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Everything You Need To Know About the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

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The Winter Olympics are heading back to Italy, and this time the world’s best winter athletes will compete at some of the country’s most famous mountain destinations. From February 6 to February 22, 2026, the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will bring together nearly 3,000 athletes from more than 90 countries for 16 days of competition. From alpine skiing and snowboarding to ice hockey, figure skating, biathlon, and speed skating, the Games will showcase the very best of winter sport against the stunning backdrop of the Italian Alps.

Unlike previous editions, which were centred on a single host city, Milano Cortina 2026 will be spread across several locations in Northern Italy, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, and Val di Fiemme. By using existing world-class venues and renowned winter sports destinations, the organizers have created a Games that celebrates both Italy’s sporting heritage and its spectacular mountain scenery. Whether you’re planning to attend in person or follow the action from home, here’s everything you need to know about the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 | Images: Getty Images – Vittorio Zunino Celotto

When and Where Are the Games Taking Place?

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are set for February 6 to 22, 2026. This will be Italy’s first Winter Olympics since Turin in 2006. The Opening Ceremony is planned for Milan’s San Siro Stadium, and the Closing Ceremony will be at the Arena di Verona. For 16 days, top winter athletes from around the world will compete for Olympic medals in this much-anticipated event.

Instead of being held in just one city, Milano Cortina 2026 will take place across several locations in Northern Italy, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, Anterselva, Predazzo, and Verona. The approach allows the Games to leverage existing venues and some of Italy’s most renowned winter-sports destinations. More than 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are expected to compete in events like alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, biathlon, speed skating, and more.

Martina Zanitzer of Italy prepares her skis before a practice run at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium for Milano Cortina 2026.
Martina Zanitzer of Italy before a practice run at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium | Image: Reuters – Kai Pfaffenbach

The Venues Hosting Milano Cortina 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 is unique for its multi-city format: instead of building a single Olympic hub, the organizers spread events across several famous winter sports venues in Northern Italy. This means athletes will compete at places that already host World Cup events, and fans can experience both the excitement of Milan and the beauty of the Dolomite mountains. More than 90 percent of the venues are already built or temporary, making this one of the most ambitious and wide-ranging Winter Olympics yet.

Here are the venues for Milano Cortina 2026:

  • San Siro Stadium (Milan): Opening Ceremony
  • Milano Ice Skating Arena (Milan): Figure skating and short track speed skating
  • Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena (Milan): Ice hockey
  • Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena (Rho): Ice hockey
  • Milano Speed Skating Stadium (Rho): Speed skating
  • Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre (Cortina d’Ampezzo): Women’s alpine skiing
  • Cortina Sliding Centre (Cortina d’Ampezzo): Bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton
  • Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (Cortina d’Ampezzo): Curling
  • Stelvio Ski Centre (Bormio): Men’s alpine skiing and ski mountaineering
  • Livigno Snow Park (Livigno): Snowboard and freestyle skiing
  • Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park (Livigno): Freestyle skiing aerials and moguls
  • Anterselva Biathlon Arena (Anterselva/Antholz): Biathlon
  • Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium (Predazzo): Ski jumping and Nordic combined
  • Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium (Tesero): Cross-country skiing and Nordic combined.
  • Arena di Verona (Verona): Closing Ceremony

The venues are organized into four main groups: Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, and Val di Fiemme. The Closing Ceremony will take place in Verona. All together, these locations make the Games special, stretching across more than 22,000 square kilometres of Northern Italy. From the well-known San Siro Stadium and the historic Arena di Verona to the snowy slopes of Bormio and Livigno, each spot brings something unique to the event.

For winter sports fans, this is more than just a list of venues. Many of these places are already famous for hosting the world’s best skiers, snowboarders, biathletes, and Nordic athletes. For winter sports fans, this is more than just a list of venues. With Italy’s beautiful mountains, strong sports tradition, and passionate fans, Milano Cortina 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable Winter Games in recent years.

Canadian snowboarder Juliette Pelchat trains at Livigno Snow Park ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Snowboarder Juliette Pelchat of Canada trains at the Livigno Snow Park in Italy | Image: Reuters – Gonzalo Fuentes

Sports to Watch at the Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics might have fewer sports than the Summer Games, but they often create some of the most memorable moments in sports. One day, you could watch skiers racing down a mountain at over 130 km/h. Next, a gold medal could be decided by a photo finish on the ice. Milano Cortina 2026 will feature 16 disciplines across eight winter sports categories, so fans will have plenty of reasons to watch from start to finish.

