Winter Olympics in 2026
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games and commonly called Milano Cortina 2026, represents a historic milestone as the first Winter Olympics to be officially co-hosted by two cities. Scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, across the stunning landscapes of Lombardy and Northeast Italy, these Games mark Italy’s return to hosting the Winter Olympics for the first time in 20 years since Turin 2006. This marks the third Winter Olympics and fourth overall Olympic Games to be hosted by Italy, following Cortina d’Ampezzo’s successful hosting of the 1956 Winter Olympics. The joint bid by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo was awarded the 2026 Winter Olympics at the 134th IOC Session on June 24, 2019, defeating a competing joint bid from Stockholm and Åre, Sweden.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature groundbreaking achievements in gender equality and sustainability, with the Games set to be the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics in history. With 116 medal events across 16 disciplines and 8 sports, the Milano Cortina Games will witness approximately 2,800 to 2,900 athletes from over 90 National Olympic Committees competing for glory. The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium on February 6, titled “Armonia” (Harmony), while the Closing Ceremony will be held at the historic Roman amphitheatre, Verona Arena, on February 22. These Games will introduce ski mountaineering as a new Olympic sport, making its debut appearance, alongside the return of NHL players to Olympic ice hockey for the first time since Sochi 2014.
Interesting 2026 Winter Olympics Facts and Statistics
| Category | Fact/Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of Games | 17 days | February 6-22, 2026 (19 days of competition including preliminary events starting February 4) |
| Number of Athletes | 2,800-2,900 | Largest Winter Olympics participation from over 90 National Olympic Committees |
| Total Medal Events | 116 events | Increase of 7 events from Beijing 2022 (109 events) |
| Sports Disciplines | 16 disciplines | Across 8 sports categories |
| New Olympic Sport | Ski Mountaineering | First new sport since Skeleton in Salt Lake City 2002 |
| Gender Balance | 47% female athletes | Most gender-balanced Winter Games in history (up from 45.4% at Beijing 2022) |
| Women’s Events | 50 events | Record number of women’s events in Winter Olympics history |
| Competition Venues | 15 venues | Spread across multiple cities and mountain clusters |
| Host Cities Distance | 410 kilometers (255 miles) | Distance between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo by road |
| Olympic Torch Relay | 12,000 kilometers | Covering all 110 provinces of Italy with 10,001 Torchbearers over 63 days |
| Participating Nations | 93 countries | Including first-time participants Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and UAE |
| Operating Budget | €1.7 billion | Updated April 2025 (excluding infrastructure and venue construction) |
| Team USA Athletes | 232 athletes | Largest ever U.S. Winter Olympic Team (surpassing 228 at PyeongChang 2018) |
| Youngest Team USA Athlete | 15 years old | Freeskier Abby Winterberger |
| Oldest Team USA Athlete | 54 years old | Curler Rich Ruohonen |
| New Events Added | 8 new events | Including dual moguls, women’s doubles luge, mixed team skeleton, women’s large hill ski jumping |
| Existing/Temporary Facilities | 90% | Percentage of venues that are existing or temporary (only 2 built from scratch) |
| IOC Contribution | $1 billion USD | Support for event preparations |
| CO2 Emissions Estimate | ~1 million tonnes | CO2 equivalent (lower than Beijing and PyeongChang) |
| Paralympic Games | March 6-15, 2026 | Following the Olympic Winter Games |
Data source: Olympics.com, IOC Official Documents, Wikipedia, NBC Olympics, Team USA, USOPC (January 2026)
The 2026 Winter Olympics showcase remarkable growth in both participation and gender equality compared to previous editions. The 116 medal events represent the highest number in Winter Olympics history, reflecting the IOC’s commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes worldwide. The inclusion of ski mountaineering marks a significant milestone, being the first new sport added since skeleton debuted at the Salt Lake City 2002 Games. With 47% female athletes competing, these Games achieve near-perfect gender parity, demonstrating the substantial progress made since women first competed at the Winter Olympics.
The geographical spread of the 2026 Winter Olympics across 15 venues spanning multiple Italian regions creates unique challenges and opportunities. The 410-kilometer distance between the co-host cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo makes this the most geographically dispersed Winter Olympics in history, covering more than 22,000 square kilometers. This distribution allows the Games to utilize Italy’s existing world-class winter sports infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact. The Olympic Torch Relay will traverse 12,000 kilometers across all 110 provinces of Italy, involving 10,001 Torchbearers over 63 days, making it one of the most comprehensive torch relays in Winter Olympic history.
