Milan-Cortina 2026 kicks off with 2,900 athletes from 90+ nations competing in 16 sports across 12 venues. The Games introduce the official Mountain Ski event, while Japan fields over 70 athletes targeting multiple gold medals, especially in ski jumping, snowboarding half‑pipe, and the new mountain discipline.
Game Overview & Schedule
The 26th Winter Olympics run from February 6 to 22, 2026, marking Italy’s second hosting since 1976. All events are split between the alpine resort of Cortina and Milan’s arena venues.
- Feb 6 – Opening Ceremony and team ski‑jumping kickoff
- Feb 8‑12 – Alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, all snowboarding qualifiers
- Feb 13‑17 – Short track, ice hockey, biathlon, cross‑country
- Feb 18‑21 – Figure skating, freestyle skating, speed skating finals
- Feb 22 – Closing Ceremony and medal presentation
New Events & Competition Changes
The headline addition is the Mountain Ski discipline, approved by the IOC to showcase natural terrain and attract emerging markets. Meanwhile, the long‑awaited women’s Nordic combined is omitted due to insufficient participation. Other fresh elements include the snowboard half‑pipe and a team ski‑jump event, boosting youth appeal.
Japan’s Medal Contenders
Japan enters strong talent across several sports:
- Kazuki Ono – veteran ski jumper aiming to repeat his gold success.
- Yuto Tochika – snowboarder who placed on the podium in the 2023 World Cup, a top contender in half‑pipe.
- Sara Shimizu – speed skater transitioning to Olympic competition with a growing fan base.
- Taku Kitamura – leader for the new Mountain Ski team, leveraging experience from Japan’s North Alps.
The Japanese Olympic Committee targets at least three gold medals, emphasizing scientific training, injury prevention, and optimal conditioning.
Impact on the Sports Landscape
Milan-Cortina serves as a testbed for the IOC’s sustainability agenda: all venues run on renewable energy and incorporate eco‑friendly transport. The Mountain Ski event offers a strategic response to climate‑induced snow shortages, potentially reshaping future ski‑resort economics. The exclusion of women’s Nordic combined also highlights ongoing gender‑equality challenges, prompting the IOC to prioritize event expansion for Paris 2028.
Viewing Tips & Fan Highlights
- Mountain Ski – expect dramatic, high‑speed runs on natural slopes, perfect for immersive broadcast graphics.
- Snowboard Half‑Pipe – a showcase of daring tricks that dominate social media feeds.
- Figure Skating – buzz surrounds a possible comeback of former champion Yuzuru Hanyu.
Beyond competition, local cultural festivals in Milan and Cortina enrich the visitor experience, blending sport with Italian heritage.
Conclusion
Milan-Cortina 2026 blends a massive athlete roster, groundbreaking events, and a green‑focused ethos to define the “next‑generation” Winter Games. Japan’s blend of seasoned stars and newcomers in the new Mountain Ski discipline positions the nation as a serious gold‑medal contender. The outcomes will influence the direction of winter sports worldwide, making every moment a must‑watch spectacle.