The sports featured at Milano Cortina 2026 include:

  • Alpine Skiing
  • Biathlon
  • Bobsleigh
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Curling
  • Figure Skating
  • Freestyle Skiing
  • Ice Hockey
  • Luge
  • Nordic Combined
  • Short Track Speed Skating
  • Skeleton
  • Ski Jumping
  • Ski Mountaineering
  • Snowboard
  • Speed Skating

Ice hockey, figure skating, and alpine skiing are expected to attract the largest crowds. Ice hockey is known for its intense rivalries, while figure skating blends athletic skill with artistry in front of full arenas. The slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bormio will host alpine skiing, where winning gold or silver can be decided by just fractions of a second.

Besides the main events, one of the best parts of the Winter Olympics is finding a new favourite sport. You might enjoy the skill of curling, the courage needed for ski jumping, or the determination of athletes racing down the ice in bobsleigh or skeleton. Each sport has its own story. With medals and national pride on the line, Milano Cortina 2026 promises two weeks of competition that will keep fans watching closely.

Team USA snowboarder Chase Josey competes in Livigno a the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Chase Josey of Team United States competes in snowboarding in Livigno, Italy. | Image: Reuters – Cameron Spencer

What’s New for 2026?

While fans can expect the return of familiar events such as alpine skiing, figure skating, and ice hockey, the upcoming Winter Olympics will also introduce several new medal opportunities, making every Olympic Games brings a few changes, and Milano Cortina 2026 is no different. The biggest addition is ski mountaineering, often called “Skimo,” which will make its Olympic debut in Italy. A sport with deep roots in mountain communities, ski mountaineering combines uphill climbing and downhill skiing, with athletes competing in men’s sprint, women’s sprint, and mixed relay events.

Milano Cortina 2026 will also introduce new medal events in several existing sports. These include women’s doubles luge, mixed-team skeleton, women’s large hill ski jumping, men’s and women’s dual moguls in freestyle skiing, and a new team combined event in alpine skiing. With these additions, more athletes will have the chance to compete for medals, and fans can look forward to fresh takes on some favourite sports. These updates keep the Winter Olympics rooted in tradition while bringing something new for everyone to enjoy.

Mascots Tina and Milo of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics pose together ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Mascots Tina and Milo of the XXV Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 | Image: Getty Images – Alessandro Bremec

Meet Tina & Milo

Every Olympic Games has a mascot, but Milano Cortina 2026 has two. Tina and Milo are the stars chosen to represent the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Their names honour the host cities: Tina stands for Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Milo stands for Milan. Italian students created these mascots, which were selected from over 1,600 designs submitted by schools across Italy. Tina, the Olympic mascot, has a white coat. Milo, the Paralympic mascot, has a brown coat and was born without a leg, so he uses his tail to help him get around. Together, they show determination, friendship, and the idea that challenges can be overcome. They are joined by six snowdrop flowers called The Flo, a happy group inspired by one of the first flowers to bloom after winter, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

How to Watch the Olympic Winter Games

Canadians can watch the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on CBC, the country’s official Olympic broadcaster. Coverage will be available on CBC Television, CBC Gem, the CBC Sports website, and the CBC Sports app. You can watch live events, highlights, replays, and videos whenever you want during the Games. CBC is also partnering with TSN, Sportsnet, and RDS to bring Olympic coverage across Canada.

If you enjoy streaming, CBC Gem offers live coverage of the action. You can also access the official Olympics website and app for schedules, results, medal tallies, athlete profiles, and updates from Milano Cortina 2026. Whether you’re supporting Team Canada or simply want to catch the highlights, there are numerous ways to watch the Games from February 6 to 22, 2026.

German luger Felix Loch trains at the Cortina Sliding Centre ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Felix Loch from Germany practices luge training at the Cortina Sliding Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | Image: Getty Images – Athit Perawongmetha

How to Get Tickets

If you want to attend the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, you can buy tickets only through the official ticketing platform, which uses a digital system. Ticket prices start at €30 for some events, and more than half of all tickets cost less than €100. Tickets for popular events, like the men’s ice hockey final, range from €450 to €1,400. Seats for the Closing Ceremony at the Arena di Verona can cost up to €2,900.

