Countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics: What You Need to Know

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games - officially Milano Cortina 2026 - are almost here!

This year’s edition kicks off in northern Italy, marking a celebration of snow, ice, speed and global athletic excellence. The two‐week sporting festival promises historic moments, thrilling competitions, and unforgettable experiences for fans around the world.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics - from dates and broadcast details to the must-watch events and exciting new additions.

 Important Dates and Ceremonies

• Opening Ceremony, February 6, 2026: A world-class show titled “Armonia” (Harmony) will officially start the Games with music, performances, and the iconic parade of nations.

• Events Begin: Some competitions and preliminaries start a few days earlier (as early as Feb. 4) before the opening ceremony.

• Closing Ceremony, February 22, 2026: The Games conclude with traditional formalities and a cultural showcase.

  
  

How to Watch: TV, Streaming & Times

• NBC and Peacock hold primary U.S. broadcast rights, with live coverage and replays throughout the Games.

• Due to the 6-hour time difference between Italy (CET) and U.S. Eastern Time, many live events will be early morning for U.S. viewers, with major highlights replayed in primetime.

• Streaming options include Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and apps like USA Network and NBC Sports for live event coverage.

  
  

What’s New in 2026?

• These games will feature 116 medal events across 16 winter sport disciplines. 

• First Olympic ski mountaineering competition (“skimo”) makes its debut, adding fresh appeal and challenge to the alpine program.

• Milano Cortina marks the first time the Winter Olympics are co-hosted by two host cities (Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo), blending metropolitan venues with classic alpine terrain.

Events & Competitions Fans Are Buzzing About

While every Olympic sport has its devotees, certain events generate especially strong excitement each Winter Games.

Figure Skating:

One of the most anticipated and emotional competitions, figure skating showcases artistry and athleticism. Events include men’s and women’s singles, pairs, ice dance, and the team event.

Key Medal Dates & Times

• Feb. 8: Team Event Finals 

• Feb. 11: Ice Dance Free Dance 

• Feb. 13: Men’s Free Skate 

• Feb. 16: Pairs Free Skate 

• Feb. 19: Women’s Free Skate 

Snowboarding & Freestyle Skiing:

Filled with high-flying tricks and speed, snowboard and freeski events consistently draw massive youth and mainstream audiences. Expect competitions like halfpipe, big air, and ski cross.

Key Medal Dates & Times

• Feb. 8: Women’s Snowboard Big Air Final 

• Feb. 10: Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final 

• Feb. 14: Women’s Ski Cross Final 

• Feb. 14: Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Final 

• Feb. 15: Mixed Team Aerials 

Alpine Skiing:

Headlining the outdoor slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, alpine skiing features marquee races — slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and the prestigious downhill events.

Key Medal Dates & Times

• Feb. 8: Women’s Downhill Final 

• Feb. 11: Men’s Super-G Final 

• Feb. 14: Men’s Giant Slalom

• Feb. 16: Men’s Slalom Final 

Ice Hockey:

The intense, fast-paced team competition brings powerhouse nations head-to-head. Both men’s and women’s tournaments create plenty of drama on and off the ice.

Key Medal Dates & Times

• Feb. 19: Women’s Gold Medal Game

• Feb. 22: Men’s Gold Medal Game

Luge & Bobsleigh — Speed Down the Ice:

High-speed sled sports deliver thrills measured in hundredths of a second:

Key Medal Dates & Times

• Feb. 8: Men’s Singles Luge Final Heat 

• Feb. 10: Women’s Singles Luge Final 

• Feb. 11: Doubles Luge Finals 

• Feb. 12: Luge Team Relay Final