Milan-Cortina 2026: Where Sport, Style, and Tradition Collide

The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026. The Games will be hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This marks the fourth time Italy has hosted the Olympic Games.

The event promises a unique blend of world-class sport and rich Italian culture. According to NBC Sports and Travel + Leisure, the focus extends beyond the slopes to include Alpine cuisine and historic traditions. This approach aims to create a memorable experience for athletes and visitors alike.

NBCUniversal Launches Dazzling Campaign with Dua Lipa and Team USA Stars

A major promotional campaign for the Games has already begun. NBCUniversal debuted a high-energy spot featuring global music icon Dua Lipa during the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The advertisement showcases Team USA’s top women athletes.

The promo highlights alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin and snowboarder Chloe Kim. It also features figure skater Alysa Liu and retired skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. Set to Dua Lipa’s song “Training Season,” the ad blends Milan’s urban elegance with Alpine winter visuals.

The campaign was created using innovative virtual production technology. This technique merges real-world footage with digital environments seamlessly. The goal is to generate early excitement and frame these athletes as global icons of excellence.

A Culinary Journey Through the Italian Alps Awaits Visitors

Beyond the sports, the 2026 Olympics will spotlight the distinctive mountain cuisine of the region. The food is shaped by the Ladin ethnic minority and Austrian influences. It is a hearty cuisine built on local, preserved ingredients.

Chef Alessandro Gilmozzi describes it as food born from “mountain life.” Dishes feature wild herbs, freshwater fish, game, and artisanal cheeses. Local specialties will be featured in restaurants throughout the host valleys.

In Cortina d’Ampezzo, a must-try is casunziei all’Ampezzana, beet-filled ravioli. Livigno is known for manfrigole, buckwheat crêpes with cheese and beef. Bormio offers pizzoccheri, a rustic buckwheat pasta bake.

Iconic Venues Blend Olympic History with Modern Ambition

The competition will unfold across several iconic locations. Cortina d’Ampezzo last hosted the Winter Games in 1956. Milan, a global fashion capital, brings a modern, metropolitan energy to the event.

Key competition sites include Livigno for alpine skiing and Bormio for figure skating. This geographic spread highlights the diverse landscapes of northern Italy. It allows the Games to engage multiple communities.

NBC and its streaming platform Peacock will provide extensive broadcast coverage. They plan to capture both the athletic drama and the stunning backdrop. This ensures a comprehensive viewing experience for audiences worldwide.

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are poised to be a multifaceted celebration. They will merge elite athletic competition with deep cultural heritage. This approach aims to set a new standard for the Olympic experience.

Info at your fingertips

When exactly are the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The Games are scheduled from February 6 to February 22, 2026. The events will be held in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and other surrounding venues in northern Italy.

Where can I watch the 2026 Olympics on TV?

NBCUniversal holds the U.S. broadcast rights. Coverage will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock. Expect comprehensive coverage across their family of networks.

What is special about the Milan-Cortina host region?

The region offers a unique mix of Milan’s modern style and the Dolomites’ classic Alpine beauty. It also boasts a rich culinary tradition influenced by Ladin and Austrian cultures.

Which athletes are featured in the main promotional campaign?

NBC’s campaign stars Dua Lipa and Team USA standouts Mikaela Shiffrin, Chloe Kim, Alysa Liu, and Lindsey Vonn. The ad debuted during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Has Italy hosted the Olympics before?

Yes, this will be Italy’s fourth time hosting. Rome hosted the Summer Games in 1960. Turin hosted the Winter Games in 2006, and Cortina hosted the Winter Games in 1956.

What is a signature dish from the Cortina area?

A signature pasta dish is *casunziei all’Ampezzana*. These are half-moon ravioli typically filled with red beets or turnips. They are served with butter and poppy seeds.