Cortina d'Ampezzo is hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics, lighting the torch in Italy’s most spread-out Games ever.
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on February 6, 2026, with ceremonies held simultaneously in Milan's San Siro stadium and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Games span over 350 kilometers across northern Italy, featuring 2,900 athletes from 90+ countries. The event blends Italian culture with global performances amid protests over U.S. ICE agents' advisory role and political tensions.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy start today, spread across multiple regions including Milan, Cortina, Livigno, and others. The event uses existing venues to reduce costs, but logistical challenges for spectators and athletes are significant due to the extensive geographic spread and lack of a central hub.