Milano Cortina 2026 will host 116 medal contests across 19 sports from February 6‑22, 2026, featuring eight brand‑new events—including women’s big‑air freestyle skiing and a mixed NOC short‑track relay—while expanding the schedule to boost global viewership. The Games combine iconic alpine venues with Milan’s urban arenas, promising significant economic benefits and a carbon‑neutral legacy for Italy.
Full Schedule Overview
The 19‑day program opens on February 6 with a ceremony in Milan’s historic Duomo square. Key moments include the men’s and women’s downhill races in Cortina on February 8, the inaugural mixed team ski‑jumping competition on February 12, and a high‑octane short‑track speed‑skating finale on February 21. All events are timed for optimal broadcast windows across Europe and North America.
Eight New Medal Events Unveiled
Eight additional medal events increase the total count and introduce three completely new disciplines:
- Women’s big‑air freestyle skiing – a first for the Olympic program.
- Parallel slalom team race in snowboarding.
- Mixed NOC short‑track relay, allowing athletes from different nations to compete together.
- Expanded mixed‑gender formats in existing sports, supporting the IOC’s gender‑parity goals.
These innovations aim to attract younger audiences and showcase the evolving nature of winter sport.
Economic Impact for Italy
Projected direct economic impact exceeds €2 billion, driven by tourism, infrastructure upgrades, and global media exposure. The dual‑city model leverages Milan’s fashion and financial stature while revitalizing Cortina’s mountain heritage, ensuring balanced regional benefits.
Key venue projects include a state‑of‑the‑art sliding centre in Albosaggia for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, and a modernised curling arena in Pinerolo. Sustainable construction practices target carbon‑neutral operations, setting a benchmark for future Games.
Broadcast Plans for Global Audiences
North American viewers will access live coverage via streaming platforms and traditional TV, with prime‑time windows for marquee events. In Europe, a consortium of broadcasters will provide multilingual commentary, while the Olympic Channel offers 24‑hour live feeds and behind‑the‑scenes content. This multi‑platform strategy captures a fragmented, tech‑savvy audience.
Preparing for Milano Cortina 2026
With the schedule locked and new events confirmed, national teams are fine‑tuning rosters for mixed formats that demand strategic pairings. Organisers face a tight construction timeline, targeting venue completion by late 2025 to allow test events and athlete acclimatization.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise a landmark edition—a blend of tradition and transformation set against Italy’s rich cultural tapestry, delivering moments that will shape the future of winter sport.
