Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2026: Schedule, New Features, and Practical Info

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on February 16, 2026 at 11:52 a.m.
From February 6 to 22, and then again from March 6 to 15, 2026, the Winter Olympics and Paralympics are set to take place in Milan and Cortina, Italy — marking a truly extraordinary edition. Discover all you need to know about these historic Games: new features, events, Olympic venues, mascots, and more.

Twenty years after Turin, Italy is preparing to host the 25th Winter Olympic Games from February 6 to 22, 2026. This edition stands out for its multi-venue format, stretching from the vibrant city of Milan to the iconic peaks of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

With a historic gender balance of 47% female athletes, 2,900 competitors, and 116 medal events across 8 sports and 16 disciplines, these Games are set to deliver a spectacular show against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Alps and the Dolomites.

And don’t forget the Winter Paralympic Games, taking place from March 6 to 15, at the same venues. This time, only six sports will be on the schedule, all specially adapted for the athletes’ disabilities.

Exciting New Changes Coming in 2026

This edition introduces exciting innovations with the addition of new sports and formats:

  • New Sport: Alpine ski mountaineering (also known as Skimo) makes its Olympic debut in Bormio, featuring three events: men’s sprint, women’s sprint, and a mixed relay.
  • New Events: The Skeleton adds a mixed relay race, Luge introduces a women’s doubles event, and Ski jumping debuts the women’s individual large hill event.
  • Freestyle Ski: The parallel moguls competitions (men and women) are officially included, promising more thrilling head-to-head battles.

Schedule and Highlights

The competition is officially set to kick off on February 6, 2026, with a spectacular opening ceremony at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan.

  • February 4: The competition kicks off early with mixed doubles curling.
  • February 6: Opening Ceremony (Milan).
  • February 7–22: A full schedule of 16 Olympic sports.
  • February 22: Closing Ceremony at the historic Verona Arena.
  • March 6: Paralympic Opening Ceremony.
  • March 7–15: The six Paralympic sports unfold over this period.
  • March 15: Paralympic Closing Ceremony.

Event Venues

The events are spread across several geographic regions.

  • Milan: Ice hockey, figure skating, and short track.
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo: Alpine skiing (women), curling, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton.
  • Valtellina (Bormio/Livigno): Alpine skiing (men), ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and freestyle skiing.
  • Val di Fiemme: Cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined.
  • Anterselva: Biathlon.

The mascots

Meet Tina and Milo, two charming sibling ermines—obviously Italian—with one aiming for Olympic glory and the other competing in the Paralympics. They are the official mascots for this edition, accompanied by six tiny flowers called “Flo,” small snowdrops that add a delicate touch to the celebration.

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From February 6, 2026 to March 15, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.
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