The countdown has begun: from February 6 to 22, 2026, Italy will be in the global spotlight as it hosts the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This historic event brings the Winter Games back to Italy after 20 years, promising thrilling sports, unforgettable moments, and a breathtaking atmosphere between the Dolomites and the vibrant city of Milan. If you want to experience this extraordinary event firsthand, our advice is to book as soon as possible—accommodations are filling up fast, and finding a place to stay could soon become a challenge!
Where Will the Games Take Place?
The Olympic venues are spread across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, featuring some of the most scenic locations in the world. Here are the main hubs:
🏔️ Cortina d’Ampezzo – The Queen of the Dolomites will host women’s alpine skiing, curling (at the historic 1956 Olympic venue), and sliding sports, including bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton.
🏙️ Milan – The city will host figure skating and short track speed skating at Allianz Cloud, while the brand-new PalaItalia Santa Giulia will be the venue for ice hockey.
🎿 Valtellina & Livigno – The men’s alpine skiing events will take place on the legendary Stelvio slope in Bormio, while Livigno will host snowboarding and freestyle skiing competitions.
❄️ Trentino-Alto Adige – Predazzo, Tesero, and Baselga di Piné will be the stage for ski jumping, Nordic skiing, and long-track speed skating.
Book Early: Accommodation is Already in High Demand
If you think you can find a last-minute hotel, think again! Lodging in Cortina and other Olympic locations is already filling up quickly. If you want a hotel with a view of the slopes, book now or consider alternative stays in nearby towns like San Vito di Cadore, Auronzo, or Dobbiaco. Milan, with its excellent train and road connections, is also a great base for your Olympic trip.
How to Get There?
✈️ By Plane – The main airports are Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, and Venice Marco Polo. Travelers flying into Bergamo-Orio al Serio will find shuttle services to the Olympic sites.
🚆 By Train – Trenitalia and Italo will increase services to Belluno and Dobbiaco, with shuttle buses connecting to Cortina.
🚗 By Car – If you prefer driving, keep in mind that Cortina and Bormio will have dedicated parking areas with shuttle services, as traffic will be restricted.
What to Enjoy Beyond the Olympics?
Beyond the thrilling competitions, the Olympic atmosphere will be electric! Milan will offer cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions. Cortina, with its timeless charm, will be a hotspot for celebrities and sports stars. And don’t miss the chance to savor local delicacies like Valtellina’s pizzoccheri, Ampezzo’s casunziei, and freshly baked apple strudel!