Every four years, the Winter Olympics bring the world together to celebrate speed, endurance, and artistry on ice and snow. In 2026, the Games will look different than ever before. For the first time, they’ll be split across two host cities — cosmopolitan Milan and chic Cortina d’Ampezzo — along with several Alpine towns across northern Italy. The result? A spectacular but logistically complex event.
Whether you’re traveling for the thrill of alpine skiing, the elegance of figure skating, or the energy of the opening ceremony, attending the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But it also requires careful planning. With venues spread across hundreds of miles, accommodations in high demand, and winter weather in play, you’ll want to get organized early.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip: dates, venues, tickets, travel logistics, where to stay, what to pack, and why travel insurance for the Winter Olympics matters just as much as snagging your tickets.
Key dates for Milano Cortina 2026
The 2026 Winter Olympics schedule runs from February 6–22, 2026, with the Paralympic Games following from March 6–15.
- Opening Ceremony: February 6 at Milan’s San Siro Stadium
- First events: Curling preliminaries in Cortina on February 4; ice hockey and snowboarding on February 5
- Closing Ceremony: February 22 at Verona’s Roman Arena
- Paralympics: Opening March 6 in Verona, closing March 15 in Cortina
For the most up-to-date schedules, check the Milano Cortina 2026 website.
Where the Games take place
Unlike past Olympics, events in 2026 are spread across multiple regions:
- Milan: figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: alpine skiing (women’s), curling, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton
- Bormio: men’s alpine skiing and ski mountaineering
- Livigno: freestyle skiing and snowboarding
- Val di Fiemme (Predazzo/Tesero): ski jumping, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing
- Anterselva (Antholz Valley): biathlon
- Verona: Closing Ceremony
How to get tickets
Tickets went on sale to the general public in early 2025. Premium seats for in-demand sports like figure skating, ice hockey, and alpine skiing sold first, but many events still have availability, especially preliminaries. Additional batches may be released in the coming months.
Always purchase directly through the official Olympics ticketing page. It’s the only authorized vendor. Avoid third-party resellers where prices might be inflated or tickets may not be valid.
If you’re flexible, you’ll find better availability for preliminary rounds or niche sports like curling and Nordic combined. Hospitality packages that include accommodations and exclusive experiences are also available, though at a premium.
Getting there and around
One of the biggest challenges of Milano Cortina 2026 is geography. Events are spread across six regions, so transport planning is key.
Closest airports
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): best for events in Milan
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE): closest to Cortina (2.5 hours by car)
- Verona (VRN): near Val di Fiemme and convenient for closing ceremony travelers
- Treviso (TSF): small but well connected to Cortina by shuttle
Trains
Italy’s high-speed Trenitalia and Italo trains connect Milan, Verona, and Venice in under three hours. Regional lines and dedicated Olympic shuttles are expected to expand service during the Games.
Driving
Renting a car offers flexibility, but note:
- Winter tires are mandatory (Nov 15–Apr 15)
- Parking near venues is limited
- Alpine weather can disrupt your route
If you do decide to drive, book accommodations with guaranteed parking. And consider Faye’s rental car coverage add-on for protection against accidental damage or theft.
Tip: Base yourself in Bolzano, Trento, or Treviso for easier logistics and more train connection options.
Where to stay
Olympic accommodations are already tight in both Milan and Cortina, but you still have options:
- Milan: For ceremonies and ice sports. Book near Centrale, Brera, or Navigli for convenience
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: The hub for alpine skiing and sliding events. Prices are on the higher end and rooms may be limited
- Nearby bases: Trento, Bolzano, and Verona may offer more availability and have easier logistics
- Dolomite valleys (Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa): Great for combining Olympic spectating with world-class skiing and snowboarding
With many stays non-refundable during peak dates, travel insurance from Faye can help protect trip costs if plans change unexpectedly.
What to pack for Italy in February
The weather in northern Italy in February can be unpredictable. Pack for city streets and mountain venues, and aim to stay warm and dry.
Essentials include:
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof ski jacket and pants
- Insulated boots with good traction
- Ice grips for walking in towns
- Sunglasses (snow glare can be strong)
- Power adapter (Type F/L)
- An eSIM with EU roaming for reliable data
Tip: Download the Faye app to buy an eSIM or use Safekeeping to store passports and important travel documents securely, accessible even offline. Not to mention, with Faye you can also view the weather forecast of your destination.
What else to do beyond the Games
The Winter Olympics are the main attraction, but northern Italy offers more than sports. Make time to experience the culture, cuisine, and landscapes between events.
- Milan: See The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, browse the Quadrilatero d’Oro, enjoy aperitivo in the Navigli canals
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Ski iconic Dolomite slopes, take the Cortina Skyline gondola, stroll Corso Italia for chic alpine shopping
- Verona: Explore Juliet’s balcony, dine in piazzas, and visit the Roman Arena, the Closing Ceremony venue
- Bolzano & Trento: Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to meet Ötzi the Iceman, or MUSE in Trento, designed by Renzo Piano
Why travel insurance matters for the Winter Olympics
A trip this complex comes with risks: multiple non-refundable tickets, unpredictable winter weather, and huge crowds moving across limited transport routes. That’s where travel insurance can make all the difference.
With Faye, travelers can:
- Protect prepaid costs: Coverage for tickets, hotels, and tours if you cancel for a covered reason
- Access coverage for medical mishaps abroad: Most U.S. health insurance doesn’t extend to Italy, but Faye’s does
- File claims digitally: Receive reimbursements on approved claims directly to your phone’s wallet (even while you’re still mid-trip)
- Get 24/7 support: Through the Faye app, or by phone, or email
Want to maximize your protection? Check out the best time to buy travel insurance before the Games.
Go for gold, not guesswork
Planning a trip to the 2026 Winter Olympics is a feat in itself, from securing tickets and navigating venues across northern Italy to managing logistics during peak winter travel. But one thing you shouldn’t leave to chance is protecting your trip investment.
With Faye, you can get coverage for trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and more, plus 24/7 support that moves with you across Milan, Cortina, and beyond. It’s the extra layer of confidence that lets you focus on the races, routines, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that brought you there in the first place.
Protect your trip in as little as 60 seconds, and step into the Games knowing you’re prepared for whatever the world throws your way.
These activities and websites are suggestions, and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
