The closing ceremony in Paris has concluded, shifting the global sports spotlight from summer sports to the icy thrills of the winter games. For fans eager to know when are the next Winter Olympics, the wait is not long. The next celebration of snow and ice is scheduled for 2026, returning to a classic European alpine region for a truly authentic experience.
This upcoming edition will be a special one, co-hosted across two iconic Italian locations. The games promise to blend modern infrastructure with the charm of a legendary winter sports destination, offering a unique spectacle for athletes and viewers alike. The anticipation is already building for this event, which is now less than two years away.
The Host Venues: A Tale of Two Italian Cities
The question of “when are the next Winter Olympics” is directly tied to the “where,” and the answer involves two distinct host cities. The 2026 Games will be jointly hosted by Milan, the global capital of fashion and finance, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, a stunning resort town in the Dolomites. This partnership creates a dynamic balance between a bustling metropolitan center and a picturesque mountain landscape.
This will be the fourth time Italy has hosted the Olympic Games, a testament to its deep sporting culture. Cortina d’Ampezzo has a rich Olympic history, having previously hosted the 1956 Winter Games. Milan, on the other hand, brings its vast resources and international appeal to the table, ensuring a grand and globally accessible event.
Key Dates and Ceremonial Spectacles
So, precisely when are the next Winter Olympics taking place? The official dates are set for February 6 to February 22, 2026. The games will span over two weeks of intense competition across various disciplines, from alpine skiing and figure skating to ice hockey and curling, captivating audiences worldwide.
The ceremonies will be as memorable as the competitions themselves. The opening ceremony is planned for the legendary San Siro stadium, home to soccer giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. In a beautiful contrast, the closing ceremony is scheduled for the Verona Arena, a magnificently preserved Roman amphitheater, offering a breathtaking blend of ancient history and modern celebration.
Looking Beyond 2026: The Future Olympic Cycle
Once fans learn when are the next Winter Olympics in 2026, their curiosity often extends to the future. The Olympic movement has a clear roadmap for the next decade. Following Milan-Cortina, the Summer Games will head to Los Angeles in 2028, bringing the Olympics back to the United States for the first time since 1996.
The cycle continues with the 2030 Winter Olympics awarded to the French Alps, a nod to the rich winter sports history of the region. Brisbane, Australia, will host the 2032 Summer Games, and Salt Lake City, USA, has been chosen to welcome the world back for the 2034 Winter Olympics, ensuring a steady stream of world-class athletic competition for years to come.