The buzz around the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy just keeps growing. With the opening ceremony on February 6 almost here, athletes are landing, broadcasters are setting up, and fans everywhere are getting ready for a wild ride—expect snow, speed, big moments, and plenty of Italian flair.
When & Where to Watch
Mark your calendar: the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics kick off on Friday, February 6, 2026, and run through February 22. Events will spread out across northern Italy—Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, and Anterselva all get in on the action.
If you’re watching from India, you can catch every moment live on JioCinema and Sports18, both on TV and online. The opening ceremony starts at 12:30 AM IST (that’s 8:00 PM in Italy). From there, it’s more than two weeks of non-stop competition.
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A New Kind of Opening Ceremony
This year, the Winter Olympics are trying something totally new. Instead of sticking to one spot, the opening ceremony stretches across four venues. Milan’s San Siro Stadium hosts the main event, while celebrations also kick off in Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina. That means more fans get to feel the Olympic magic firsthand.
Of course, you’ll see the classic torch relay. The Olympic flame finishes its epic 12,000 km journey from Olympia, Greece, lighting up Italy and launching the Games in style.
What to Watch: Big Events and Medal Races
Athletes will battle it out in 16 disciplines, covering eight main sports—think alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, ski mountaineering, and more.
Some standout moments:
- Men’s Downhill Alpine Skiing medals come up fast on February 7
- Women’s Alpine Downhill follows on February 8
- Figure Skating Medal Final hits the ice February 13
- Women’s Gold Medal Ice Hockey game takes over on February 19
- The Closing Ceremony and men’s ice hockey final wrap things up on February 22
India at the Games
India’s flag will fly in Milan and Cortina thanks to athletes like Arif Mohammad Khan (alpine skiing) and Stanzin Lundup (cross-country skiing). Each year, the country’s presence in winter sports feels a little stronger.
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Life in the Athlete Village
Cortina d’Ampezzo’s Olympic Village is the center of it all—athletes and coaches (over 1,400 of them) live, train, eat, and unwind together. It’s buzzing with energy, packed with training facilities, food from around the world, and places to just hang out.
Behind the scenes, organizers aren’t taking any chances. Security is tight, anti-doping tests are everywhere, and teams handle logistics with military precision. The world’s watching, and Italy’s determined to put on an unforgettable show.
