Leese & Nagle - Magazine - Page 14
WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES
2026 PREVIEW
T
he Winter Olympic Games return in February, with
Northern Italy hosting one of the most distinctive
editions in recent memory. Branded as Milano Cortina
2026, the Games will run from 6 to 22 February, with curling
getting underway two days earlier. Rather than being centred
on a single host city, the event is spread across several regions,
combining Milan’s modern infrastructure with the dramatic
alpine landscapes of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites.
Around 3,500 athletes from more than 90 nations are expected
to compete across 116 medal events. The programme features
all the established winter sports, from alpine skiing and
biathlon to figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey,
alongside freestyle skiing and snowboarding. One notable
addition is ski mountaineering, which makes its Olympic
debut and reflects the Games’ closer connection to traditional
mountain sport.
Ice events will largely take place in Milan, while snow and
sliding sports are staged across established resort areas
including Cortina, Val di Fiemme and Valtellina. The opening
ceremony is set for Milan’s San Siro stadium, with the closing
ceremony held in the historic Roman Arena in Verona,
reinforcing the blend of modern sport and Italian heritage.
Milano Cortina 2026 is also positioned as one of the most
balanced Winter Games to date, with a continued push
towards gender equality through additional women’s and
mixed events. Organisers have emphasised sustainability and
the reuse of existing venues, aiming to limit long term
environmental impact while still delivering a visually striking
spectacle.
On the ice, the return of NHL players to the men’s ice hockey
tournament for the first time since 2014 is expected to raise
both quality and global interest. Across the slopes and rinks, a
mix of established Olympic champions and emerging talent
should ensure strong narratives throughout the fortnight.
With its wide geographical footprint, strong sporting
programme and emphasis on legacy, Milano Cortina 2026
promises a Winter Olympics that feels both traditional and
forward looking, set against some of Europe’s most iconic
winter scenery.
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PROPERTY MAGAZINE
