Winter Olympics: South Tyrol takes centre stage at Milan-Cortina 2026
The countdown to Milan-Cortina 2026 has begun, and Italy is preparing to write a new chapter in the history of the Winter Games. After Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006, the country is once again hosting the most eagerly awaited sporting event for snow and mountain enthusiasts. The 2026 edition introduces an innovative model of widespread Olympics, with venues distributed across Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino and South Tyrol. A completely new way to experience sport, immersed in the excellence of the Alpine territories.
The Olympic rings created in Anterselva for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics.
(c) Plaickner Josef _ Archiv Tourist Info AntholzertalHere is an overview of locations and disciplines:
Lombardy
- Milan - Opening ceremony at the Meazza Stadium - Figure skating, short track, men's and women's hockey.
- Valtellina (Bormio) - Men's alpine skiing and ski mountaineering.
- Valtellina (Livigno) - Freestyle and snowboarding.
Veneto
- Cortina d'Ampezzo – Women's alpine skiing, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton and curling.
- Verona – Closing ceremony at the Arena.
Trentino Alto Adige
- Val di Fiemme – Ski jumping, Nordic combined and cross-country skiing.
- Antholz – Biathlon.
The Olympic torch from the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina, on display at the exhibition What We Carry at the Museion in Bolzano.
Ralph Lavers
The Olympic torch from the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, on display at the exhibition What We Carry at the Museion in Bozen.
PininfarinaCalendar and competitions in Antholz
South Tyrol, and Anterselva in particular, will host the biathlon competitions during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Biathlon AntholzThe Antholz Valley in South Tyrol will host the biathlon competitions – a discipline that combines cross-country skiing and shooting, requiring concentration, endurance and composure. The Antholz stadium, one of the most modern in the world and already the venue for World Cups and World Championships, will be the centre of international attention.
The Antholz venue has a capacity of 19,000 spectators per session and has recently been enhanced with a new section of track that crosses the shooting range area, giving the public an even more spectacular view of the competitions.
An interesting fact: the Antholz arena is the venue with the largest spectator capacity of all the competition venues for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
The competition schedule:
- 8 February - Mixed 4x6 km relay (D+U)
- 10 February - Men's 20 km individual
- 11 February - Women's 15 km individual
- 13 February - Men's 10 km sprint
- 14 February - Women's 7.5 km sprint
- 15 February - Men's 12.5 km pursuit / Women's 10 km pursuit
- 17 February - Men's 4x7.5 km relay
- 18 February - Women's 4x6 km relay
- 20 February - Men's 15 km mass start
- 21 February - Women's 12.5 km mass start
Side events not to be missed in South Tyrol
South Tyrol is preparing to experience the Winter Olympics not only from a sporting perspective, but also through a rich cultural programme. Exhibitions, installations and major events will shape a unique narrative of memory, identity and Olympic spirit. Between Bozen and the surrounding area, contemporary art and tradition intertwine to offer visitors a complete experience. Here are some events not to be missed to get to the cultural heart of the Games.
Exhibition “What We Carry” – Museion, Bozen
From 13 November 2025 to 29 March 2026, the Museion in Bozen will host 'What We Carry', one of the most significant exhibitions linked to the Winter Olympics. The exhibition presents 43 historic Olympic torches, accompanied by contemporary works that reflect on the concepts of heritage, identity and collective memory.
The exhibition is ideal for those visiting South Tyrol during the Games and wishing to explore the cultural and symbolic side of the Olympic experience. Held in one of the most important museums in the Euregio, it is a must-see for tourists, families and art lovers.
At the Museion in Bozen, a beautiful exhibition tells the story of the Olympics through Olympic torches from years past and modern installations.
Luca Guadagnini
The modern installations section of the exhibition at the Museion in Bolzano.
KLAUS_PICHLER
An exhibition at the Museion in Bolzano displays Olympic torches from past editions of the Olympics and contemporary works.