2026 Winter Olympics Participant and Competition Statistics
| Participation Category | 2026 Statistics | Comparison to Beijing 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Athletes | 2,800-2,900 | Similar to 2,871 athletes |
| Participating Countries | 93 | Increase from 91 NOCs |
| Medal Events | 116 | +7 events (from 109) |
| Sports Disciplines | 16 | +1 discipline (from 15) |
| Female Athletes Percentage | 47% | +1.6% (from 45.4%) |
| Women’s Events | 50 | Record high for Winter Olympics |
| Mixed Events | 10 | Promoting gender equality |
| Team USA Roster | 232 athletes | Record for U.S. Winter Olympics |
| Norway Athletes | ~120 athletes | Defending overall medal champions |
| Germany Athletes | ~140 athletes | Strong medal contenders |
| Canada Athletes | ~230 athletes | Large delegation competing |
| First-Time Nations | 3 countries | Benin, Guinea-Bissau, UAE |
| Athletes Age Range | 15-54 years | Widest age range in recent Games |
Data source: Olympics.com, Team USA, NBC Olympics, USOPC, Wikipedia (January 2026)
The Milano Cortina 2026 Games will showcase unprecedented participation levels, establishing new benchmarks for Winter Olympic competition. With approximately 2,800 to 2,900 athletes from over 90 National Olympic Committees expected to compete, these Games represent the most diverse and inclusive Winter Olympics to date. The 93 participating countries include three nations making their Winter Olympics debut: Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant expansion of winter sports across new geographical regions. The Games will feature 116 medal events, representing an increase of 7 events compared to the 109 events contested at Beijing 2022, making this the highest number of medal events in Winter Olympics history.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will make history with the highest percentage of women’s participation ever recorded at a Winter Games, reaching 47% female athletes, up from 45.4% at Beijing 2022. This achievement is complemented by a record-breaking 50 women’s events, demonstrating the IOC’s ongoing commitment to gender equality in Olympic competition. The Games will span 16 disciplines across 8 sports categories, including Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, ski mountaineering, snowboard, and speed skating. Team USA will field its largest-ever Winter Olympic delegation with 232 athletes, surpassing the previous record of 228 athletes at PyeongChang 2018, demonstrating the growing depth of American winter sports talent.
2026 Winter Olympics Venues and Locations Statistics
| Venue Name | Location | Sport(s) Hosted | Capacity | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium | Milan | Opening Ceremony | 80,000 | Existing |
| Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena | Milan | Ice Hockey, Para Ice Hockey | 16,000 | New Construction |
| Milano Ice Skating Arena (Mediolanum Forum) | Assago, Milan | Figure Skating, Short Track | 12,000 | Existing (Upgraded) |
| Milano Ice Park | Rho, Milan | Ice Hockey, Speed Skating | 7,000 | Temporary |
| Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium | Cortina d’Ampezzo | Curling, Wheelchair Curling | 3,500 | Existing |
| Cortina Sliding Centre | Cortina d’Ampezzo | Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton | 9,000 | New Construction |
| Cortina Alpine Ski Centre | Cortina d’Ampezzo | Alpine Skiing | 12,000 | Existing |
| Stelvio Ski Centre | Bormio | Alpine Skiing, Ski Mountaineering | 8,000 | Existing |
| Livigno Snow Park | Livigno | Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding | 10,000 | Existing |
| Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park | Livigno | Freestyle Skiing | 5,000 | Upgraded |
| Südtirol Arena | Anterselva/Antholz | Biathlon | 19,000 | Existing |
| Trampolino dal Ben | Predazzo | Ski Jumping | 8,500 | Existing |
| Cross-Country Ski Centre | Tesero | Cross-Country, Nordic Combined | 15,000 | Existing |
| Oval Lingotto | Turin | Speed Skating | 8,500 | Existing (2006 Olympics) |
| Verona Arena | Verona | Closing Ceremony | 15,000 | Historic (1st century AD) |
Data source: Olympics.com, Wikipedia, Venues of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Milano Cortina 2026 Official Site (January 2026)
The 2026 Winter Olympics will utilize 15 competition venues strategically distributed across eight locations in Northern Italy, making it the most geographically widespread Winter Games in history. The venues span more than 22,000 square kilometers across Lombardy and Northeast Italy, connecting the metropolitan sophistication of Milan with the Alpine grandeur of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, and other mountain communities. This distribution allows 90% of venues to be either existing or temporary facilities, with only two venues built from scratch: the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Cortina Sliding Centre. This approach significantly reduces the environmental footprint and construction costs while leveraging Italy’s rich winter sports heritage and world-class existing infrastructure.
