With the Paris Olympics and Paralympics wrapping up, all eyes are on Italy which will host the XXV Olympic Winter Games, “Milano Cortina 2026” for shorthand, in 2026. Italy last hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006 in Turin. I was so lucky to attend the Torino Games and have to tell you that it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life and I fully plan to go to the Games in 2026 and if you love Italy and sports you should consider a trip as well. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026. The Paralympic Winter Games will follow from March 6 to March 15, 2026.This time they are being held in two join locations – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomite Mountains. Interesting, Cortina hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1956.
Here’s step one if you even think you might want to attend: register for the draw to get priority to buy event tickets. I already did this a few weeks ago. Tickets will go on sale in the winter of 2025 and you will be among the first notified if you are registered.
It isn’t too early to plan and it might be a good time to use airline points for tickets since there is so much time to plan ahead. It seems that hotels are just getting their packages together but here again, this might be a good time to use points. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member or can move points from your American Express Membership Rewards program, you might consider staying in one of these Milan properties in the Marriott family.
The opening ceremony will take place on February 6, 2026 in Milan at the largest stadium in Italy, San Siro, the largest stadium in Italy. Interestingly, the closing ceremony will be held in the city of Verona at the Arena di Verona, most famous for its open-air operas. Events will be held throughout the regions of Lombardy and Veneto.
We will continue to keep you updated but you can also check the official website www.milanocortina2026.org for more news. — Kathy McCabe