Olympics 2026 schedule kicks off Feb. 6 in Milan, here’s what’s happening

The 2026 Winter Olympics schedule kicks off tonight, with the historic opening ceremony just hours away. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are hosting the XXV Olympic Winter Games across 16 sports, from February 6 to February 22. Here’s what’s happening this week.

Opening Ceremony Sets Stage for Historic Co-Hosted Games

After years of preparation, the 2026 Winter Olympics arrive with a unique distinction. This marks the first time two cities, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, officially co-host the Winter Games. The opening ceremony tonight at San Siro Stadium will feature performances by global superstars including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Snoop Dogg, and Tom Cruise.

The ceremony kicks off at 8:00 PM Central European Time, broadcast live on NBC and Peacock for American viewers. Coverage begins at 2:00 PM ET, with primetime coverage following. The event promises to be a 3-hour spectacle celebrating Italian culture and Olympic tradition.

Preliminary Sports Begin, Medal Races Intensify

Action started early on February 4, with preliminary rounds already underway. Curling mixed doubles launched the competitions, while women’s ice hockey and figure skating team events got athletes competing. This unique format means medal contenders have a head start before the opening ceremony even happens.

By February 6, preliminary competitions continue alongside the ceremonial kickoff. Alpine skiing training sessions, luge officials testing, and ski jumping qualifications round out the day’s schedule for athletes. The dense competition calendar ensures peak athletic performances capture global attention immediately.

16 Sports, 16 Venues Across Northern Italy

Milano Cortina 2026 features an unprecedented geographic spread. 16 winter sports will compete at 16 different locations across the Lombardy and northern Italy regions. Ice events center in Milan, while snow sports spread across Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, and the Dolomites.

Sport Category	Primary Venues	Status Feb 6
Alpine Skiing	Cortina d’Ampezzo	Training phase
Ice Hockey	Milan	Preliminary rounds
Figure Skating	Milan	Team events ongoing
Cross-Country Skiing	Val di Fiemme	Next week

This distributed model showcases Italy’s winter sports infrastructure and celebrates multiple communities. Athletes appreciate the world-class facilities across regions, from the historic San Siro Stadium to state-of-the-art mountain venues.

“The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will showcase the very best of what winter sports has to offer, with athletes competing in stunning Italian venues.”

— International Olympic Committee Statement, January 2026

What Fans Can Watch This Week

Tonight’s opening ceremony is just the beginning. Friday through Sunday feature 30+ medal events across curling, figure skating, snowboarding, and ski jumping. Team USA athletes are competing in women’s ice hockey, alpine skiing, and multiple disciplines. Viewers should mark their calendars for primetime coverage of figure skating and daytime events on cable networks.

The complete schedule is available on Olympics.com and NBCOlympics.com. Peacock subscribers enjoy exclusive live streams without commercials. Local time differences matter: 2:00 PM ET equals 8:00 PM in Milan. Set reminders now to catch your favorite events.

Will These Games Break Records or Set New Standards?

The 2026 Winter Olympics aim to be the most sustainable games ever, utilizing existing Italian infrastructure rather than building new permanent venues. Some speculate whether the distributed venue model will enhance or complicate athlete experiences. Questions linger about post-games facility usage and environmental impact.

What can viewers expect beyond opening night ceremonies? Will unexpected breakout stars emerge? Which nations will dominate team events? The 17-day competition run promises drama, nail-biting finishes, and historic moments. The Olympics 2026 schedule delivers opportunity nightly.

Sources

• Olympics.com – Official Milano Cortina 2026 schedule and results database
• NBC Sports – Winter Olympics 2026 television schedule and coverage details
• The Guardian – Real-time daily event schedules and competition updates