Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially here, bringing together thousands of the world’s greatest athletes for one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet. While Olympic tickets and hotel rooms have long been claimed, we know your curiosity about these beautiful travel destinations will be piqued for future travels. And it certainly isn’t too early to plan for a spring or summer trip! Now is the perfect time to get to know some of Italy’s most luxurious regions and start dreaming about a future trip inspired by the Games.
Fast facts
- Host country: Italy
- Official name: Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
- How many times have the winter Olympics been held in Italy? Four including 2026
- Previous Italian Olympic hosts:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Winter 1956
- Rome, Summer 1960
- Turin, Winter 2006
- Primary host destinations: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
Why are there two host locations?
Milano–Cortina 2026 is not centered around a single town, and that is very much by design. Instead, the Games are split between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, allowing Italy to showcase two very different parts of the country.
Milan is the urban centerpiece. As one of Europe’s most connected cities, it will host the indoor ice events, including figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey. With international airports, high-speed trains, and a deep collection of luxury hotels, Milan offers a polished, city-forward Olympic experience.
Cortina d’Ampezzo provides the classic winter-sports setting. Located in the heart of the Dolomites, it hosts alpine skiing and sliding events like bobsled, luge, and skeleton. This two-location setup creates a natural balance between city energy and mountain tradition, giving travelers a reason to explore both.
Milan: A city made for luxury travelers
Milan has long been one of Italy’s most stylish cities. For luxury travelers, it checks every box. The hotel scene ranges from grand historic properties near the Duomo to sleek, modern stays in neighborhoods like Brera and Porta Nuova.
Visitors can explore Milan’s cultural highlights, including the Duomo di Milano, world-class museums, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Shopping is a major draw, especially in the Quadrilatero della Moda, where Italy’s most famous fashion houses line elegant streets.
Dining in Milan is just as memorable. The city is home to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as classic spots serving comforting Lombard favorites like risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco. Evenings often revolve around aperitivo, a relaxed ritual of drinks and small bites that feels both social and indulgent.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: Alpine elegance in the Dolomites
Cortina d’Ampezzo offers a completely different pace, and that contrast is part of its charm. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, this upscale resort town has been attracting stylish travelers for decades.
Luxury hotels in Cortina focus on comfort, views, and impeccable service, often with cozy alpine interiors and spa facilities. Outside of Olympic events, visitors can enjoy skiing, scenic cable car rides, or simply take in the snowy landscapes that make the Dolomites so unforgettable.
Cortina’s dining scene blends mountain tradition with refinement. Expect elevated local dishes in warm, inviting spaces that are perfect for lingering after a day outdoors. The town itself is compact and walkable, filled with chic boutiques and cafés that encourage you to slow down and savor the moment.
Milan and Cortina: Two Destinations for Your Bucket List
While the 2026 Winter Olympics may be a once-in-a-lifetime event, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are destinations that deserve a place on any future travel list. They highlight the best in Italy, offering an ideal mix of culture, cuisine, scenery, and luxury. Long after the Olympic crowds have gone home, this wonderful little corner of Italy will await!