Sonia Leimer“AL LIMITE. 7 Olympians 7 Visions” – SKB ARTES, Bozen
From 12 December 2025 to 14 March 2026, the exhibition 'AL LIMITE. 7 Olympians 7 Visions' offers a unique dialogue between sport and contemporary art. Hosted at SKB ARTES in Bozen, the exhibition tells the stories and exploits of seven South Tyrolean Olympic legends through installations and artistic reinterpretations.
An exciting journey combining medals, testimonials and multimedia works: perfect for those who want to learn about the human and symbolic side of the athletes who have marked the history of winter sports in Italy.
“ON FIRE 2026” – Bozen Sports Arena
On 30 January 2026, at 8 p.m., the Palasport Bolzano will host “ON FIRE 2026”, the spectacular opening show dedicated to the Winter Olympics in South Tyrol. With over 150 artists from across the region, the show combines music, dance and multimedia storytelling in an event that celebrates Alpine identity and the Olympic spirit. An unmissable event for anyone who wants to get into the spirit of the Games before the competitions even begin.
The Olympic flame passes through South Tyrol
The Olympic torches for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics!
Tiberio SorvilloThe Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic torch will enter South Tyrol on 27 January, welcomed in Toblach, where it will begin a journey rich in symbols and iconic places. After arriving from Cortina, celebrated by the local band, the flame will pass through Kronplatz, touching the Concordia 2000 Peace Bell, the Messner Mountain Museum Corones and the LUMEN Museum, before reaching Antholz for a solemn ceremony at the Biathlon Arena.
In the evening, it will make its entrance in Bozen, enlivening the city with events and celebrations open to the public. On 28 January, the torch will continue towards the Ladin valleys, the cultural heart of the region, where ski instructors will perform the symbolic passage to Val di Fiemme.
The South Tyrolean journey will end on 29 January, with a final stage between Meran and the Wine Route, carrying with it the energy and spirit of the Games.
Other initiatives promoted in the area
In five different locations in South Tyrol, you can admire five contemporary art installations inspired by the ancient ‘Stoanernen Mandln’, the characteristic cairns that once marked the paths.
Schuster Barbara_Archiv Tourist Info AntholzertalInstallations & Olympic Circles
In anticipation of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, five contemporary art installations inspired by the ancient "Stoanernen Mandln", the characteristic piles of stones that once marked the paths, have been created in South Tyrol. The works, designed as a reference to the five Olympic rings and the values of harmony, respect and community spirit, are located in St. Lorenzen, Antholz, Auer, Vezzano near Schlanders and along the road connecting Toblach to Cortina d'Ampezzo, key points between the various competition venues. The installations will remain in the area even after the Games have ended, as a lasting testimony to the event.
Commemorative plaques for South Tyrolean athletes
Special commemorative plaques dedicated to local champions who have made history at the Olympic and Paralympic Games are appearing in 32 South Tyrolean municipalities. Almost 300 South Tyrolean athletes have participated in the Games, and 66 of them have stood on the podium.
To celebrate these achievements, each town of origin is paying tribute to its protagonists with a plaque: a symbolic gesture that unites communities and sporting memories. The initiative has already seen its first inaugurations in St. Ulrich, with champions Isolde and Carolina Kostner. It is a widespread tribute that transforms the entire region into a living map of its inhabitants' Olympic successes.
What if I don't have a ticket to see the event live?
The modern South Tyrol Arena will host the biathlon competitions during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Christian Taferner_Biathlon AntholzDuring Milano Cortina 2026, South Tyrol will be transformed into a large Olympic village. In addition to the competitions in person, the region will offer numerous opportunities to follow the races live.
In cities such as Bozen, Meran, Brixen, Bruneck and Sterzing, fan zones will be set up with big screens, refreshment points, live music and side events. Many mountain huts and bars will also offer live broadcasts and themed evenings, creating an engaging atmosphere perfect for groups of friends, families and enthusiasts. Whether you are in the mountains after a day of skiing or in the centre of a South Tyrolean town, you will still experience all the magic of the Olympics.
The closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics will be held at the Arena di Verona on 22 February, but the party continues with the Paralympics, from 6 to 15 March 2026: an equally exciting event that will bring new competitions, stories and great sporting performances.