Milan serves as the primary hub for ice events, hosting four competition venues within the metropolitan area. The iconic Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan football clubs, will host the Opening Ceremony with a capacity of 80,000 spectators, while the historic Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater dating to the 1st century AD, will accommodate 15,000 attendees for the Closing Ceremony. The newly constructed Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena represents one of the Games’ major infrastructure investments at €180 million (with additional €70-90 million needed due to rising costs), providing a 16,000-seat world-class venue for ice hockey competitions. The venue distribution reflects a balance between accessibility for spectators and the geographical requirements of mountain sports, with temporary facilities at the Milano Ice Park in Rho providing additional capacity for 7,000 spectators for both ice hockey and speed skating events.
2026 Winter Olympics Sports and Medal Events Statistics
| Sport | Disciplines | Medal Events | Men’s Events | Women’s Events | Mixed Events | New for 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Skiing | 1 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 | Team Combined |
| Biathlon | 1 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 | No |
| Bobsleigh | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | No |
| Cross-Country Skiing | 1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | No |
| Curling | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | No |
| Figure Skating | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | No |
| Freestyle Skiing | 1 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 1 | Dual Moguls (M/W) |
| Ice Hockey | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | No |
| Luge | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Women’s Doubles |
| Nordic Combined | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | No |
| Short Track Speed Skating | 1 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | No |
| Skeleton | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Mixed Team |
| Ski Jumping | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Women’s Large Hill |
| Ski Mountaineering | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Entire Sport (NEW) |
| Snowboard | 1 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 | No |
| Speed Skating | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | No |
| TOTAL | 16 | 116 | 56 | 50 | 10 | 8 new events |
Data source: Olympics.com, IOC Official Documents, Milano Cortina 2026, Wikipedia (January 2026)
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, representing the largest program in Winter Olympics history. This expansion from the 109 events at Beijing 2022 demonstrates the IOC’s commitment to growing the Winter Games while maintaining competitive excellence. The program includes 56 men’s events, 50 women’s events, and 10 mixed events, achieving unprecedented gender balance with women’s events now representing 43.1% of all competitions. The addition of 8 new events reflects the evolution of winter sports, with innovations in existing disciplines and the historic debut of an entirely new sport.
Ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut as the first new sport added to the Winter Olympics since skeleton was introduced at Salt Lake City 2002. This discipline will award 3 medals through men’s and women’s sprint races and a mixed-gender relay event, where athletes alternate between racing on skis and on foot while navigating mountainous terrain. Among existing sports, significant additions include women’s doubles luge, addressing a long-standing gender gap in the sliding sports; women’s large hill ski jumping, expanding opportunities in a discipline where women have historically faced barriers; mixed team skeleton, promoting teamwork in an individual sport; and men’s and women’s dual moguls in freestyle skiing, adding an exciting head-to-head racing format. The alpine skiing team combined event will test versatility across disciplines while fostering national team spirit.
