MILAN — February 7, 2026— Under the floodlights of the iconic San Siro Stadium, Italy welcomed the world Friday evening as the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games officially commenced in a ceremony weaving Italy’s Renaissance artistry with the raw majesty of the Dolomites. Spanning Milan’s cosmopolitan energy to Cortina d’Ampezzo’s storied peaks—and venues from Livigno to Bormio—these Games redefine the Winter Olympics through intentional decentralization.
The opening ceremony broke tradition: football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović reflected on resilience and legacy, while Grammy winner Mariah Carey and Italian icon Laura Pausini delivered musical tributes resonating across the 75,000-seat arena. Unlike past Winter Games anchored to a single mountain town, Milano-Cortina deliberately bridges piazza and peak—a symbolic union of urban innovation and alpine heritage.
“This is not merely a sporting event,” stated International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. “It is a testament to resilience—to hosting Games that honour environmental sustainability and the authentic character of our host communities.” Organisers emphasise reuse: 93% of venues are existing or temporary, with legacy planning prioritising post-Games community use and ecological stewardship.
Competition surged before the flame was lit, with women’s ice hockey and mixed doubles curling underway February 5. By Saturday, snowboarders launched big air qualifiers under brilliant sun at Livigno’s purpose-built park, speed skaters carved precision arcs at Baselga di Piné’s new oval, and figure skating pairs delivered emotionally charged performances at Milan’s Olympic Ice Skating Arena.
Cortina d’Ampezzo—host of the 1956 Winter Olympics—welcomes alpine skiing’s elite to slopes steeped in history, while its newly renovated sliding track challenges luge and skeleton athletes at speeds exceeding 130 km/h. A coordinated transport network seamlessly links venues up to three hours apart, turning geographic dispersion into a showcase of Italy’s diverse winter landscapes.
Security protocols remain robust across host zones following planned demonstrations in Milan Saturday afternoon. Officials confirm all venues operate smoothly, with spectator safety prioritised without dampening the festive atmosphere. For Italy—a nation globally celebrated for football and summer tourism—these Games mark a strategic reclamation of its deep-rooted winter sporting identity, spotlighting regions long central to European alpine culture.
As the first medals are awarded beneath Dolomite peaks tonight, Milano-Cortina 2026 offers more than podiums and records. It presents a vision: winter sport evolving responsibly amid climate conversations, human grit meeting elemental beauty, and a nation sharing its mountains not as backdrop, but as heartbeat.
Event Details:
❄️ Olympic Winter Games: February 6–22, 2026
♿ Paralympic Winter Games: March 6–15, 2026
📍 Host Regions: Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige
🌐 Full Schedule & Tickets: milano-cortina2026.org
The European Times is committed to sustainable journalism. This coverage is produced with minimal carbon footprint. Follow #MilanoCortina2026 for live updates.
