(NEXSTAR) – The 2026 Winter Games will bring the world’s best athletes to Northern Italy, with Milan and Cortina as key host cities, marking the first time in 20 years that the games return to Italy.
As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Games continues, preparations are in full swing in Milan and Cortina. Both cities are bustling with activity as they prepare to host the prestigious event, with signs and displays going up and construction sites symbolizing the upcoming transformation.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of excitement here around the games. I think the city and the country is really going to rally around it. So it’s going to be really awesome,” said Erin Jackson, who won gold in speed skating in Beijing.
Cortina will host five events, including curling, women’s downhill, and the luge, while Milan will host hockey and ice skating events. The games will also be spread across five other cities in Northern Italy, showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and venues.
“I always love going to a new place and it’s pretty cool. My dad actually competed in Levigno back in the day when he was skiing on World Cup. So that’s kind of a special thing to go back there,” Jaelin Kauf, a moguls skier looking forward to renewing a personal connection to the area.
With less than a year to go, the anticipation for the 2026 Winter Games is building, promising an exciting showcase of winter sports across Northern Italy. As preparations continue, the region is set to welcome athletes and fans from around the world.
All facts from this article were gathered by Nexstar journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by Nexstar staff.