Team USA 2026 Winter Olympics Statistics
| Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Athletes | 232 | Largest U.S. Winter Olympic Team in history |
| Male Athletes | 121 | 52% of Team USA roster |
| Female Athletes | 111 | 48% of Team USA roster |
| First-Time Olympians | ~150 | Approximately 65% of the team |
| Returning Olympians | ~82 | Athletes with previous Olympic experience |
| Youngest Athlete | 15 years | Freeskier Abby Winterberger |
| Oldest Athlete | 54 years | Curler Rich Ruohonen |
| Average Age | 26.5 years | Balanced mix of youth and experience |
| Alpine Skiing Athletes | 16 | Including Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn |
| Figure Skating Athletes | 16 | Including Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn |
| Ice Hockey Players | 46 | 23 men, 23 women (including NHL stars) |
| Freestyle Skiing Athletes | 25 | Largest discipline representation |
| Snowboarding Athletes | 24 | Strong medal contenders |
| Bobsled/Skeleton/Luge | 21 | Including Elana Meyers Taylor, Kaillie Humphries |
| Speed Skating Athletes | 18 | Short track and long track combined |
Data source: Team USA, USOPC, NBC Olympics (January 2026)
Team USA will field a record-breaking 232 athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, surpassing the previous record of 228 athletes set at PyeongChang 2018. This massive delegation demonstrates the growing depth and competitiveness of American winter sports across all disciplines. The team comprises 121 male athletes and 111 female athletes, achieving near-perfect gender balance at 52% men and 48% women. Approximately 65% of the team (around 150 athletes) will be competing in their first Olympic Games, bringing fresh energy and talent, while 82 returning Olympians provide crucial experience and leadership. The age range spans an impressive 39 years, from 15-year-old freeskier Abby Winterberger to 54-year-old curler Rich Ruohonen.
The team’s composition reflects America’s traditional strengths while showcasing emerging areas of excellence. Freestyle skiing leads with 25 athletes, followed closely by snowboarding with 24 athletes, disciplines where the United States has historically dominated medal counts. Ice hockey features 46 athletes total, with 23 men and 23 women forming complete rosters for both teams, bolstered by the return of NHL players for the first time since Sochi 2014. The alpine skiing contingent of 16 athletes includes superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, the most successful alpine skier in World Cup history with over 95 victories, and the remarkable Lindsey Vonn, who returned from retirement at age 40 and has already secured podium finishes in 5 consecutive World Cup races with a surgically-reconstructed knee. Figure skating also fields 16 athletes, led by Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God” who revolutionized the sport as the only skater to land a quadruple axel in competition.
2026 Winter Olympics Broadcasting and Media Statistics
| Broadcasting Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Coverage Hours | 3,200+ hours | Across all NBCUniversal platforms |
| NBC Network Hours | 230+ hours | Record for Winter Olympics broadcast network coverage |
| Linear TV Hours | 700+ hours | Most ever for a Winter Olympics across NBC, USA, CNBC |
| Peacock Streaming Hours | 2,500+ hours | Every event and medal ceremony live |
| Daily NBC Coverage | 5+ hours minimum | Live daytime coverage every competition day |
| Medal Events Broadcast | 116 events | 100% of medal events covered live |
| 4K HDR Coverage | Full day | February 8 – Olympics and Super Bowl LX |
| Opening Ceremony Viewers | Live coverage | 2 PM ET start, 8 PM primetime encore |
| Gold Zone Hours | Daily coverage | Multi-sport whip-around show hosted by Scott Hanson |
| Commentators | 84 | Expert team across all sports |
| Languages Available | 12 languages | Including English, Italian, French, Spanish |
| European Coverage | 49 territories | TNT Sports/Eurosport, Discovery+ |
| Italian Broadcasters | RAI (free), Warner Bros Discovery (pay) | Host nation coverage |
| Global Reach | 200+ countries | Worldwide broadcast distribution |
Data source: NBC Sports, NBCUniversal, Wikipedia, IOC Broadcast Rights (January 2026)
NBCUniversal will deliver its most comprehensive Winter Olympics coverage ever, totaling more than 3,200 hours across all platforms, making the 2026 Winter Olympics the most extensively covered Winter Games in U.S. television history. The NBC broadcast network alone will provide more than 230 hours of coverage, exceeding any previous Winter Olympics, while linear television across NBC, USA Network, and CNBC will combine for over 700 hours, also a Winter Games record. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, will serve as the primary digital destination, offering more than 2,500 hours of live coverage including every single one of the 116 medal events, full-event replays, curated highlights, and exclusive original programming. This multi-platform approach ensures comprehensive access for American viewers across traditional broadcast, cable, and streaming options.
On February 8, 2026, NBCUniversal will make broadcast history by presenting 17 consecutive hours of 4K HDR coverage on both NBC and Peacock, beginning with live Winter Olympics action at 7 AM ET, continuing with Super Bowl LX at 6:30 PM ET, and concluding with “Primetime in Milan” at approximately 10:45 PM ET. This marks the first time both a Super Bowl and Olympic Games will be presented in 4K HDR simultaneously on network television and streaming. Daily coverage on NBC will feature a minimum of 5 hours of live competition each morning and afternoon, hosted by Rebecca Lowe for her seventh consecutive Olympics. Mike Tirico returns for his sixth Olympic Games to anchor “Primetime in Milan” at 8 PM ET/PT, synthesizing the day’s most compelling moments, while Maria Taylor and Craig Melvin will host late-night coverage wrapping up each competition day. The Gold Zone, NBC’s innovative multi-sport whip-around show hosted by Scott Hanson (NFL RedZone), will stream daily on Peacock and digital platforms.
