, with Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo serving as the joint host cities. The Olympic Winter Games take place February 6–22, 2026, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games March 6–15, 2026. This represents the fourth time Italy has staged the Winter Olympics, having previously hosted in 1956 in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The chosen slogan is "Feather Light," emphasizing sustainability and compact operations across the two geographic hubs in northern Italy.

Why Italy was selected as the host nation

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the Games to Milan-Cortina during the 134th IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzerland, on June 24, 2019. Italy's bid emphasized compact venues, existing infrastructure, and strong public support in northern Italy. The region's legacy from 1956, combined with modern upgrades and a clear sustainability plan, supported the evaluation criteria of cost efficiency, legacy vision, and operational feasibility. The IOC and the organizing committee also highlighted digital innovation and low-carbon operations as central themes for the event.

Key locations and venue clusters

Events will be spread across two primary zones: Milan for indoor and urban events, and Cortina d'Ampezzo for alpine and mountain sports. Milan will stage ceremonies, ice sports, and several cultural programs, leveraging city venues and transport links. Cortina d'Ampezzo, a historic Alpine resort, will host snow and sliding disciplines, utilizing established slopes and facilities. Additional events will occur in nearby towns such as Bormio, Livigno, and Val di Fiemme, depending on sport-specific requirements.

Urban versus mountain venue dynamics

The split between urban Milan and mountainous Cortina creates logistical considerations for transport, accreditation, and media operations. Organizers plan high-speed rail and road links to connect hubs, with dedicated Olympic lanes prioritized for official delegations. Ticketing and broadcast strategies account for geographic distance, aiming to preserve accessibility for spectators and efficient transfer windows for athletes and officials.

Dates, schedule, and phased events

The Olympic program runs over 17 days, beginning with early ice hockey and qualification events, culminating in the closing ceremony. The Paralympic program follows immediately, expanding accessibility and representation. Media windows, fan zones, and cultural programming are scheduled to align with competition peaks while allowing recovery buffers between sport blocks.

Competition timeline at a glance

Transport, accommodation, and spectator logistics

Travel between Milan and Cortina is planned via high-speed rail, regional trains, and dedicated shuttle services, with timed transfers aligned with competition schedules. Hotels range from urban properties in Milan to mountain lodges near Cortina, with organizers encouraging early bookings and neighborhood dispersal to manage demand. Clear guidance on accreditation, ticketing tiers, and mobility access aims to support domestic and international visitors, while local businesses prepare for sustained economic activity across the pre-Games, Games, and post-Games periods.

Economic, social, and legacy considerations

The legacy plan emphasizes long-term use of upgraded facilities, year-round tourism, and skills development in hosting and sustainability practices. Public investment focuses on transport links, energy-efficient venues, and digital infrastructure with measurable environmental targets. Stakeholder engagement strategies aim to broaden participation in sport and cultural programs, while risk management protocols address weather variability, global economic shifts, and operational resilience for large-scale events.