The 2026 Winter Olympic Games, set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 4th to February 16th, will mark the third time Italy has hosted the winter competition. This event, featuring 116 medal events across 16 sports, promises a blend of tradition and innovation. From the dual Olympic flame cauldrons to the sleek new medal designs, here’s a detailed overview of what to expect.
Opening Ceremony and Key Themes
The official start of the Games will be on February 6th with an opening ceremony in Milan’s San Siro Stadium, though competitions begin two days earlier. The theme, “Harmony,” aims to unite athletes and fans across multiple venues, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo.
The ceremony, curated by Marco Balich (known for his work on Expo 2015), will celebrate Italian history through music, fashion, design, and tributes to figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Giorgio Armani. The San Siro Stadium, before its planned demolition, will serve as the central stage, featuring four ramps representing the event’s key locations.
Olympic Flame and Medal Design
For the first time, two Olympic flame cauldrons will be lit: one in Milan’s Arco della Pace and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo. This symbolizes the Games’ decentralized nature.
The medals, designed in collaboration with the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, feature a geometric, minimalist design. The central line represents continuous change, embodying the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics.
Venues and Accessibility
Events will be distributed across four main zones:
- Milan: Hosting opening/closing ceremonies, ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, and short track.
- Valtellina: Featuring freestyle skiing, snowboarding in Livigno, mountaineering, and men’s alpine skiing.
- Cortina: Curling, sliding sports, women’s alpine skiing, and biathlon will take place here.
- Val di Fiemme: Ski jumping and cross-country skiing events will be held in this region.
Notably, the podiums have been redesigned to accommodate up to ten athletes, ensuring full accessibility for Paralympic competitors with fall-preventing ramps and curbs.
Mascots: Milo and Tina
The official mascots are Milo and Tina, two stoats representing Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo respectively. Milo, born without a leg, uses his tail for mobility, embodying inclusivity. They’ll be joined by six “Flo” snowdrops, symbolizing rebirth.
How to Watch
Viewers in the US can watch the 2026 Winter Olympics live on NBC and Peacock, with some events available on NBCOlympics.com.
Torch Relay
The Olympic torch, named “Essential,” will travel approximately 7,500 miles through 20 regions and 110 provinces between December 6, 2025, and February 6, 2026.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promises a spectacle of athleticism, cultural celebration, and innovation. From the dual Olympic flames to the accessible podiums, the Games are designed to be inclusive and memorable.
