Italy will host the 2026 Olympic Winter Games from 6 to 22 February 2026, bringing athletes, officials, and spectators to northern Italy for competitions spread across urban and alpine locations. The Games will be centred on Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, two sites that reflect the event’s distinctive structure and planning approach.
Milano will serve as a central hub for the Games, drawing on its role as one of Italy’s main economic and transport centres. Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the Dolomites mountain range, is closely associated with winter sports and will host competitions set against a high-altitude alpine landscape. The distributed geography of the Games is intended to rely largely on existing infrastructure, limiting the need for major new construction.
Copernicus Sentinel-2 images acquired on 13 December 2025 and 1 February 2026 show the dense urban fabric of Milano alongside the snow-covered terrain surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo. Together, the images illustrate the contrast between the metropolitan and mountain environments that will function as headquarters of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Earth observation data from Copernicus support long-term planning by helping to monitor environmental conditions and assess human impacts across host regions.
Sustainability, legacy, and innovation are central themes of Milano Cortina 2026. Through the Sustainability Now 26 framework, organisers have brought together initiatives focused on environmental protection, social responsibility, and long-term benefits for host communities. The programme aims to protect and promote the natural and cultural landscapes of the host areas while contributing to social transformation through culture and engagement with younger generations.
Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 has committed to a holistic sustainability and legacy approach involving institutions, suppliers, partners, volunteers, and spectators. The Games Delivery Programme has undergone a Strategic Environmental Assessment, involving regional authorities and public consultation, with environmental monitoring planned throughout the organisation of the Games.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