2026 Winter Olympics Ticketing and Attendance Statistics
| Ticketing Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Sales Start Date | April 8, 2025 | Olympic Games general public sales |
| Paralympic Sales Start | March 6, 2025 | Paralympic Games ticket sales |
| Minimum Olympic Ticket Price | €30 | Starting price for Olympic events |
| Tickets Under €40 | 20% | More than 1 in 5 tickets affordably priced |
| Tickets Under €100 | 57% | Majority of tickets accessible to families |
| Opening Ceremony Price Range | €260-€2,026 | San Siro Stadium, Milan |
| Standard Opening Ceremony | €700 | Mid-range ticket category |
| Figure Skating Gala | €700 | Premium event pricing |
| Curling Preliminary Rounds | €40 | Most affordable competition tickets |
| Ice Hockey Tickets | €190 | Standard pricing for hockey sessions |
| Paralympic Minimum Price | €10 | Children under 14 |
| Paralympic Tickets Under €35 | 89% | About 200,000 tickets |
| Maximum Tickets Per Account | 25 | Across all Olympic sales phases |
| Maximum Tickets Per Session | 10 | General limit (4 for high-demand events) |
| Ticket Format | 100% digital | Accessed via official app only |
Data source: Milano Cortina 2026 Official Ticketing, Olympics.com, Wikipedia (January 2026)
Ticket sales for the 2026 Winter Olympics launched on April 8, 2025, exclusively through the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing platform at tickets.milanocortina2026.org. All tickets are 100% digital, accessed through the official ticketing app available in 12 languages, with no paper tickets available. The pricing strategy aims to maximize accessibility, with a minimum ticket price of €30 for Olympic events and more than 20% of tickets available for under €40, making attendance affordable for Italian families and international visitors alike. Over 57% of all tickets are priced below €100, demonstrating the organizing committee’s commitment to inclusive access. The most affordable competition tickets start at €40 for curling preliminary rounds and sliding events (bobsleigh, skeleton, luge).
The Opening Ceremony at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium commands premium pricing, with tickets ranging from €260 to over €2,026, reflecting the spectacular nature of this once-in-a-lifetime event featuring performances by Mariah Carey and Italian legend Laura Pausini. Standard Opening Ceremony tickets are priced at €700, while the most exclusive VIP packages exceed €2,000. High-demand events such as the figure skating gala exhibition also command €700 ticket prices, while ice hockey sessions are standardized at €190. For the Paralympic Winter Games (March 6-15, 2026), tickets start at just €10 for children under 14, with approximately 89% of Paralympic tickets (about 200,000 tickets) available for less than €35, ensuring widespread accessibility for these inspiring competitions. Spectators with disabilities pay full price while accompanying persons receive a 30% discount, and dedicated accessible seating is provided at all venues.
2026 Winter Olympics Medal Predictions and Favorites
| Country | Predicted Medal Position | Expected Gold Medals | Expected Total Medals | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 1st | 15-18 | 35-40 | Cross-country, biathlon, Nordic combined, ski jumping |
| Germany | 2nd-3rd | 12-15 | 28-34 | Bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, biathlon, Nordic combined |
| United States | 2nd-3rd | 10-14 | 25-30 | Freestyle skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, alpine skiing |
| Canada | 4th-5th | 8-12 | 22-28 | Ice hockey, freestyle skiing, short track, snowboarding |
| Austria | 4th-6th | 7-11 | 18-24 | Alpine skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping |
| Switzerland | 5th-7th | 6-10 | 16-22 | Alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, freestyle skiing |
| France | 6th-8th | 6-9 | 15-21 | Alpine skiing, biathlon, figure skating |
| Netherlands | 7th-10th | 6-9 | 14-20 | Speed skating dominance |
| Sweden | 8th-10th | 5-8 | 12-18 | Cross-country, biathlon, alpine skiing, curling |
| Italy (Host) | 10th-12th | 4-7 | 12-18 | Alpine skiing, short track, cross-country, luge |
Data source: Bleacher Report predictions, Betting odds analysis, Historical performance trends (January 2026)
Norway enters the 2026 Winter Olympics as the overwhelming favorite to top the medal table for the fourth consecutive Winter Games, having dominated at PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 with commanding performances. Norway has won 30 gold medals across the last two Winter Olympics and led the overall medal count at Beijing 2022 with a 10-medal advantage over second-place Germany. Norway’s unparalleled depth in Nordic sports—cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, and Nordic combined—provides multiple medal opportunities daily throughout the Games. With approximately 120 athletes competing across nearly every winter discipline, Norway’s volume of medal contenders makes them extremely difficult to overcome. Experts predict Norway could win between 15-18 gold medals and 35-40 total medals, potentially matching or exceeding their Beijing 2022 haul of 16 gold and 37 total medals.
