What’s new at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games
4 Minute Read
Summary
- Milano Cortina 2026 introduces 8 new events, achieving 47% female athlete participation.
- Ski mountaineering debuts alongside women’s luge, large hill ski jumping, and mixed relays.
- Team Canada sends 200 to the Games, which run February 6-22 across Milan and Cortina.
From ski mountaineering to women’s events in luge and large hill ski jumping, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are packed with firsts, making it one of the most exciting Winter Games yet for Canadian fans.
Canadian pride will be on full display this year as Kelowna-born actor Hudson Williams, from Crave’s smash hit Heated Rivalry, is one of the official torchbearers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Williams, alongside his American co-star Connor Storrie, helped carry the Olympic Flame from Rome to Milan ahead of the opening ceremony, putting Canadian talent in the spotlight on the world stage.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT8z-UYjgjh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Heated Rivalry, filmed in Ontario and based on Canadian author Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, is adapted by Jacob Tierney (of Letterkenny and Shoresy fame). The show is hugely popular with Canadians, making Williams’s Olympic honour even more meaningful for fans at home.
Unique to 2026, the Winter Olympics are officially co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with events held across northern Italy. This year’s Olympics are all about connection and unity as the two host cities come together for unforgettable sports and events.
For the first time, there will be two cauldrons housing the Olympic Flame. Each host city will have its own Olympic Cauldron; the two will be lit simultaneously on February 6 and extinguished on February 22. The sun-like design of the cauldrons was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s knot patterns, keeping the twin Olympic Flames burning throughout the 2026 Winter Games.
New and noteworthy events
This year’s Olympics bring unprecedented change. Eight new medal events have been added, raising the bar for athletes and making Milano Cortina the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics in history. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), 47 per cent of the 2,900 athletes heading to Italy will be women.
Among the most exciting additions is ski mountaineering (skimo), debuting with men’s and women’s sprints and a mixed relay. Athletes climb the mountain on foot, trek uphill on skis, and then ski downhill—a gruelling test of speed and stamina with a challenging 1,900-meter climb.
Luge doubles and large hill ski jumping now finally include women’s events, helping narrow the gender gap. Skeleton’s new mixed-team relay pairs one man and one woman per team in an action-packed, back-to-back race. Freestyle skiing introduces dual moguls for men and women, with skiers racing side by side for top scores. Team combined alpine skiing, another new event, will test skill and speed as duos combine their times on downhill and slalom courses.
When and where is the action happening?
The world’s eyes turn to Northern Italy as 2,900 athletes from 92 countries, competing as Individual Neutral Athletes, take on the ice and snow. The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially open on February 6, 2026, but some events, such as curling and hockey, begin as early as February 4.
The Olympics continue through February 22, with medal-deciding competitions in curling, bobsledding, cross-country skiing, and men’s hockey capping off the schedule. This marks Italy’s fourth time hosting and Cortina’s second. The medals themselves symbolize unity, featuring one smooth side and one textured, marking the journey and collaboration of the two host cities.
Who to watch
This year, Team Canada fields 200 athletes across 14 sports, with the men’s and women’s hockey squads aiming to continue Canada’s proud Olympic legacy. Familiar faces return, like freestyle ski moguls legend Mikaël Kingsbury—boasting 100 World Cup wins. Rising stars, including hockey phenom Macklin Celebrini, look to capture new fans at home. Want to keep track of every Canadian vying for gold? Visit Team Canada’s official website for daily competitor updates.
Ceremonies and mascots
The opening ceremony kicks off in Milan on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. EST, with musical guests Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. Verona hosts the closing festivities on February 22.
The 2026 Olympics celebrate creativity and joy: the playful mascots, stoat siblings Tina (named for Cortina) and Milo (named for Milan), capture both Olympic and Paralympic spirit. Milo was born without a paw and learned to walk on his tail; his motto: “obstacles are trampolines.”
Tina and Milo are joined by six snowdrops, called “The Flow.” Tina, Milo, and The Flow were all designed by Italian children and meant to embody the inclusivity and adventure of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
How to watch
Don’t miss a moment, even with Italy six hours ahead of Ontario. You can follow Canadians with real-time updates via Team Canada’s website, daily schedules, and the Olympic Games app. Daytime and primetime coverage will be available; follow Team Canada on Instagram or check Olympic coverage online.
Keep up with all the action with Rogers. Whether you watch on TV or online, CAA Members saved 10% up internet and TV plans when you provide a valid CAA Membership number online. Or watch on the go with a 5G+ plan from Rogers. Members save $25 a month or more on exclusive 5G+ mobile plans. Online only. Conditions apply.
