South Tyrol and the 2026 Olympics: The spectacle of sport among the Dolomites
In 2026, Italy will once again host the world's most beloved and followed sporting event: the Winter Olympics. Among the iconic locations of this historic edition is South Tyrol, a land of legendary mountains, genuine hospitality, and a deep passion for winter sports.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for the region, which is ready to welcome athletes, fans, and visitors from all over the world.
The Olympic Games
The Olympic Games will take place in Milan, Livigno and Bormio in Valtellina, Tesero and Predazzo in Val di Fiemme, Anterselva in South Tyrol, and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto: a truly widespread Olympics across northeastern Italy. After a long evaluation of the two remaining candidate cities, Milan and Stockholm, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) considered the Italian landscape, with lower costs and excellent organization of the host cities, and ultimately decided that it would be Italy to bring home the five rings.
The main Olympic Village will be located in Milan, on the former Porta Romana railway yard, which will later be transformed into a residential campus for students – part of a broader urban regeneration project of former railway areas.
The second Olympic Village will be built in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where 377 mobile homes will host 1,400 athletes.
Our advantage lies in the stunning mountain landscape, fully equipped for winter sports and perfectly suited to the Olympic context. This was a decisive factor for the IOC. As Milan’s mayor Giuseppe Sala stated, thanks to the efficiency of existing Italian infrastructure, no extravagant spending is expected for this project.
The olympic venues
Milan, Lombardy
On February 6, the opening ceremony of the Winter Games will take place at San Siro Stadium in Milan – a unique and unmissable event.
Milan will also host the men’s ice hockey tournament, as well as speed skating, figure skating, and short track, all of which will take place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Tesero and Predazzo, Val di Fiemme, Trentino – South Tyrol
Val di Fiemme in Trentino will be the stage for the Nordic combined events. The ski jumping competitions will be held in Predazzo, while the cross-country races will take place in Tesero, at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium.
This location is already renowned for having hosted several major events, including three World Cups and a Winter Universiade. With a capacity of about 30,000 people and state-of-the-art lighting, it will be a major attraction and will also allow for night races.
Livigno and Bormio, Valtellina, Lombardy
Valtellina, with Livigno and Bormio, will be the beating heart of Olympic alpine skiing. Don't miss the men’s alpine skiing races held on the Stelvio Ski Centre slope, which has already hosted two Alpine World Championships and several World Cup editions.
Bormio will also host the ski mountaineering events, while Livigno will thrill spectators with, acrobatic skiing and snowboarding competitions.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the "Queen of the Snow," will host three competition venues, some of which were already used during the 1956 Winter Olympics.
The women’s alpine skiing events will take place on the Tofane slope of the Alpine Skiing Centre, while curling will be held in the Olympic Ice Stadium, which hosted the opening ceremony of the 1956 Games. The venue has been renovated and can now accommodate around 3,000 spectators.
Bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge races will be held at the Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre, a historic venue that has hosted many world and continental championships. Its recent renovation has turned the original 1956-built track into a cutting-edge facility.
Verona, Veneto
The Olympic flame will be extinguished on February 22, 2026, at the Arena di Verona. As one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Roman era, this amphitheater will provide a unique atmosphere for the closing ceremony – a must-see event that once again highlights the beauty and grandeur of Italy.
Anterselva and the biathlon: South Tyrol’s great tradition
Among the most eagerly awaited Olympic venues stands Anterselva, an authentic temple of biathlon. Nestled in the picturesque Anterselva Valley at the foot of the Braies Dolomites, this location has been an international reference point for decades in the sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
The cutting-edge Arena Alto Adige, surrounded by pristine nature, has hosted World Cup stages for years and welcomed Biathlon World Championships in 1975, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2020. In 2026, Anterselva will once again be under the global spotlight, hosting thrilling Olympic competitions featuring the world’s top athletes.
Experiencing biathlon in Anterselva means more than just watching a race—it's about immersing yourself in the true Olympic atmosphere in one of the world’s most enchanting winter settings.
A unique opportunity to experience South Tyrol like never before
The 2026 Olympics won't be just about sports. They will bring emotion, culture, and nature together, uniting millions of hearts across the world.
South Tyrol is preparing to showcase its story—full of traditions, typical cuisine, enchanting landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Visitors will not only be able to watch Olympic events but also discover the best of the region: perfect ski slopes, panoramic huts and lodges, luxurious wellness centers, museums, snow-covered castles, and charming villages—all framed by the breathtaking Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Get ready to experience the magic of the games
If you dream of breathing in the spirit of the Olympics, now is the time to plan your trip! South Tyrol awaits you with welcoming hotels, authentic experiences, and breathtaking landscapes.
Book your stay for the most thrilling winter ever—between adrenaline, snowflakes, and the true Olympic spirit.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of a historic event: the 2026 Winter Olympics await you in South Tyrol!