Winter Olympics 2026: Schedule, Stars, and How to Watch
The 2026 Winter Olympics kick off on February 6, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. If you’re already planning your travel or wondering how to catch the action from Nigeria or anywhere in the world, this guide covers everything you need to know.
When Do 2026 Winter Olympics Start?
Mark your calendar for February 6, 2026. The opening ceremony launches the games, which run through February 22, 2026. That’s 17 days of non-stop competition across alpine slopes, ice rinks, and snowy tracks. The torch relay began months earlier, winding through Italian cities and alpine villages before arriving at the main stadium.
Unlike summer games, winter events move fast. You won’t have weeks to catch up. Miss a day, and you might miss the defining moment of the entire Olympics.
2026 Winter Olympics Venue: Two Cities, One Vision
The 2026 Winter Olympics venue spans two iconic Italian locations. Milan handles ice sports like figure skating, hockey, and speed skating. Cortina d’Ampezzo, a mountain town in the Dolomites, hosts skiing, snowboarding, and bobsled events.
This dual-city setup isn’t new. The International Olympic Committee approved the format to reduce costs and environmental impact. Instead of building new facilities from scratch, organizers are using existing arenas and slopes. Milan’s PalaItalia will host ice hockey finals. Cortina’s historic bobsled track, dating back to the 1956 Olympics, gets a modern upgrade.
Traveling between the two cities takes about three hours by car or train. If you’re visiting, plan your itinerary around which sports matter most to you. Want to see Mikaela Shiffrin chase gold in alpine skiing? Head to Cortina. Prefer the drama of figure skating? Stay in Milan.
When Is Milan 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The opening ceremony happens on February 6, 2026, at San Siro Stadium in Milan. Expect thousands of athletes parading under their national flags, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and Italy’s rich cultural history on full display.
San Siro, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan football clubs, holds over 75,000 spectators. It’s one of the largest venues ever used for a Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Tickets sold out quickly during the first wave, but resale options and official vendor releases still pop up periodically.
If you can’t attend in person, the ceremony streams live worldwide. NBC holds U.S. broadcasting rights. In Nigeria, check SuperSport or streaming platforms like Peacock and Discovery+ for live coverage. Time zone differences mean the ceremony airs late evening or early morning in Lagos, so set reminders.
2026 Winter Olympics Events: What to Watch
The 2026 Winter Olympics feature 116 events across 15 sports. New additions include ski mountaineering, where athletes race uphill on skis before descending at breakneck speed. It’s grueling, technical, and wildly entertaining.
Alpine skiing remains the marquee event. Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated World Cup skier in history, aims to add more Olympic medals to her collection. Norway’s Johannes Thingnes Bø dominates biathlon, combining cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting. Figure skating always draws massive crowds, with Nathan Chen and Yuzuru Hanyu potentially returning for one last run.
Ice hockey brings intensity like no other sport. Canada, the U.S., and Russia (competing under a neutral flag) battle for supremacy. Nigeria doesn’t have a functional winter sports team yet, but African representation continues to grow. Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Eritrea will each be represented by one athlete. Madagascar, Morocco, and Kenya will field two athletes apiece, while South Africa will have the continent’s largest delegation, with five athletes.
Keep an eye on athletes from Kenya and Ghana making their Olympic debuts in skeleton and bobsled.
How to Watch 2026 Winter Olympics
Watching from Nigeria requires some planning. SuperSport typically covers Olympic events, but confirms its broadcast schedule closer to the games. Streaming services like Peacock, Discovery+, and the official Olympics YouTube channel offer live and on-demand replays.
Time zones work against you. Milan is one hour ahead of Lagos during the winter months. Morning events in Italy air in the early afternoon in Nigeria, while evening finals stream late at night. DVR the events you care about or join online communities sharing highlights and replays.
Social media becomes your best friend during the Olympics. Athletes post behind-the-scenes content. Official Olympic accounts upload clips minutes after events finish. Reddit and Twitter threads provide real-time updates and analyses.
2026 Winter Olympics Tickets and Travel
Tickets range from €40 for preliminary rounds to over €1,200 for opening ceremony premium seats. Book accommodations early. Milan hotels fill up fast, and Cortina’s limited lodging options skyrocket in price as the games approach.
Flying into Milan Malpensa Airport gives you easy access to both cities. Budget at least €150 per day for food, transport, and incidentals. Italy’s rail system connects Milan and Cortina efficiently, but rental cars offer more flexibility for exploring Alpine venues.
The 2026 Winter Olympics Torch Relay
The torch relay launches in late 2025, traveling through over 60 Italian cities before reaching Milan. Rome, Venice, and Turin all host relay stages. The flame’s journey symbolizes unity, endurance, and Italy’s Olympic legacy. You can watch segments of the relay online or attend public viewings in major cities.
Will You Be Watching History Unfold?
The 2026 Winter Olympics promises record-breaking performances, debut sports, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re streaming from Lagos or flying to Milan, the action starts February 6. Are you ready to witness the world’s best athletes push the limits of human achievement on snow and ice?