All tickets are digital, and you can only access them through the official Tickets Milano Cortina 2026 app, which you need to enter the venues. The app lets you transfer tickets, update ticket holder details, or resell them if you cannot attend. To buy tickets or check availability, visit the official Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic ticketing website.

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OMEGA’s New Vision for the Speedmaster Dark & Grey Side of the Moon

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  • OMEGA has introduced seven new pieces to its Speedmaster Dark and Grey Side of the Moon collection.
  • The latest models are crafted in black and grey ceramic, featuring a more refined, layered dial design that improves depth and readability.
  • Powering the Dark Side editions is the OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, providing chronograph accuracy and a 60-hour power reserve.
  • The collection features both stealthy all-black executions and lighter Grey Side options, with prices starting at USD $15,700.

When OMEGA sent the Speedmaster to the Moon in 1968, it changed everything. The watch had been around for over a decade — first introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph — but NASA’s rigorous testing pushed it into a completely different league. It survived extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and violent shocks before earning its place on the wrists of Apollo astronauts. By the time it reached the lunar surface, the Speedmaster had demonstrated it wasn’t just another tool watch. It was built for history.

Fast forward to 2012, and OMEGA gave that same icon a darker, more modern edge with the launch of the Dark Side of the Moon collection. Crafted in ceramic and inspired by the mystery of space, it brought a new attitude to the Speedmaster without losing its identity. Now, twelve years later, the lunar story continues with seven new models — five in black ceramic and two in grey — each in its own unique way, improving the details without changing from its original design.

“The Dark Side of the Moon collection embodies OMEGA’s pioneering spirit that has guided us to the Moon,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA. “These new models champion that extraordinary legacy while introducing innovations that will define chronographs for generations to come.”

What makes this release compelling is how seamlessly it integrates into the Speedmaster story. It represents an evolution that honours the qualities that made the Speedmaster legendary in the first place while also steering the design toward a future-oriented direction. So, shall we dive in?

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon | Image: OMEGA

The Evolution of the Speedmaster

One of the biggest changes with these new models comes down to how Omega has worked with ceramic. The Dark and Grey Side of the Moon watches have always embraced modern materials, but this time, the execution feels more refined. The dial design takes inspiration from the classic Moonwatch, particularly in how the details are shaped and layered. It’s constructed with two ceramic layers, which adds depth to the surface and creates a subtle play of light. The subdials sit slightly lower, so depending on the angle, they catch the light differently. It’s not flashy, but it adds character to the watch and makes it easier to read at a glance.

Even though the case still measures 44.25mm, the watch doesn’t feel bulky. Omega has adjusted the profile just enough to make it sit more comfortably, which you notice once it’s on the wrist. The bezel and crown use the brand’s Liquidmetal technology, helping to protect against scratches and everyday wear. It’s the kind of improvement you might not notice immediately, but you’ll appreciate it over time. Overall, this isn’t about changing the Speedmaster’s identity — it’s about sharpening it, making it feel more modern without losing what made it special in the first place.

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ Ref. 310.92.44.51.01.001 | OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ | Image: OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Red’

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
  • Reference: 310.92.44.51.01.001
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 15.09mm
  • Case Material: Black Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding
  • Power Reserve: 60 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,100

Among the new releases, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Red’ immediately grabs your attention. It features the familiar all-black ceramic look, but that flash of red instantly shifts the mood. The bright red chronograph seconds hand cuts sharply across the dark dial, with the Speedmaster name echoing the same tone. It’s a small detail, yet it adds tension and contrast, giving the watch a slightly more assertive character without compromising its stealthy identity.

The 44.25mm black ceramic case provides the bold wrist presence that the Dark Side models are known for, and at just over 15mm thick, it feels sturdy and purposeful. Inside, it houses Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, which offers automatic winding, a 60-hour power reserve, and the precision and magnetic resistance expected from the brand’s modern movements. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres (165 feet), making it suitable for everyday wear. More than anything, the ‘Black Red’ feels like a focused refinement — not a radical shift, but a sharper, more confident expression of the Dark Side concept.

