The Olympic Games are about to begin. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

Fit for the Olympics: What you need to know about the Winter Games

Four years after the spectator-less Olympics in Beijing due to the coronavirus pandemic, fans are returning to the Winter Olympics. History is being made in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

February 04, 2026

From: dpa/det

What is special about these games?

For the first time, two locations are officially sharing the role of host. And yet, instead of Milan and Cortina, it should really be called Northern Italy. Because the Games cover an area of ​​approximately 22.000 square kilometers, making them the first decentralized Games in history. For example, the women's alpine ski races are held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, while the men's races take place in Bormio – 300 kilometers further west. Unusual sports venues far from the mountains are being used for the opening and closing ceremonies. The opening ceremony will be held in the San Siro stadium, a football temple, and the Games will conclude in the ancient arena of Verona. Ninety percent of the competition venues already existed or were erected temporarily.

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What is so controversial about these games?

The ongoing issue of the past few years has been the construction of a new bobsleigh and luge track in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The IOC recommended, for cost reasons, that the competitions be awarded to an existing track abroad. Innsbruck and St. Moritz were considered as potential locations. However, the Italian government ultimately rejected this proposal and pushed through the construction of a new track.

The Olympic Games are underway. © APA/afp / ODD ANDERSEN

The costs for the new construction have now reached 120 million euros. The environmental impact is being criticized, especially since the future use and economic maintenance of the railway are unclear.

Are these games a concept for future Winter Games?

The Games in Italy are considered a key component of the "Agenda 2020+5," with which the IOC is focusing on sustainability in times of climate change and moving away from costly new construction. The current Games feature a particularly extensive distribution across existing infrastructure. A similar approach is expected in the French Alps in 2030, before the venues become more compact again in Salt Lake City in 2034.

What is the budget?

The organizing committee estimates the operational costs at approximately €1,7 billion. These are to be covered by sponsorships, ticket sales, and IOC contributions. Additional costs for security and infrastructure, which will be borne by the Italian government, are estimated at €3,5 billion.

What is known about the opening ceremony?

The ceremony begins on Friday evening (8:00 PM) at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan. However, the decentralized nature of the Games also means a decentralized celebration, which is why parts of the show will be performed not only in Milan but also in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Bormio, and Predazzo. The theme of "Harmony" is meant to symbolize the connection between the cities (Milan) and the alpine landscape (Cortina). Performances by music stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, and Lang Lang have been confirmed. The Olympic flame will be lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina.

How many participants and competitions are there?

Around 2.900 athletes from 90 nations will compete. 47 percent of them are women, increasing the figure from Beijing by another two percentage points. With 116 events, there will be more than ever before. 50 of these will be women's-only competitions, also a record number.

Which new sports are included?

A new sport, many new disciplines: Ski mountaineering is making its Olympic debut. There will be a sprint race for both men and women, plus a mixed relay. In luge, the women's doubles is a new addition to the program, and skeleton now includes a mixed team event. In ski jumping, women will also be able to compete for medals from the large hill, and the men's team event will be replaced by the super team format. The double moguls will be added to freestyle skiing, and in alpine skiing, the team combined event will replace the parallel team event and the individual combined races.