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The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly here, and Italy is gearing up to host one of the most geographically diverse Winter Olympic Games in history. While Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo serve as the official host cities, Olympic competitions will take place across the country—from the fashion capital of Milan to the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites and lesser-known alpine towns tucked deep in the mountains. Together, these destinations will showcase Italy’s storied winter sports history, alpine culture, and incredible adventures and variety of terrain. Here’s a closer look at the destinations hosting events at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
2026 Winter Olympics Destinations
Milan: The Gateway to the Italian Alps
Milan (Milano in Italian) isn’t quite thought of as a winter destination like the other 2026 Winter Olympic destinations. Rather it serves as more of a hub and entry point, with Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) being one of Italy’s busiest gateways and a natural starting point for ski trips and winter adventures across the country. Piani di Bobbio is the closest ski resort to Milan, located just over an hour away, while many other mountain destinations are further afield. Milan will host the opening ceremonies for the 2026 Winter Olympics Milan, as well as numerous indoor events, including figure skating, speed skating, and hockey. For winter travel to Italy we recommend spending a couple of nights in Milan on either the front end or back end of the trip.
Note: Most of the locations of the 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in destinations that are a few hours from Milan.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo has a rich Winter Olympics history, last hosting the Olympic Games in 1956. For the 2026 Winter Olympics it will host the women’s Alpine skiing program, which includes downhill, super‑G, giant slalom, and slalom—disciplines perfectly suited to Cortina’s steep pitches and long tradition of World Cup racing. Cortina will also be home to sliding sports, like bobsledding, skeleton, and luge. Curling will round out Cortina’s events.
“Cortina d’Ampezzo is famed for its beauty, timeless charm, and sporting legacy,” the Olympic committee wrote on its website. “Everything is in harmony in a place that, after hosting the 1956 Olympic Winter Games, has seduced Italy and the world with its timeless style and breathtaking slopes.” In addition to world-renowned ski slopes, Cortina d’Ampezzo is also home to a charming town full of chic cafés, amazing restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Incredible winter adventures can be found off the slopes, like snowshoeing in the Dolomites and ice-climbing on frozen waterfalls. Cortina d’Ampezzo is truly a winter wonderland. Fittingly, in 2024 Cortina d’Ampezzo made Time’s list of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’.
Livigno
Livigno, which is known for its high altitude, reliably snowy terrain, and lively après-ski scene, will host 26 Winter Olympic medal events, including freestyle skiing and snowboarding events like halfpipe and big air. Athletes will compete at the renowned Livigno Snow Park, as well as the brand-new, state-of-the-art Aerials & Moguls Park. The events perfectly match the town’s reputation as a hub for world-class park riding and a progressive freestyle culture.
Visitors love the lively alpine atmosphere and unparalleled experience of Livigno, marked by a pedestrian-friendly village with a seemingly endless number of dining and drink options, as well as numerous places to enjoy duty-free shopping. At the resort, you’ll encounter an endless amount of terrain for skiing and snowboarding, and nearby, there are even more options for adventure — think guided backcountry tours and snowshoeing across wide-open landscapes. Livigno is also great for those looking for a budget Europe ski vacation. The Telegraph recently touted Livigno as having some of the cheapest skiing in Italy.
Tesero
The 2026 Winter Olympics cross-country and Nordic events will take place in Tesero, a quieter, more traditional winter destination in Italy that’s perfect for visitors who want a more laid-back destination. Nestled in the Val di Fiemme, Tesero offers a slower rhythm than the larger alpine hubs, with postcard‑worthy villages, family‑run inns, and a deep connection to mountain culture. The Nordic trails here are some of the most scenic in Italy, winding through forests, meadows, and gentle valleys that feel untouched by time.
Tesero is steeped in alpine charm. Take some time to go cross-country skiing on one of the area’s many scenic loops or enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride before heading back inside to browse local artisan shops. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with crisp air and adventures down quiet trails and where evenings are spent lingering over hearty Trentino dishes and local wine in family-run restaurants. Tesero may not have the flash of the bigger resorts, but that’s exactly why so many visitors fall in love with it.
Bormio
The Stelvio piste in Bormio will host alpine skiing and ski mountaineering at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The legendary Stelvio slope, boasting a vertical drop of more than 3,300 feet, is one of the most technical and demanding downhill trails in the world. It first came onto the world’s stage in 1982, inaugurated for the first edition of the World Series. It’s since hosted two World Cup Finals and hosts the men’s World Cup Downhill every year. Bormio will also see the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, with events happening in the nearby, rugged Alta Veltellina, which offers a natural arena for a sport of endurance and skill.
Winter adventures abound in Bormio, from rugged free ride and backcountry routes to snowshoe trails through larch forests. After a day out in the snow, return to the welcoming medieval village center for dinner at one of Bormio’s incredible family-run restaurants. Cap off the day with a soak in one of the town’s famous thermal baths that are fed by natural hot springs. Long before Bormio was a famous ski destination it was known for its therapeutic thermal waters. There’s no better way to cap off a day of adventures in and around Bormio.
Anterselva
A biathlon powerhouse, Anterselva is the smallest of the Olympic destinations, but one of the most scenic. The Anterselva Biathlon Arena, perched high in the Alps near the Italy-Austria border, will host the entire biathlon program. Since 1971, it has welcomed countless World Cups and six Biathlon World Championships, drawing in athletes and spectators alike.
Beyond the stadium, visitors can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Antholz Valley. Snow‑covered forests, frozen lakes, and towering peaks offer endless opportunities for winter exploration, whether through cross‑country touring, peaceful snowshoe walks, or scenic hikes along the valley floor. The nearby villages provide a warm South Tyrolean welcome, with cozy alpine inns, traditional cuisine, and a blend of Italian and Austrian cultural influences that make the region uniquely inviting.
October 18, 2025
