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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Guardian sport

Winter Olympics 2026: all your questions about the Milano Cortina Games, answered

The Winter Olympics run from 6–22 February, with some competitions beginning before the opening ceremony.
The Winter Olympics run from 6–22 February, with some competitions beginning before the opening ceremony. Photograph: Maja Hitij/Getty Images

The Winter Olympics are back – and this time they’re zigzagging across northern Italy. Milano Cortina 2026 will be the most spread-out Winter Games ever staged, jumping from Milan’s arenas to the Dolomites’ classic Alpine slopes. With returning superstars, brand-new events and Italy leaning hard into its Olympic heritage, these Games may feel like they’ve arrived quietly – but there is a lot going on. From how and when to watch, to who matters and why these Olympics could look very different, here are your most pressing questions answered.

Wait – there’s an Olympics happening?

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