How to Book 2026 Italy Winter Olympics Tickets and Hotels
A comprehensive guide to securing tickets, accommodations, and premium experiences for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy will be an extraordinary, dual-city celebration spanning the bustling metropolis of Milan and the enchanting mountain retreat of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Thousands of athletes will gather from around the globe from February 6 to 22, 2026, offering sports fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re dreaming of attending, now is the time to plan. This guide outlines everything you need to know to secure tickets, book hotels, and elevate your trip to reflect the glamour and excitement of the Milan-Cortina Games.
Overview: Dates, Venues, and Events
The 2026 Winter Olympics will officially commence on the evening of Friday, February 6, and run through Sunday, February 22. Unique among recent Games, this edition will be jointly hosted by Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the storied ski destination perched amidst the Dolomites.
- Opening Ceremony: Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium (75,725 seats, set to be demolished after the Games).
- Closing Ceremony: Verona Olympic Arena, a historic Roman amphitheater (approx. 12,000 seats).
More than 2,900 athletes from 93 countries are expected to compete in 116 medal events, spanning classics like figure skating and ice hockey to Olympic newcomers such as mountain climbing (ski mountaineering).
Main Competition Zones
- Milan: Ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Women’s Alpine skiing (Tofane), curling, sliding sports (bobsleigh, luge, skeleton at Eugenio Monti track), and biathlon (Anterselva)
- Valtellina: Freestyle skiing, snowboarding (Livigno), ski mountaineering, men’s Alpine skiing (Stelvio)
- Val di Fiemme: Ski jumping (Predazzo), cross-country skiing (Tesero)
The venues are distributed across a vast swath of northern Italy, covering nearly 8,500 square miles, so thoughtful planning and advance booking are crucial.
How to Buy Tickets for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Tickets are available exclusively through the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing portal. Each attendee must purchase tickets for individual events they wish to attend.
Ticket Prices
- General sports events: Starting around €30–€50 per seat, with many under €100
- Opening Ceremony (San Siro): From €700 (premium seats cost more)
- Closing Ceremony (Verona Arena): From €950
- Finals & high-demand events (such as figure skating): Higher prices due to demand
You can filter events by sport, venue, and date on the portal, and some hospitality packages also include tickets (see below). Each user can currently purchase up to 25 tickets, potentially with multiple seats per event, though limits may apply.
What If Tickets Sell Out?
If the event you want is sold out, don’t give up: The official ticket resale website opens in December 2025, providing the chance to purchase returned or resold tickets securely. Always buy direct through official channels for safety and authenticity.
Upgrading the Experience: Hospitality Packages
For those seeking a memorable and seamless Olympic adventure, hospitality upgrades elevate the experience. The Milan-Cortina Organizing Committee has partnered with hospitality experts On Location to offer a range of in-venue and off-site enhancements for select sports like ice hockey and figure skating.
- Private Lounges with premium food and beverages
- Priority venue access to skip the lines
- Special chef-prepared buffet experiences
- Exclusive access to dedicated Clubhouse 26 venues—pop-ups in Milan, Cortina, and Livigno—for relaxation, interactive exhibits, and Olympic Museum collaborations between events
Prices and inclusions vary by package, and some options offer overnight amenities or private transportation for maximum convenience.
Where to Stay: Top Hotels and Neighborhoods in Milan and Cortina
Italy’s renowned hospitality—and Olympic-driven demand—mean that hotels of all categories are booking quickly. Start as soon as possible to secure accommodations that fit your schedule and budget. Here are some outstanding options to suit a range of tastes:
Where to Stay in Milan
- Bulgari Hotel Milan: Discreet luxury, lush gardens, and sophisticated design in the heart of the Brera district
- Armani Hotel Milano: Elegance and style in the iconic fashion triangle, with a wellness spa
- Grand Hotel et de Milan: Historic opulence, favored by dignitaries and celebrities, also located in Brera
- Casa Baglioni: Boutique chic, celebrating Italian artistry
- Hotel Principe di Savoia: A century-old classic with a Pompeii-inspired indoor pool, near Milan’s central station
- Portrait Milano: Family-run, opened in 2022, in a 16th-century former seminary revamped by Michele Bönan
While not adjacent to San Siro, these hotels sit amidst Milan’s world-class landmarks, including the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Teatro alla Scala, ensuring your trip includes immersion in art, history, and shopping as well as sport.
Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Rosapetra Spa Resort: Ski-in, ski-out luxury with a full-service spa
- Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa: Eclectic elegance with iconic Dolomite views
- Hotel De la Poste: Storied alpine hospitality and a legendary bar
Cortina’s hotels sit at the foot of the Dolomites and offer picturesque access to skiing, Olympic sports, and the stylish après-ski ambiance that makes this town Italy’s mountain jewel.
Travel Planning and Logistics
To ensure your Olympics experience runs smoothly, follow these essential tips:
- Book everything early: Accommodations and tickets are in exceptionally high demand. Many agencies recommend reserving hotels, airport transfers, and shuttle buses as soon as possible.
- Check public transport: Northern Italy’s rail and bus networks will be busy, especially between cities and mountain resorts. Plan routes and purchase tickets online in advance.
- Expect expanded security and crowd controls: Allow extra time at entry points to venues and stadiums during high-profile events.
- Review passport and visa requirements: Ensure your travel documents are valid and review Italy’s entry regulations, especially for international visitors. Apply early if you need a visa.
- Consider travel insurance: Unpredictable winter weather and transportation delays are possible.
For those short on time or seeking convenience, consider curated travel and ticket packages from experienced sports travel providers—many offer dedicated assistance and coordinated ground transfers.
Experiencing the Winter Olympics from Home
If your plans, budget, or ticket availability keep you from attending in person, you can still revel in every Olympic moment. NBC and Peacock will broadcast opening and closing ceremonies, competitions, and key highlights live and on demand, ensuring you won’t miss the world’s greatest winter athletes in action—no matter where you are.
In addition, digital coverage will deliver behind-the-scenes looks, athlete interviews, and a range of features to keep the Olympic spirit alive around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When are tickets for the 2026 Winter Olympics available, and where can I buy them?
A: Tickets are on sale via the official Milano Cortina 2026 website. Only purchase through authorized channels; an official resale platform will open in December 2025 for sold-out events.
Q: How much do tickets cost for the ceremonies and sporting events?
A: Opening Ceremony tickets start at €700, Closing Ceremony at €950, and most sports events range from €30–€100 depending on demand, with premier seats priced higher.
Q: What are hospitality packages, and what do they include?
A: Hospitality upgrades offer perks like private lounges, exclusive food and beverages, fast-track entry, curated VIP experiences, and sometimes overnight packages or special access to Clubhouse 26 venues.
Q: Where should I stay if I want to attend the games in Milan or Cortina?
A: Milan’s Brera district is ideal for stylish, central accommodations, with multiple luxury and boutique choices. In Cortina, top alpine resorts provide comfort and easy access to mountain events. Book early—rooms are limited!
Q: How can I travel between events and venues?
A: Public transport will connect major Olympic zones, but advance planning is crucial due to increased demand. Some packages include private shuttles or transfers; always schedule extra time for travel between cities and venues.
Q: Are there new sports at the 2026 Games?
A: Yes, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut in 2026, expanding the slate of traditional winter sports like figure skating, hockey, and downhill skiing.
Q: What if I can’t attend in person?
A: Extensive live TV and streaming coverage by NBC and Peacock ensures fans worldwide can watch every historic moment from home or on the go.
Tips for the Ultimate Milan-Cortina Experience
- Combine culture and sport: Take time to explore Milan’s art museums, shopping, and gourmet food scene, or enjoy Cortina’s iconic après-ski lifestyle and mountain panoramas.
- Pace yourself: Distances between venues are significant. Prioritize must-see finals or medal events, and leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous adventures or rest.
- Sample local cuisine: From Milanese risotto to Cortina’s alpine dishes, savor regional specialties at restaurants and within select hospitality programs.
Conclusion
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise not just world-class athletic drama, but also a rare chance to enjoy Italian art, culture, and hospitality in two stunning environments. With smart planning, timely hotel bookings, and strategic ticket purchases, you can craft an Olympic adventure as memorable as the Games themselves.
