A Practical Guide to Visiting Milan During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan – Cortina

Get Ready for the Olympic Events: Milan–Cortina 2026

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are approaching fast, with competitions beginning in early February and the Games running from 6–22 February 2026. For Milan, it’s a rare chance to see winter sport at world level without leaving the city—plus a major boost to public transport demand, hotel availability, and crowd levels across key districts.

Milan venues: where the action happens (and how to get there)

Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium (Opening Ceremony)
The Games open at San Siro on 6 February. The easiest way is the metro: get off at San Siro Stadio (M5), or Lotto (M1) and follow the pedestrian routes.

Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena (Ice hockey)
This new arena in the Santa Giulia district hosts ice hockey events during the Games. A practical access point is Rogoredo FS (M3 + trains), then continue on foot (around 1.5 km) or by local connections depending on event-day plans.

Milano Ice Skating Arena – Unipol Forum, Assago (Figure skating + short track)
Figure skating and short track take place at the Unipol Forum in Assago. Take M2 to Assago Forum (end of the green line).

Milano Ice Park, Rho (Speed skating + selected ice hockey games)
At Rho, the Milano Ice Park hosts speed skating and some ice hockey matches. It’s well connected via M1 to Rho Fieramilano and also by suburban rail lines that stop at Rho Fiera.

Other events such as skiing, snowboarding, curling and other snow events will take place in various venues and locations throughout the north of Italy.

Getting around: plan for crowds, delays, and longer journeys

During Olympic weeks, expect peak-hour crowding on metros and heavier road traffic near venues—especially before start times and immediately after events. Build in extra time for security checks, walking routes from stations, and possible service changes. If you can, rely on metro and rail over taxis or private cars, and keep a backup route in mind (for example, an alternate interchange station) in case platforms are busy or lines are disrupted.

For the events, outside Milan, the mountain venues are spread across northern Italy: Cortina d’Ampezzo hosts curling, women’s alpine skiing (Tofane), plus sliding (bob/luge/skeleton); Anterselva/Antholz hosts biathlon; Livigno hosts snowboard and freestyle; Bormio hosts men’s alpine skiing and ski mountaineering; and Val di Fiemme (Predazzo/Tesero) hosts ski jumping, cross-country, and Nordic combined. From Milan, the easiest approach is to travel by train + bus/shuttle and (when possible) stay closer to the venue you’re seeing: for Bormio/Livigno, take the train toward Tirano and continue by shuttle/bus (often the most practical winter option). For Val di Fiemme, go by train to Trento and then bus/transfer into the valley (Predazzo/Tesero). For Cortina, plan on a long journey—commonly train toward the Veneto rail hubs (or drive) and finish by bus/car into town. And for Anterselva, route via South Tyrol by train, then local transport up the valley.

Tickets and last-minute travel: it’s not too late (especially for March)

If you already have accommodation in Milan and tickets, you’re ahead of the game. For last-minute planners, the safest route is to buy only through the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing platform. And if February is looking packed or pricey, remember the Paralympic Winter Games run 6–15 March 2026—often with more flexibility for tickets and travel planning. For late availability, consider hotels not just in the historic center, but along direct metro lines (San Siro/Lotto, Rogoredo, Assago, Rho) or in well-connected nearby cities with fast rail links into Milan.

What to wear: warm, practical, and comfortable

Even in Milan, winter evenings can feel sharp—especially when you’re standing outdoors before and after events. Dress in layers (thermal base + sweater + insulated coat or puffer jacket), choose comfortable shoes with grip for wet pavement, and bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf you actually like wearing for hours. A small crossbody bag is often easier than a tote in crowds, and a compact foldable rain layer can be a lifesaver if the weather turns.

Featured photo by MilanoStyle.com-C. Abernethy Feb 2025 (During a promotional event for the 2026 Olympics)

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