Germany and the United States are expected to battle for second place in the medal standings. Germany finished second at both PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, leveraging dominance in sliding sports (bobsleigh, luge, skeleton) where they won 7 of 8 possible gold medals at Beijing 2022. With approximately 140 athletes competing, Germany’s strength in bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, ski jumping, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing, and biathlon provides diverse medal opportunities. The United States fields its largest-ever delegation with 232 athletes and boasts medal favorites in freestyle skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and both ice hockey teams. Team USA won 25 medals at Beijing 2022 (finishing third) and could improve to 25-30 medals with standout performers like Mikaela Shiffrin (alpine skiing), Ilia Malinin (figure skating), Lindsey Vonn (alpine skiing comeback), and strong freestyle skiing and snowboarding squads. The return of NHL players significantly bolsters U.S. ice hockey medal prospects for both men’s and women’s teams.
2026 Winter Olympics Budget and Economic Impact Statistics
| Financial Category | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Budget | €1.7 billion | Updated April 2025 estimate |
| Original Budget (2019) | €1.3 billion | Initial projection at bid award |
| Budget Increase | +€400 million | 30.8% increase from original estimate |
| IOC Contribution | $1 billion USD | Olympic solidarity and broadcast rights |
| Venue Construction | €81 million | Cortina Sliding Centre (bobsleigh/luge/skeleton) |
| Ice Hockey Arena Cost | €250-270 million | Milano Santagiulia Arena (€180M + €70-90M overrun) |
| Olympic Village Milan | €140 million | Revised from €100M initial estimate |
| Temporary Facilities | €15 million | Milano Ice Park (Rho complex) |
| Speed Skating Venue | €0 | Using existing Oval Lingotto in Turin (2006 venue) |
| Total Infrastructure | ~€550-600 million | New construction and major renovations |
| Existing Facilities Saved | ~€800 million | By using 90% existing/temporary venues |
| Projected Tourism Revenue | €2.5-3 billion | Economic impact during and after Games |
| Jobs Created | 20,000+ | Temporary and permanent employment |
| TV Rights Revenue | €1.2 billion | IOC broadcast rights shared with organizing committee |
Data source: Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee, IOC, Wikipedia, Italian Government Reports (January 2026)
The 2026 Winter Olympics operate under a total operating budget of €1.7 billion, updated in April 2025, representing a €400 million (30.8%) increase from the original €1.3 billion budget proposed at the time of bid award in June 2019. This budget covers operational costs, temporary installations, event management, security, and marketing, but excludes major infrastructure construction which is funded separately through government and private investment. The budget increase reflects inflation, rising energy and material costs, enhanced security requirements, and expanded programming compared to original plans. Despite the increase, Milano Cortina 2026 remains one of the most fiscally responsible recent Olympic Games due to the strategic decision to utilize 90% existing or temporary facilities, avoiding the massive white elephant infrastructure that has plagued previous host cities.
The IOC contributes approximately $1 billion USD to support the Games through Olympic solidarity payments and broadcast rights revenue sharing, substantially offsetting the organizing committee’s operational expenses. Major infrastructure investments include the Cortina Sliding Centre at €81 million for the new bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track (despite IOC opposition to rebuilding this facility rather than using existing international tracks), and the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena at an estimated €250-270 million (original estimate €180 million plus €70-90 million in cost overruns due to rising material prices and expanded specifications to meet NHL requirements). The Olympic Village in Milan, utilizing the Milano Porta Romana railway station railyard, increased from an initial €100 million estimate to €140 million. In contrast, the decision to utilize the existing Oval Lingotto speed skating venue in Turin (built for 2006 Olympics) saved an estimated €150-200 million compared to building a new facility, while temporary arenas at Milano Ice Park cost only €15 million.
