The wait is finally over. As of today, February 6, 2026, the world turns its gaze to Northern Italy as the XXV Olympic Winter Games officially begin. This year’s event, known as Milano Cortina 2026, represents a groundbreaking evolution of the Olympic movement, spread across more than 22,000 square kilometers of breathtaking Italian landscapes. Unlike previous Games centered around a single host city, this iteration utilizes a regional model that connects the high-fashion urban energy of Milan with the rugged, timeless beauty of the Dolomites, creating a unique "dual soul" for the competition.
The festivities kick off tonight with an ambitious Opening Ceremony titled "Armonia" meaning Harmony. In a historic first, the spectacle is being staged as a multi-site event while the main show unfolds at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, simultaneous celebrations and athlete parades are taking place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo. This synchronized celebration is expected to feature global icons like Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, culminating in the unprecedented lighting of two Olympic cauldrons—one in Milan’s Arco della Pace and another in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona—symbolizing the unity of the host regions.
On the ice and snow, the athletic competition is set to be more inclusive and diverse than ever before. These Games feature a record 116 medal events, including the highly anticipated Olympic debut of Ski Mountaineering (Skimo). The rosters are packed with both legendary veterans and rising phenoms. Alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin returns to chase further records, while the NHL’s biggest stars, led by Connor McDavid, finally make their long-awaited Olympic debut. In figure skating, Ilia Malinin the "Quad God" is poised to redefine the limits of the sport, and freestyle skiing icon Eileen Gu returns at age 22 to defend her titles on the world stage.
Beyond the medals, Milano Cortina 2026 is setting a new global standard for environmental and economic responsibility. By utilizing 92% existing or temporary venues, the organizers have prioritized a legacy of sustainability over the construction of "white elephant" stadiums. From the repurposing of the historic 1956 Cortina facilities to the planned conversion of the Olympic Village into student housing, these Games are designed to leave a positive footprint on the Italian Alps. Whether you are a fan of high-speed downhill runs or the grace of the skating rink, the next two weeks promise a masterclass in Italian hospitality and peak human performance. Let the Games begin!
Some of the events that are going on in these next few weeks are skiing, figure skating, and bobsledding. Bobsledding is when you slide down an ice track with two to four other people picking up speed and seeing how fast you can go. Figure skating is one of the most popular events that goes on. It is very gracious and complex movements on ice that consist of lots of high speed skating and turns in a routine together. Skiing is when a person goes down the hill at a high rate of speed and they weave back and fourth around poles while going downhill. Overall I am very excited to watch these upcoming games. My favorite olympic game is bobsledding, I find it so fascinating and fun to watch.