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ Ref.310.92.44.51.01.004/310.92.44.51.01.002 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ | Image: OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark White’

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
  • Reference: 310.92.44.51.01.004/310.92.44.51.01.002
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 15.09mm
  • Case Material: Black Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding
  • Power Reserve: 60 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $15,700

Second, we have the ‘Dark White’ version, which immediately feels distinct from the Red Hands edition, yet it features the black ceramic case. The white details on the dial change the watch’s overall mood. The hands, markers, and subdials are more prominent, giving the watch a sharper, more technical look. It doesn’t seem aggressive; instead, it appears more composed and balanced. The contrast keeps everything easy to read while giving the dial depth, and maintains a refined feel without losing that strong Dark Side vibe. It remains bold on the wrist, but with a cleaner, more versatile way, so whether you choose the rubber or nylon strap, both are priced at $15,700.

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ Ref. 310.92.44.51.01.005/310.92.44.51.01.003 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ | Image: OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’
  • Reference: 310.92.44.51.01.005/310.92.44.51.01.003
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 15.09mm
  • Case Material: Black Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 9900 Black Edition
  • Power Reserve: 60 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,100

The Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black” embraces its stealthy identity, featuring a black ceramic case and a deeply toned dial that maintains a single, controlled colour palette. Instead of using contrast, the watch adds interest through texture and subtle finish variations. Subdials, markers, and hands gradually become more visible as the light moves across the surface. Everything works together smoothly, preserving that bold 44.25mm presence while giving the Speedmaster a more restrained and focused character.

Inside, the watch is powered by Omega’s self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel and Co-Axial escapement, ensuring smooth operation and long-term accuracy. The watch is also certified as a Master Chronometer and approved by METAS, and it can withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. It uses a silicon balance spring with twin barrels in series for stable power delivery. The display features central hour and minute hands, a central chronograph seconds hand, a small seconds sub-dial, and both 12-hour and 60-minute counters. A time zone function adds practical versatility. The movement is finished in matte black with Geneva waves in arabesque, highlighting the technical craftsmanship behind the watch’s restrained exterior.

OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Ref. 310.92.44.50.06.002/310.92.44.50.06.001 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon | OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon | OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon
  • Reference: 310.92.44.50.06.002/310.92.44.50.06.001
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 12.97mm
  • Case Material: Grey Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 3869 Grey Edition
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,700

The last part of the collection is the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon, which brings a different vibe. While the Dark Side models feature deep black ceramic and a striking appearance, the Grey Side is lighter and more refined. The 44.25mm case is crafted from grey ceramic, offering strong wrist appeal without the same visual intensity. It remains bold, but the tone is more subdued. The softer grey lets the dial details breathe, giving the watch a more architectural and sophisticated feel.

The biggest difference is inside the case. Instead of the Calibre 9900 used in the Dark Side models, the Grey Side runs on the OMEGA Calibre 3869 Grey Edition, which gives it a 50-hour power reserve and the precision you expect from a Speedmaster, while reducing the thickness to 12.97mm. Even with the 44.25mm diameter, it wears slimmer and more comfortably than you might expect. Water resistance remains at 50 metres, keeping it practical for everyday use.

The Grey Side is the most expensive model in this collection, priced at USD $16,700. This highlights its unique ceramic construction and movement, suggesting Omega presents it as the upscale choice in the lineup. While the Dark Side watches emphasize boldness and edge, the Grey Side emphasizes fine detail and craftsmanship.

Overall, the Grey Side of the Moon presents the most composed version of the collection, retaining a strong Speedmaster identity but expressing it in a calmer, more balanced manner. If the Dark Side is about intensity, the Grey Side focuses on control, and this subtle shift in tone makes all the difference.

OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon | Image: OMEGA

From Apollo to Now

From the moment the Speedmaster orbited the Moon during Apollo 8 to the ceramic-heavy Dark and Grey Side models we see today, OMEGA has continued its story by evolving into the next generation. The watch may have originally been a racing chronograph, but space exploration transformed it into something greater, and each version builds upon that legacy. If you asked us which one we’d personally choose, it would definitely be the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black.” There’s something about its all-black, distraction-free design that just feels right — focused, confident, and true to the Speedmaster’s bold spirit. These latest releases don’t come across as nostalgia pieces — they feel like the next step in a journey waiting for its next mission.  

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