Thu Feb 05 14:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Milano Cortina 2026: A Sprawling, Sustainable Winter Olympics
The Story:
The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are set to be the most geographically dispersed Games in Olympic history, covering over 22,000 square kilometers across eight cities and towns. This decentralized approach aims to control costs and promote sustainability by utilizing existing and temporary venues, with over 90 percent of the facilities already in place or temporary, some even refurbished from the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Games. The Games will feature approximately 2,900 athletes competing in 116 events across 13 venues over 19 days, starting on February 6, 2026, and concluding on February 22, 2026.
Key Points:
- The 2026 Winter Olympics are the most geographically dispersed in history.
- Opening ceremonies will be held at San Siro Stadium in Milan on February 6, 2026, featuring performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Lang Lang, and Laura Pausini.
- Closing ceremonies will take place in Verona Arena on February 22, 2026, honoring athletics and Italian culture.
- New events include men’s and women’s ski mountaineering, skeleton mixed team relay, women’s doubles luge, freestyle skiing dual moguls, and women’s large hill ski jumping.
- The mascots are Tina and Milo, brother-and-sister stoats inspired by Milan and Cortina.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 Winter Olympics prioritize cost-effectiveness and sustainability by leveraging existing infrastructure.
- The Games showcase a blend of modern and historical venues, incorporating iconic locations like San Siro Stadium and Verona Arena.
- The addition of new events reflects the evolving landscape of winter sports.
- The choice of stoats as mascots connects the Games to the local wildlife and mountainous terrain.
First Piper 