January 5, 2026

Milano Cortina 2026: Guide to Travel, Dates, and What to Do (Beyond the Games)

The countdown has officially begun. In just over a year, Italy will take the global stage for winter sports. Milano Cortina 2026 is set to be the most "widespread" edition of the Olympics ever, spanning a vast territory that ranges from the metropolis of Milan to the peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Excitement is through the roof, but attending this event requires careful planning. The distances are real, and the geography is complex. Here is Nearby Italy’s complete guide to navigating venues, dates, logistics, and the best experiences to enjoy between events.

Dates and Locations: A Widespread Geography


The sports calendar is divided into two major events: Winter Olympic Games February 6 to February 22, 2026 and Winter Paralympic Games March 6 to March 15, 2026.


Unlike in the past, there will not be a single Olympic Village. The competitions will be distributed across various areas ("clusters") that can be hundreds of kilometers apart:

  • Milan: The heart of ice sports and host of the Opening Ceremony (San Siro).
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo: The "Queen of the Dolomites" will host women's alpine skiing, curling, and sliding sports.
  • Val di Fiemme: The home of Nordic skiing.
  • Livigno and Bormio (Valtellina): Venues for snowboarding and men's alpine skiing.
  • Anterselva: The capital of Biathlon.
  • Verona: The historic Arena will host the Olympic Closing Ceremony and the Paralympic Opening Ceremony.


Getting Around During the 2026 Olympics


Managing travel is the critical factor for a successful trip. To move between major urban hubs (e.g., Milan to Verona or towards Venice), the high-speed rail network is a fast and efficient solution that we highly recommend using.



However, to reach more remote mountain towns or high-altitude competition venues, trains often do not go all the way. In these cases, traveling by car frequently becomes indispensable to optimize time and avoid complex transfers.

Where to Stay: A Strategy to Save


Demand for accommodation in Milan and Cortina will be incredibly high, with skyrocketing prices. Our "insider" tip? Consider staying in neighboring towns or smaller villages. This strategy not only allows you to save money but also to discover hidden Italian gems away from the crowds, commuting to the events for the day.



Official Tickets


Please remember that tickets for competitions and ceremonies can be purchased exclusively through official channels. Be wary of third-party resellers and consult the official website: milanocortina2026.org .



Beyond the Sport: Tours and Experiences with Nearby Italy



You are in Italy—it would be a shame to limit yourself to just watching sports! Between competitions, take advantage of your free days to explore the territory with our tours.

Based in Lombardy? You could dedicate time to a private tour of Milan to discover its artistic secrets far beyond just fashion.


Based in Veneto or Trentino? Padua is an unmissable cultural stop, rich in history and charm.


Extending your trip? Emilia-Romagna is ready to welcome you. Here you can visit the legendary Motor Valley (home to the Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati museums) and taste true icons of Italian flavor like Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto, perhaps on a day tour.

Are you ready for the Winter Games? Don't let logistics distract you from the action. Focus on the thrill of the sport, and if you want to enrich your trip with unique cultural experiences, we are here for you.


👉 CONTACT US TO ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP


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