The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place across northern Italy from early February, with competition unfolding over more than two weeks as the world’s best winter athletes gather for Milano Cortina 2026.

Official events will run from 6 February to 22 February 2026, with some sports such as curling and ice hockey beginning even earlier, on 4 February and 5 February respectively.

The Games are spread across multiple host locations including Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, alongside other alpine venues in the region. This edition marks Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Olympics and is distinguished by its geographically dispersed format and full slate of winter sport disciplines. 

Australia will be represented by a team of 53 athletes competing in 11 sports, forming the nation’s second-largest Winter Olympic delegation. Among the high-profile Australians expected to contend for medals are freestyle skiing gold medallist Jakara Anthony, snowboard leader Scotty James and other snowboarders, skiers, and combined event athletes.

Preparations have continued despite a minor COVID-19 outbreak among support staff, with athletes remaining unaffected and training under strengthened health protocols. 

For Australian audiences, comprehensive coverage of the Games will be available on Channel 9 (Nine Network) and its 9Now streaming platform, with additional live sports provided via Stan Sport.

Coverage will begin in early February, with major events and medal finals airing throughout the competition period. Because Italy is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Daylight Time, many events will occur in Australia’s evening and nighttime, making viewing convenient for evening sports fans. 

Milano Cortina 2026 introduces ski mountaineering as an Olympic sport for the first time and maintains the full programme of traditional winter events ranging from alpine skiing and figure skating to ice hockey and curling.

The opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan will open the Games with a theme of “Harmony,” featuring cultural performances and celebration of Olympic tradition. Australia’s Winter Olympic campaign continues to build momentum as athletes aim to surpass past results and capture medal success on the world stage.