The 2026 Winter Olympics, known as the Milan-Cortina Games, promises to be a unique spectacle, spanning a significant expanse of Northern Italy. This edition is notable for being the most geographically widespread Winter Olympics to date, spreading across more than 22,000 square kilometers.
Although titled Milan-Cortina, the event extends far and wide across northern Italy, featuring several clusters of venues that blend modern facilities with cultural heritage. Let's take a closer look at the key locations set to host various Olympic events and ceremonies.
1. San Siro Stadium, Milan - Known as the home of AC Milan and Inter Milan, the legendary San Siro will host the opening ceremony. This iconic 80,000-seater stadium is a cornerstone of Milan's sports culture, hosting countless legendary games and concerts.
2. Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan - A modern marvel still under construction, the 16,000-seat arena is rapidly taking shape in Milan's southeastern outskirts. Upon completion, it promises to be a bustling venue for Olympic ice hockey events, potentially hosting future ATP Finals as well.
3. Ice Park, Milan - Designed for versatility, the Ice Park will accommodate more than just ice hockey, hosting speed skating events across four pavilions of the Fiera Milano exhibition venue. These facilities emphasize temporary structures, aligned with sustainability goals.
4. Forum di Milano - Established as a multipurpose venue, the Forum will see action in short-track speed skating and figure skating. Its legacy includes hosting the 2018 figure skating world championships, underscoring its international pedigree.
5. Tofane Alpine Skiing Center, Cortina d'Ampezzo - This alpine skiing paradise boasts the Olympia delle Tofane, a renowned slope that regularly welcomes FIS Alpine World Cup competitions. Its legacy traces back to the 1956 Winter Olympics.
6. Curling Olympic Stadium, Cortina d'Ampezzo - This historic venue, a remnant of the 1956 Games, will again host curling events. Its iconic status is cemented further by its inclusion in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only.
7. Cortina Sliding Center - Central to the sliding events, this facility is under reconstruction. Should it not meet the completion timeline, an alternative venue in Lake Placid, New York, might host these events, highlighting the organizers' commitment to ensuring smooth operations.
8. Stelvio Ski Center - Known for its challenging terrain, the Stelvio course is a staple on the men's World Cup circuit. The venue will debut ski mountaineering at the Olympic level, testifying to the event's innovation and adaptability.
Other impressive venues include the Livigno Snow Park for snowboarding and freestyle skiing, the sophisticated ski jumping facility in Predazzo, and the expansive Anterselva Biathlon Arena in South Tyrol. These facilities, steeped in natural beauty and history, add depth to the Olympics experience, integrating modern sporting excitement with Italy's rich cultural tapestry.
The closing ceremony will take place in the historic Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater that will beautifully bridge the past with the present, providing an extraordinary conclusion to the Games.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approaches, these venues stand ready to deliver not only world-class sport but also a rich journey into Italy's cultural and historical essence, making it an unforgettable celebration of athletic prowess and international unity.
