Your guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

Alpine escapes and Olympic thrills in Cortina

If snow, slopes, and alpine air are more your scene, head for Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the mountain events will take centre stage - skiing, snowboarding, and the heart-stopping bobsleigh runs that will echo through the Dolomites. Here, the pace slows a little, and life revolves around crisp mornings, open-air celebrations, and long, delicious dinners by the fire. The mountain lodges and boutique hotels have that perfect balance of comfort and style, like a glass of red wine, a steaming bowl of pasta, and snow falling softly outside your window.

And if you can’t decide between the city and the mountains? A split stay might be your golden ticket with a few days of high-energy Olympic fever in Milan, followed by a retreat to the mountains for a slower, scenic finish to your trip. It’s the best way to experience both sides of the games.

A taste of the season

Winter here is made for food lovers. In Milan, expect rich truffle risottos, warming bowls of risotto alla milanese, and a glass of Franciacorta to toast the day’s winners. Up in Cortina, the menus shift to mountain comfort: creamy polenta, slow-cooked stews, and apple strudel shared by the fire. You’ll still find panettone in bakery windows at this time of year and baristas serving espresso with a grin.