The 2026 Winter Olympics are all set to begin in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in northern Italy. Notably, Italy is hosting the winter competition for the third time, firstly the Cortina d’Ampezzo Games in 1956, followed by the Turin Games in 2006. Here’s the complete guide for you to know the dates, venues, and, more importantly, where to watch.
When and Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics Take Place?
February 6, 2026, marks the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics 2026 at the San Siro Stadium, Milan. The closing is on February 22, 2026, at the Verona Arena (an ancient Roman amphitheater).
Interestingly, there are also games scheduled for February 4, 2026, despite the opening ceremony taking place two days later.
Officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, this edition is set to take place in Milan, the fashion capital, and in the scenic peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo. All events are divided into four different main geographical zones, each of which will host different events.
Here’s the list:
| Cluster | Key Locations | Events & Highlights |
| Milan | San Siro Stadium, Rho Fiera, PalaItalia | Opening Ceremony, Ice Hockey (Finals), Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and Short Track. |
| Valtellina | Bormio, Livigno | Ski Mountaineering (Debut), Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding, and Men’s Alpine Skiing. |
| Cortina | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Anterselva | Women’s Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Curling, and Sliding Sports (Bobsleigh, Skeleton, Luge). |
| Val di Fiemme | Predazzo, Tesero | Ski Jumping, Cross-Country Skiing, and Nordic Combined. |
| Verona | Verona Arena | Closing Ceremony (held in a historic Roman amphitheater). |
What Will Happen at the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The theme of the 2026 Winter Olympics is “Harmony,” and the motto is “IT’s Your Vibe.” The event is centred at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, but other events will take place simultaneously at Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo, giving the feel of togetherness.
While this remains the attractive feature of the Milano Cortina 2026, stellar performance will set the stage for the opening ceremony. The lighting of the Olympic Flame will take place on the same day.
Notably, for the first time in history, there will be two Olympic Cauldrons: one set at Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) and the other at downtown Cortina. The Olympic flame will travel through 20 regions and 110 provinces, covering nearly 7,500 miles between December 6, 2025, and February 6, 2026.
How and Where to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be accessible globally through various official broadcasters. In the USA, NBC and Peacock have the streaming rights; in the UK, viewers can watch it on the BBC and Eurosport.
Australian viewers can watch it on Nine Network and 9Now, and in Canada on CBC and CBC Gem. Similarly, each country has a different broadcaster where they can watch this winter tournament.
Where to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in India?
In India, Viacom18 holds the official media rights for the 2026 Winter Games. Besides, the Indians can also watch the 2026 Winter Olympics on the JioCinema app and website for free, which will live-stream all the events and the ceremonies.
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Linear coverage will be available on the Sports18 network (Sports18 1, Sports18 2, etc.), so they can watch it on T.V. as well.
Note: Italy is 4.5 hours behind India (IST), so the morning sessions in Italy start around 1:30 PM IST, and the evening sessions conclude around 2:00 AM IST.
| Country | Where to Watch |
| India | Viacom18 JioCinema Sports18 network |
| USA | NBC Peacock (Streaming) |
| UK | BBC Eurosport |
| Australia | Nine Network 9Now |
| Canada | CBC CBC Gem |
Are any Indian Athletes Participating in the Winter Olympics?
Yes, India has secured two quotas in skiing disciplines in the 2026 Winter Games. Veteran skier from Jammu and Kashmir, Arif Mohammad Khan, has qualified for the second consecutive Winter Olympics. He also represented India (solely) at Beijing 2022.
Another is Stanzin Lundup, who will compete in the Cross-Country Skiing section. However, there’s some legal dispute on this selection, so there’s uncertainty at press time.
| Athlete | Sport | Event |
| Arif Mohammad Khan | Alpine Skiing | Men’s Slalom |
| Stanzin Lundup | Cross-Country Skiing | Men’s 10km Freestyle |
Other Major Details About the Event
Milano Cortina 2026 Medal Design
The medals have geometric, pure and simple designs inspired by the timeless elegance of the Italian avant-garde. There’s a line at the center of the medal, representing continuous change: an energy that embodies the Olympics and Paralympics.
New Accessible Podiums
The podiums for the Winter Olympics 2026 are made of wood and metal. Additionally, they can accommodate up to 10 athletes per medal.
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Mascots of the 2026 Winter Olympics
The official mascots of the Olympics this year are the two stoats named Milo and Tina. Milo is born without a paw and uses his tail to walk. He is dark-haired and is the face of the Paralympic Winter Games. His older brother is the light-haired mascot representing the Olympic Games.
Milo represents Milan, and Tina is for Cortina d’Ampezzo. Also, there will be six snowdrops, representing six petals of a snowdrop flower, called “The Flo,” and these symbolize rebirth.
Full Schedule of Winter Olympics 2026 (Datewise)
| Date | Key Events & Gold Medal Competitions | Timing (IST approx.) |
| Feb 4–5 | Preliminary Rounds: Curling (Mixed Doubles), Ice Hockey, etc. | 2:30 PM – 1:30 AM |
| Feb 6 | Opening Ceremony (San Siro Stadium, Milan) Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, etc. | 2:30 PM – 7:10 PM Opening Ceremony: 12:30 AM (Feb 7) |
| Feb 7 | Men’s Downhill (Alpine Skiing), Speed Skating Women’s Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, Ice Jumping, etc | 2:30 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Feb 8 | Women’s Downhill (Alpine Skiing), Snowboard Cross Curling, Round-Robin, Figure Skating, etc. | 1:30 PM – 1:30 AM |
| Feb 9 | Women’s Ice Hockey, Men’s Alpine Skiing, and more | 3:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Feb 10 | Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Skiing, Mixed Sky Jumping, and More | 1:45 PM – 4:45 AM |
| Feb 11 | Snowboarding, Biathlon, etc. | 1:30 PM – 1:45 AM |
| Feb 12 | Curling Round-Robin, Women’s Speed Skating (5,000 meters), Skeleton, Ice Hockey, and More | 1:30 PM – 2:30 AM |
| Feb 13 | Men’s Figure Skating (Free Skate – Finals) | 11:00 PM – 2:30 AM |
| Feb 14 | Alpine Skiing, Curling Round-Robin, Speed Skating, and Others | 11:00 PM – 6:30 AM |
| Feb 15 | Bobsled, Alpine Skiing, etc. | 1:30 PM – 6:30 AM |
| Feb 16 | Ice Hockey: semifinal (women’s), Men’s and Women’s Short Track, etc. | 1:30 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Feb 17 | Men’s and Women’s Freestyle Skiing (aerials qualifier), Men’s Ice Hockey (qualification playoff), and more | 1:30 PM – 3:30 AM |
| Feb 18 | Women’s Alpine Slalom, Women’s Short Track, etc | 1:30 PM – 6:30 AM |
| Feb 19 | Women’s Figure Skating (Finals), Women’s Ice Hockey Final, Men’s Freestyle Skiing (Aerials Final), and more | 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Feb 20 | Men’s Curling Bronze Finals, Women’s Curling (semi-finals), Men’s Ice Hockey (semifinal), and others | 2:30 PM – 6:30 AM |
| Feb 21 | Men’s Curling Gold Medal, Freestyle Skiing: Team Aerials Final (mixed), etc. | 2:30 PM – 3:45 AM |
| Feb 22 | Men’s Ice Hockey Final, Women’s Curling (gold final), etc. Closing Ceremony | 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM Closing: 1:00 AM (Feb 23) |