2026 Winter Olympics Sustainability and Environmental Statistics
| Sustainability Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions Target | ~1 million tonnes | Lower than Beijing 2022 and PyeongChang 2018 |
| Existing Facilities Used | 90% | Only 2 venues built from scratch |
| Renewable Energy Target | 100% | All venues powered by renewable sources |
| Forest Area Protected | 20,000 m² | Larch forest cleared for sliding track (controversial) |
| Public Transport Use Goal | 80% | Target percentage of spectators using public transit |
| Waste Recycling Target | 70% | Waste diversion from landfills |
| Single-Use Plastics | Banned | Eliminated from all Olympic venues |
| Legacy Venue Utilization | 15 of 15 | All competition venues have post-Games use plans |
| Zero New Permanent Venues | 2 venues | Only Santagiulia Arena and Cortina Sliding Centre |
| Temporary Structures | 4 venues | To be dismantled and recycled post-Games |
| Green Certification | LEED Gold | Target for new permanent structures |
| Electric Vehicles | 100% fleet | All official Olympic transportation electric/hybrid |
| Water Conservation | 30% reduction | Compared to typical venue operations |
| Carbon Offset Programs | Full offsetting | Forestry and renewable energy projects |
Data source: Milano Cortina 2026 Sustainability Report, IOC Sustainability Guidelines, Italian Environmental Ministry (January 2026)
The 2026 Winter Olympics emphasize environmental sustainability as a core principle, targeting approximately 1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, significantly lower than the 1.3 million tonnes at Beijing 2022 and 1.5 million tonnes at PyeongChang 2018. This reduction is achieved primarily through the strategic decision to utilize 90% existing or temporary facilities, eliminating the massive construction footprint that has characterized previous Olympic Games. Only 2 permanent venues are being built from scratch—the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Cortina Sliding Centre—while 4 temporary venues will be dismantled and materials recycled after the Games. This approach saves an estimated €800 million in construction costs while dramatically reducing environmental impact, preventing the “white elephant” syndrome where expensive Olympic facilities sit unused after the Games conclude.
All 15 competition venues have comprehensive post-Games legacy plans ensuring long-term utilization. The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena will serve as a multipurpose entertainment and sports venue for Milan, addressing a longstanding need for a world-class indoor arena in Italy’s business capital. The Cortina Sliding Centre will become a training and competition hub for Italian national teams and international bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton athletes, reviving Italy’s sliding sports tradition. Both new permanent structures target LEED Gold certification for sustainable building practices. The organizing committee has committed to 100% renewable energy powering all Olympic venues, elimination of all single-use plastics, 70% waste diversion through recycling and composting programs, and a 100% electric or hybrid vehicle fleet for official transportation. The controversial felling of 20,000 square meters of larch forest for the Cortina Sliding Centre has drawn criticism from environmental groups, though organizers have committed to extensive reforestation and habitat restoration programs as mitigation.
2026 Winter Olympics Security and Safety Statistics
| Security Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security Personnel | 15,000+ | Including police, military, private security |
| Security Budget | €350 million | Dedicated security and safety operations |
| Cybersecurity Experts | 500+ | Protecting digital infrastructure and data |
| Surveillance Cameras | 3,000+ | Across all venues and Olympic zones |
| No-Fly Zones | 8 zones | Strictly enforced over all competition areas |
| Drone Detection Systems | Advanced technology | Protecting against unauthorized drones |
| Medical Personnel | 2,500+ | Doctors, nurses, paramedics on standby |
| Emergency Response Time | <5 minutes | Maximum response time target at venues |
| Anti-Doping Tests | 2,500+ | In-competition and out-of-competition testing |
| Ticket Authentication | QR code + biometric | Preventing counterfeiting and scalping |
| Cybersecurity Threats | State-sponsored concerns | Killware and phishing campaign warnings |
| Access Control Points | 200+ | Secure entry screening at all venues |
| K-9 Units | 50+ teams | Explosives and narcotics detection |
| Coordination Centers | 3 main centers | Milan, Cortina, and mobile command units |
Data source: Italian Security Services, Milano Cortina 2026 Security Plan, IOC Security Guidelines (January 2026)
Security for the 2026 Winter Olympics represents one of the largest peacetime security operations in Italian history, with more than 15,000 security personnel deployed across the geographically dispersed venues spanning Northern Italy. The security budget of approximately €350 million funds comprehensive protection measures including physical security, cybersecurity, emergency medical response, and counter-terrorism capabilities. The multi-city, multi-venue nature of Milano Cortina 2026 creates unique security challenges compared to more compact Olympic Games, requiring coordinated response across 8 separate locations spanning over 22,000 square kilometers. Italian national police, Carabinieri military police, local law enforcement, and specialized counter-terrorism units will work alongside over 500 cybersecurity experts protecting the Games’ extensive digital infrastructure from state-sponsored hacking attempts and ransomware attacks.
