Guide to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Your Inspiration for Future Trips to Northern Italy

As the excitement builds for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, kicking off next month on February 6 and running through February 22, 2026, this guide from ItalianTourism.us is your perfect starting point. We’re thrilled about the Games spotlighting Northern Italy—and we know this short, high-energy event is the ideal teaser for planning your own unforgettable vacation here.

Northern Italy is a fantastic destination in every season, from crisp winter slopes to blooming spring valleys.

We recently returned from a magical Christmas trip, spending time in Verona (a sophisticated gem with its ancient Roman arena) and Bolzano (a hidden treasure blending Italian and Alpine charm). The areas hosting the Olympics felt even more enchanting in winter—imagine experiencing that magic yourself, without the crowds of the Games!

This two-week spectacle won’t disrupt travel like longer events such as the Jubilee. Instead, it offers the perfect excuse to watch the action from afar, dream big, and start planning your Northern Italy adventure. Picture stunning landscapes, world-class ski resorts, and vibrant cities providing the backdrop—then make it your reality post-Games.

The name Milan Cortina Olympics is taken from two different areas where the Olympcis will take place. Milan the urban center and Cortina d’Ampezzo the skiing resort area in the Italian Dolomites.

The Olympcis encompasses three northern Italy regions: Lombardy (Milan for ice events and mountain skiing), Trentino-Alto Adige (Nordic sports amid forested valleys), and Veneto (alpine skiing, sliding events, plus the Closing Ceremony in Verona’s historic arena). Hosted across clusters using mostly existing venues, the Games minimize impact while showcasing diverse terrain—from Milan’s urban buzz to the snow-capped Dolomites.

2026 Italy Olympic Venues

Here’s a breakdown of the key clusters to inspire your future itinerary:

Milano Cluster (Lombardy Region)

Milan, the fashion and finance capital, hosts ice-based events. It’s an easy base with major airports (Malpensa, Linate) and high-speed trains—perfect for combining city culture (Duomo, shopping, Lombard cuisine) with mountain day trips.

• Venues & Events: Figure skating, short track, speed skating, ice hockey, Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium.

Cortina Cluster (Veneto Region)

The glamorous Dolomites resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo shines with sliding and alpine sports. Think luxury lodges, fine dining, and UNESCO-listed peaks—ideal for upscale winter escapes.

• Venues & Events: Curling, bobsleigh/luge/skeleton, alpine skiing on Tofane.

Valtellina Cluster (Lombardy Region)

Rugged alpine vibes in Bormio and Livigno, with freestyle and skiing events. Livigno’s duty-free shopping and Bormio’s thermal spas make it a relaxing, adventurous spot.

• Venues & Events: Freestyle skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, ski mountaineering.

Val di Fiemme Cluster (Trentino-Alto Adige Region)

Nordic-focused in forested valleys like Predazzo and Tesero—great for cross-country fans, with Tyrolean culture and trails.

• Venues & Events: Ski jumping, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing.

Antholz/Anterselva (Trentino-Alto Adige Region)

Biathlon in pristine South Tyrol, near Bolzano—blending Italian and Austrian flavors.

• Venues & Events: Biathlon.

Verona (Veneto Region)

Romantic finale with the Closing Ceremony in the ancient Roman arena—pair with nearby wine regions.

• Venues & Events: Closing Ceremony.

Why Plan Your Northern Italy Trip Now—Inspired by the Olympics

The Games put a global spotlight on Northern Italy’s allure: majestic Alps for adventure, historic cities for culture, and gourmet “après-ski” (risottos, polenta, local wines). With 93% existing venues, the legacy includes enhanced transport, sustainable upgrades, and year-round appeal—making post-Olympics travel even better (fewer crowds, improved access).

We loved Verona’s elegance and Bolzano’s charm during Christmas—now imagine your own winter wonderland, spring hikes, or summer escapes here. Northern Italy shines beyond the two-week burst!

At ItalianTourism.us, we’re experts in crafting personalized itineraries for Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Contact us today to plan your dream trip—whether inspired by the Olympics or ready to book your alpine adventure. Let’s turn your Olympic viewing into your next unforgettable Italian vacation!

Ready to explore Northern Italy? Reach out for northern Italy tours and to start planning a custom vacation!