Winter Olympics 2026 Countdown: Everything You Need to Know About Milan–Cortina

Dates, Venues, Team GB Athletes to Watch & How to Watch in the UK

The countdown is officially on. The Winter Olympics begin on Friday 6 February 2026, with the Opening Ceremony marking the start of just over two weeks of world-class winter sport.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of northern Italy, the Milano-Cortina Games will combine historic alpine resorts with modern city venues, creating one of the most visually striking Winter Olympics to date. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or spectating outdoors, layering for winter sport is key throughout the Games. From skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomites to ice sports hosted in Milan, fans can expect non-stop action from morning through to late evening.

Where are the Winter Olympics 2026 being held?

Unlike previous Winter Games hosted in a single region, Milano-Cortina 2026 is spread across multiple specialist venues, each selected to suit the demands of different winter sports.

Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites

Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of Europe’s most famous mountain resorts and host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, will once again take centre stage. This area will host many of the alpine and sliding sports, including:

• Alpine skiing

• Freestyle skiing

• Snowboard

• Curling

• Bobsleigh, luge and skeleton

The surrounding Dolomite mountains are known for steep terrain, changing weather conditions and breathtaking scenery – all factors that can influence medal outcomes. For those heading to the mountains themselves, having the right skiing and snowboarding accessories can make a real difference in cold, exposed conditions.

Val di Fiemme and Anterselva (South Tyrol)

These venues will host endurance-based snow sports, including:

• Cross-country skiing

• Nordic combined

• Ski jumping

• Biathlon

Both locations are long-standing favourites on the international circuit and are renowned for knowledgeable, passionate crowds.

Milan

For the first time at a Winter Olympics, several major ice events will take place in a major global city. Milan will host:

• Figure skating

• Speed skating

• Short track speed skating

• Ice hockey

This split-venue approach allows the Games to combine traditional mountain sport with large-scale indoor arenas and excellent transport links.

When are the Winter Olympics 2026?

• Opening Ceremony: Friday 6 February 2026

• Closing Ceremony: Sunday 22 February 2026

Competition takes place every day in between, with medal events scheduled across mornings, afternoons and evenings.

How to watch the Winter Olympics 2026 in the UK

UK viewers will be well catered for, whether watching live or catching up later.

Television and streaming coverage

• The BBC is expected to show daily highlights, selected live events and recap programmes across BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

• Eurosport and Discovery+ will provide the most comprehensive live coverage, with access to every sport, multiple event streams and full replays.

Is there an app to follow the Games?

Yes. The official Olympics app is ideal for staying up to date and includes:

• Full schedules and start times

• Live results and medal tables

• Athlete profiles

• Custom alerts for favourite sports or competitors

What time of day will events be on?

Expect early morning starts for Nordic and endurance events, afternoon alpine racing, and evening finals for ice sports – making it easy to dip in throughout the day.

Team GB Medal Hopes: Athletes to Watch

Team GB heads into Milano-Cortina 2026 with a strong mix of proven performers, emerging stars and experienced athletes competing at what may be their final Winter Games.

Dave Ryding - Alpine Skiing

Britain’s most successful alpine skier, Dave Ryding is expected to compete in his fifth and final Winter Olympics. From Pendle in Lancashire, Ryding made history in 2022 as the first British skier to win a World Cup race, cementing his legacy in a sport traditionally dominated by Alpine nations.

Mia Brookes - Snowboard (Slopestyle & Big Air)

One of the brightest young talents in winter sport, Mia Brookes from Sandbach, Cheshire arrives as a world champion and genuine medal contender, representing the new generation of British snow sport athletes.

Zoe Atkin - Freestyle Skiing (Halfpipe)

Halfpipe skier Zoe Atkin is one of Team GB’s strongest medal hopes on snow. A world champion and consistent podium finisher, she brings experience and momentum into her second Winter Olympics.

Kirsty Muir - Freestyle Skiing (Slopestyle & Big Air)

Scottish skier Kirsty Muir continues to push progression in freestyle skiing. Already an Olympic finalist, she combines creativity with competitive consistency and could challenge the podium in Italy.

Matt Weston - Skeleton

Originally from Redditch in Worcestershire, Matt Weston is one of the fastest athletes on ice. A World Cup overall champion, he leads Britain’s medal hopes in skeleton and continues the country’s strong tradition in sliding sports.

Andrew Musgrave - Cross-Country Skiing

Norway-based endurance specialist Andrew Musgrave, originally from Cumbria, is one of Britain’s most respected Nordic athletes, regularly competing with the world’s best over long-distance events.

(Final team selection will be confirmed closer to the Games.)

What about the Winter Paralympics?

The Winter Paralympic Games will follow shortly after the Olympics, using many of the same Italian venues. We’ll be covering the Paralympics in a dedicated blog closer to the Games.

Winter Olympic Essentials: Staying Warm On and Off the Slopes

Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, walking in winter weather or simply watching from the sidelines, cold conditions and changing temperatures make versatile layering essential.

This is where RUFFNEK® snoods are particularly well suited to winter sport:

• Lightweight and breathable around the neck or under ski and snowboarding helmets

• Easy to pull up over the nose and face on chairlifts or exposed runs

• Comfortable for skiing, snowboarding, hiking and cold-weather training

Simple, functional and easy to wear, they’re ideal for staying warm throughout the Winter Olympics season – a technical base layer for winter adventures.

As the countdown to Milano-Cortina continues, now’s the perfect time to get winter-ready and show your support throughout the Games. Buy yours here - explore RUFFNEK® winter snoods