U.S. and Italian security teams have identified “lone actor” drone attacks as a significant concern, similar to threats seen in recent global conflicts. Strict no-fly zones are enforced over all 8 competition zones, with advanced drone detection and interdiction systems deployed. Cybersecurity researchers from organizations like Palo Alto Networks have warned of state-sponsored “killware” campaigns and sophisticated phishing attempts targeting the ticketing system, athlete personal data, and critical infrastructure systems. More than 3,000 surveillance cameras with facial recognition capabilities monitor all Olympic venues and surrounding areas, while 200+ access control points screen all spectators using advanced metal detectors, baggage scanners, and K-9 explosive detection units comprising 50+ specialized teams. The ticket authentication system combines QR codes with biometric verification to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized access, with all 100% digital tickets linked to verified purchaser identification.
2026 Winter Olympics Paralympic Games Statistics
| Paralympic Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Dates | March 6-15, 2026 | 10 days of competition |
| Paralympic Athletes | 700-750 | Competing from 48+ nations |
| Paralympic Sports | 6 sports | Para alpine, biathlon, cross-country, ice hockey, snowboard, wheelchair curling |
| Paralympic Medal Events | 79 events | Across all six sports |
| New Paralympic Event | 1 event | Wheelchair curling mixed doubles |
| Opening Ceremony | March 6 | Location to be confirmed |
| Closing Ceremony | March 15 | Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium |
| Paralympic Ticket Minimum | €10 | Children under 14 |
| Tickets Under €35 | 200,000 (89%) | Affordable access for spectators |
| Para Alpine Events | 30 events | Largest Paralympic sport program |
| Para Ice Hockey Teams | 8 teams | Men’s competition only |
| Wheelchair Curling Teams | 12 teams | Including new mixed doubles event |
| Broadcast Coverage | 500+ hours | Comprehensive Paralympic coverage |
| Accessibility Features | 100% | All venues fully accessible |
Data source: IPC (International Paralympic Committee), Milano Cortina 2026, Paralympics.org (January 2026)
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will run from March 6-15, 2026, featuring 10 days of inspiring competition across 6 Paralympic sports. Approximately 700-750 athletes from 48+ nations will compete for 79 medals in para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. The Paralympic program introduces wheelchair curling mixed doubles as a new medal event for the first time in Paralympic history, promoting gender equality and providing additional medal opportunities. Para alpine skiing features the largest discipline program with 30 medal events across multiple classifications and event types (downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, super combined), showcasing the technical excellence and courage of athletes competing in high-speed mountain sports despite physical impairments.
Accessibility and affordability are paramount for the 2026 Paralympic Games. Tickets start at just €10 for children under 14 years old, with approximately 200,000 tickets (89% of all Paralympic tickets) priced below €35, ensuring families and young people can witness these extraordinary athletes. All 15 competition venues are 100% accessible, featuring dedicated seating for wheelchair users, accessible pathways, adaptive restrooms, and specialized viewing areas for spectators with various disabilities. Spectators with disabilities pay full price while accompanying persons receive a 30% discount. The Paralympic Closing Ceremony will take place at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium on March 15, celebrating the achievements of para-athletes and the Paralympic movement’s values of determination, inspiration, courage, and equality. Broadcast coverage exceeds 500 hours across NBC and Peacock in the United States, with comprehensive international distribution ensuring global audiences can witness Paralympic excellence.
Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.