Why the 2026 Winter Olympics Are Being Held in Multiple Italian Cities

The 2026 Winter Games will be hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, marking the fourth time Italy has hosted the Olympics after Cortina (1956), Rome (1960) and Turin (2006). The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for February 6, with coverage on NBC and Peacock.

Organizers say the dispersed format responds to the geography and the variety of winter sports. "To organize an event that is as complex as the (Olympic) Games you have to work with the land," said IOC executive director Christophe Dubi, noting the need to adapt to the territory rather than concentrate all events in one city.

There will be 116 events across 16 sports, with mountain venues in Cortina d’Ampezzo hosting skiing, snowboarding, bobsled and luge, while indoor events such as figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey will be staged in Milan. Some competitions will also take place in Bormio, Livigno, the Val di Fiemme cluster and Tesero, with travel distances from Milan to those venues ranging roughly from 145 to 230 miles.

2026 winter games, milan, cortina d’ampezzo, fourth time italy has hosted, cortina (1956), rome (1960), turin (2006), opening ceremony, february 6, nbc and peacock, dispersed format, christophe dubi, 116 events, 16 sports