The global sporting spotlight returns to Italy this week as the 2026 Winter Olympics officially commence, marking a highly anticipated fortnight of elite competition across snow and ice disciplines. Hosted across two iconic Italian locations, the games promise a spectacular showcase of athletic prowess set against stunning Alpine and urban backdrops.
Key Dates and Host Cities for the Milan-Cortina Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to run from Friday, February 6, through to Sunday, February 22, with the Winter Paralympics following shortly after from March 6 to March 15. This edition represents Italy's fourth occasion hosting the Olympic Games, a testament to the nation's rich sporting heritage and organisational capability.
The events will be strategically split between the metropolitan hub of Milan and the picturesque Alpine resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Milan will primarily host indoor arena events such as figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey, utilising its world-class facilities. Conversely, Cortina d'Ampezzo will be the centre for snow-based sports like alpine skiing, ski jumping, and bobsleigh, leveraging its legendary Dolomite mountain slopes.
New Sport Debut and British Medal Hopes
A notable addition to the Olympic programme is the debut of ski mountaineering, colloquially known as 'Skimo'. This demanding discipline involves athletes racing over steep mountainous terrain, dynamically alternating between ascending on foot with skis carried and descending on skis, testing endurance and technical skill to the limit.
Reflecting on previous performances, Great Britain enters the games with optimism, having secured one gold and one silver medal in curling at the last Winter Olympics. The nation will be aiming to build on that success across various disciplines. Historically, Norway dominated the previous medal table, amassing an impressive total of 37 medals, including 16 golds, setting a high benchmark for competition.
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in the United Kingdom
For viewers in the UK, comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics will be available through a dual-broadcaster approach. The BBC and Discovery+ hold the official broadcasting rights, ensuring extensive access to live events, highlights, and in-depth analysis.
Audiences can enjoy a selection of events free-to-air on the BBC, accessible via television, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. It is important to note that a valid TV licence is required to watch or record live television programmes on any channel, including BBC content across all platforms. For those seeking even more extensive coverage, Discovery+ offers additional live streams and on-demand content, typically via a subscription service.
Accessing the Full Event Schedule and Further Information
To plan your viewing and stay updated with all event timings, results, and athlete news, the official Olympics website serves as the primary hub for the complete, detailed schedule. Enthusiasts are encouraged to consult this resource directly for the most accurate and minute-by-minute information throughout the games.
As the Olympic flame is lit in Italy, the stage is set for a memorable celebration of winter sports, national pride, and international camaraderie over the coming weeks.
