As the excitement from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics fades, sports enthusiasts around the globe are already turning their attention to the chillier spectacle of the Winter Olympics. So, if you’re wondering “When And Where Are The Next Winter Olympics?”, you’re in the right place. Get ready to mark your calendars and prepare for a breathtaking display of athleticism as the world’s best winter sports athletes converge in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
2026 Winter Olympics: Key Facts You Need to Know
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, are set to be a landmark event. Here’s a breakdown of the essential details for anyone eager to follow the Games.
Dates and Location: When Will the 2026 Winter Olympics Take Place?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will officially commence on February 6th and run through February 22nd, 2026. Following the Winter Olympics, the Winter Paralympic Games will take place from March 6th to March 15th, 2026.
As for the “where,” the 2026 Winter Olympics will be hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. This marks a unique multi-city hosting arrangement, leveraging the vibrant urban atmosphere of Milan and the stunning alpine scenery of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
How Many Athletes Will Compete in the 2026 Winter Games?
Anticipate witnessing approximately 2,900 elite athletes from around the world as they compete in various winter sports disciplines. These athletes represent the pinnacle of winter sports, promising a high level of competition and inspiring performances.
New Sports and Events at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to introduce exciting new additions to the program, ensuring the Games remain fresh and engaging for both athletes and viewers. One of the most anticipated debuts is ski mountaineering, also known as skimo. This thrilling sport will feature three medal events: men’s and women’s sprint, and a mixed relay, showcasing endurance and technical ski skills in mountainous terrain.
Beyond ski mountaineering, several other changes and additions are on the horizon:
- Skeleton: For the first time in Winter Olympics history, a mixed team event will be included in skeleton.
- Luge: The luge program will evolve, featuring separate men’s and women’s doubles events, replacing the previous open doubles event.
- Freestyle Skiing: Dual moguls will be added for both men and women in freestyle skiing, adding another dynamic event.
- Ski Jumping: Women’s ski jumping will gain an additional individual large hill event, expanding opportunities for female athletes in this discipline.
Notably, the alpine skiing mixed team parallel event has been removed from the program. Also, in an effort to optimize venues, men’s and women’s alpine skiing competitions are scheduled to take place at separate resorts.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies Venues
The grandeur of the Olympic Games is often highlighted by its opening and closing ceremonies. For the 2026 Winter Olympics:
- Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony will be held at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, widely known as San Siro. This stadium is the legendary home of AC Milan and Inter Milan soccer clubs, providing a spectacular urban backdrop for the Games’ commencement.
- Closing Ceremony: In contrast, the closing ceremony will take place in the breathtaking Arena of Verona, a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater located in Verona, Italy. This historic venue promises a memorable and culturally rich conclusion to the Games.
Italy’s History of Hosting the Winter Olympics
Hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics will mark the third time Italy has welcomed the Winter Games. Italy’s rich history with the Winter Olympics includes:
- 1956 Cortina Winter Olympics: Cortina d’Ampezzo previously hosted the Games, showcasing Italy’s long-standing connection to winter sports.
- 2006 Torino Winter Olympics: More recently, Turin hosted the Winter Olympics, demonstrating Italy’s capability to organize large-scale international sporting events.
This third hosting of the Winter Olympics underscores Italy’s passion for winter sports and its expertise in delivering world-class sporting competitions.
Meet Milo and Tina: The 2026 Winter Olympics Mascots
Adding a touch of charm and local flavor, the official mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympics are Milo and Tina, brother and sister stoats. Their names are cleverly derived from the host cities – Milo from Milan and Tina from Cortina. Tina is designated as the mascot for the Winter Olympics, while Milo represents the Winter Paralympics.
“Fino all’alba”: The Theme Song of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Setting the auditory tone for the Games, the official theme song of the 2026 Winter Olympics is “Fino all’alba,” performed by Arisa. The song title, translating to “Until Dawn,” encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and excitement that embodies the Olympic spirit.
Looking Beyond: The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
While anticipation builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics, it’s also worth noting what lies beyond on the Olympic calendar. The 2028 Summer Olympics are slated to be held in Los Angeles, United States. This will be a significant event, marking the Summer Games’ return to the U.S. since Atlanta in 1996, and Los Angeles’s first time hosting since 1984 (and previously in 1932).
The 2028 Summer Olympics are scheduled for July 14-30, 2028, with the Summer Paralympic Games following from August 15-27. Los Angeles is preparing to host an estimated 15,000 athletes across a massive program featuring over 800 events in more than 50 sports, held in over 80 venues. Excitingly, new sports like cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and baseball-softball are proposed to be added to the 2028 Summer Olympics, promising a diverse and engaging sporting spectacle.
Get Ready for the Winter Olympics!
As we approach 2026, the excitement for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is steadily growing. From new sports to stunning Italian venues, the Games promise to deliver unforgettable moments of athletic achievement and international camaraderie. Now that you know when and where are the next Winter Olympics, it’s time to start looking forward to the spectacle!
For more in-depth coverage and the latest updates, be sure to visit the ESPN Olympics hub page.
