Get ready for chilly thrills!

The Winter Olympic Games is a major international multi-sport event held every four years, with athletes from all over the world zooming, skating and spinning across snow and ice.

The first Winter Olympic Games were in 1924 and were held in Chamonix, France.

Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics are coming to Italy, and are being held in two places – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. They running from 6 to 22 February 2026 – that’s 17 days of awesome winter sports!
And after that, there’ll be even more action with the Winter Paralympics in March.

Where’s the big opening ceremony happening?

Picture this… lights, music, fireworks and loads of flags! The opening ceremony will blast off at San Siro Stadium in Milan, where all the teams from around the world will parade in. The Olympic flame will be lit and the Games officially begin. Then, after all the medals have been won and snow has settled, there’ll be a grand closing show in the amazing ancient Verona Arena. Snow and history, what a combo.

The flaming journey of the torch

Before the Games start, the Olympic torch goes on a big adventure! It was lit in Olympia, Greece on 26 November, and is travelling through every single region of Italy – all 20 of them – passing through cities, villages and mountains. It’ll cover over 12,000 kilometres with hundreds of torchbearers helping it along the way. It will finally reach the San Siro Stadium in Milano on 6 February, just in time to light up the opening ceremony. That flame really earns its moment!

Snowy sports galore

There’ll be tons of cool sports to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Think skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, ice hockey, bobsleigh, curling and more! There are 16 different sports and disciplines, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you like super-speedy downhill races or graceful jumps on ice, you’ll find a favourite whether you like sports fast and furious or if you’re all about style and precision.

Say hello to a brand new sport

There’s a few new sports taking their place in the games in 2026 – including ski mountaineering! It’s a bit like mountain climbing and skiing rolled into one. Athletes climb up snowy slopes, usually on special skis or boots, and then race back down. It’s fast, tough and super cool to watch. This is the very first time it’s being included in the Olympics, so you’ll be seeing history in the making!

Dancing on Ice – World Class!

Figure skating is always one of the most dazzling parts of the Winter Olympics. Skaters twirl, leap and glide across the ice to music, trying to impress the judges and the crowd. In 2026, figure skating will take place in Milan, with five events including solo and team competitions. Renowned for sparkly costumes, breathtaking moves and maybe even a few dramatic tumbles – it’s definitely one to watch.

Bring on the hockey heroes

Ice hockey is one of the loudest, fastest, and most action-packed sports at the Games. It’s like football on ice, but with sticks and pucks. In 2026, the matches will take place in two big arenas in Milan. Both men’s and women’s teams will be battling for glory. Expect lightning-fast passes, dramatic saves and maybe even a few cheeky goals in the final seconds.

The Parade of Nations

It’s one of the most colourful and exciting moments – the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony! Each country’s team enters the stadium with huge smiles and waving flags. Greece always goes first (they started the Olympics ages ago!) and Italy goes last because they’re the hosts. Some teams even dance or wear eyecatching outfits. It’s all about showing off your country’s pride before the Games begin.

Is there a mascot?

The official mascot of the 2026 Winter Olympics is a white stoat called Tina – and she’s  joined with her brother Milo who is brown. 

Can I watch it all at home?

Absolutely! You don’t have to travel to Italy to see the action. The BBC will be showing loads of Winter Olympics coverage on TV and online – more than 450 hours! You can cheer for your favourite athletes, watch the amazing stunts and even follow some of the underdog stories from your sofa. Grab a hot chocolate and get comfy – it’s going to be epic.