Everything You Need to Know About the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games – InfoCons Consumers Protection Informs You !
Starting on 6 February 2026, global attention turns to Italy, where the 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially begin, hosted by the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The official Opening Ceremony marks the start of a major international competition, which will run until 22 February 2026, bringing together thousands of athletes, officials and spectators from around the world.
The 2026 edition represents the 25th edition of the Winter Olympic Games and will be organised in a multi-regional format, combining major urban centres with mountain areas traditionally dedicated to winter sports.
The Role of InfoCons for Participants and Consumers
In order to support consumers, athletes and fans attending the Olympic events, InfoCons – European Organisation for Consumer Protection and the Promotion of Programmes and Strategies provides useful and up-to-date information regarding:
- travel rules and access to sporting events;
- entry requirements for Italy;
- local emergency numbers;
- locations where competitions take place;
- safety recommendations and consumer protection guidance.
Participants can also use the European InfoCons App for useful information, designed to facilitate quick access to useful data, especially in complex international contexts such as the Olympic Games.
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Opening Ceremony – The Official Start of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
The official Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place on 6 February 2026, at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, one of the most renowned sports venues in Europe.
The event symbolically and officially marks the beginning of the Winter Olympic Games, bringing together athletes, officials and spectators in a large-scale show dedicated to sport, culture and Olympic values.
The artistic production of the ceremony is carried out by Balich Wonder Studio, with artistic direction coordinated by Marco Balich, one of the most internationally recognised creators of major ceremonies, with extensive experience in organising world-class events.
Guest Artists and Artistic Concept
The Opening Ceremony will feature the participation of internationally renowned artists from various artistic and entertainment fields, reflecting Italy’s cultural diversity and global openness.
Among the announced performers are:
- Mariah Carey, American artist and five-time Grammy Award winner;
- Laura Pausini, Grammy and Golden Globe Award winner;
- Andrea Bocelli, one of the most renowned voices in classical and pop-opera music;
- Pierfrancesco Favino, Italian actor and producer;
- Sabrina Impacciatore, Italian actress known to international audiences.
Their presence contributes to the creation of a complex show that combines music, theatre, visual arts and technology, highlighting Italy’s cultural heritage and the Olympic spirit.
Parade of Nations and the Olympic Flame
Key moments of the Opening Ceremony include:
- the Parade of Nations, during which athletes from all participating countries march under their national flags;
- the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, a symbol of peace, continuity and unity among nations.
These elements remain defining features of every Olympic Opening Ceremony, carrying strong symbolic and emotional significance.
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Competitions Held Before the Opening Ceremony
Although the Opening Ceremony officially marks the beginning of the Olympic Games, in recent decades, for logistical and organisational reasons, certain preliminary competitions have been scheduled prior to this moment.
A recent example is the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, where some competitions began before the official Opening Ceremony.
Similarly, at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, some qualification events started on 4 February 2026, two days before the Opening Ceremony.
Closing Ceremony – The End of an Olympic Edition
The Closing Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games is scheduled for 22 February 2026 and will take place at the Verona Arena, officially referred to in the Olympic context as the Verona Olympic Arena.
The event will be a celebration of music, art and sporting spirit, honouring:
- unity among athletes and nations;
- performances achieved throughout the competition;
- the bonds created during the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Handover
A key moment of the Closing Ceremony is the traditional handover of the Olympic flag to the next host country, symbolising the continuity of the Olympic Movement and a forward-looking vision.
The ceremony pays tribute to all participants (athletes, volunteers and organisers) and officially concludes the Milano Cortina 2026 edition, leaving behind a lasting sporting and cultural legacy.
A Brief History of the Olympic Games
The Olympic Games originate in Ancient Greece, with the first recorded editions dating back to 776 BC, in the city of Olympia. Initially dedicated to the god Zeus, these competitions had both religious and sporting significance and originally included a single running event. Over time, the programme expanded to include wrestling, boxing and chariot racing.
The ancient Olympic Games were held every four years, a tradition maintained for nearly 12 centuries, until 393 AD, when Roman Emperor Theodosius I banned pagan festivals.
The revival of the Olympic Games took place at the end of the 19th century, thanks to the initiative of Pierre de Coubertin, who organised the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. The event brought together 280 athletes from 13 countries and laid the foundations of the modern Olympic competition.
The Emergence of the Winter Olympic Games
Winter sports were initially included in the Summer Olympic Games. Figure skating made its debut in 1908 in London, and ice hockey was introduced in 1920 in Antwerp.
The success of winter sports competitions led the International Olympic Committee to organise, in 1924, a dedicated winter sports competition in Chamonix, later recognised as the first edition of the Winter Olympic Games.
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Sports at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games
The 2026 edition will feature 16 Olympic disciplines, divided into two main categories:
Ice Sports
Held in indoor arenas and specially constructed tracks:
- Ice hockey;
- Figure skating;
- Speed skating and short track;
- Curling;
- Bobsleigh;
- Luge;
- Skeleton.
Snow Sports
Organised in mountain areas and on specially prepared slopes:
- Alpine skiing;
- Cross-country skiing;
- Biathlon;
- Ski jumping;
- Nordic combined;
- Freestyle skiing;
- Snowboarding.
New Sport – Ski Mountaineering (Skimo)
For the first time in the history of the Winter Olympic Games, ski mountaineering will debut as an Olympic discipline. Athletes must ascend and descend mountain courses, alternating between skiing and walking depending on terrain difficulty.
Winter Paralympic Games 2026
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games will take place from 6 to 15 March 2026, representing the 14th edition of this event. Six sports will be organised, including:
- Alpine skiing;
- Biathlon;
- Cross-country skiing;
- Para ice hockey;
- Snowboarding;
- Wheelchair curling.
Athletes are classified according to the type and degree of disability, with 79 medal events scheduled.
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International Participation and Mascots
More than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries are expected to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, contesting 195 medals.
The official mascots are Tina (for the Olympic Games) and Milo (for the Paralympic Games), their names derived from the host cities Cortina and Milan.
The official mascots of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are Tina and Milo, two energetic stoats designed to reflect Olympic and Paralympic values as well as the contemporary Italian spirit.
They are part of a specially created story for this edition of the Games, conveying messages of inclusion, diversity, connection with nature, joy of movement and the importance of solidarity.
Origin and Meaning of the Names
- Tina is named after Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of Italy’s most renowned mountain resorts;
- Milo takes his name from Milan, one of the country’s main urban and cultural centres.
This choice symbolises the complementarity between urban and mountain environments, a defining feature of the Milano Cortina 2026 edition.
Symbols of the Contemporary Italian Spirit
Tina and Milo represent the modern Italian spirit: dynamic, creative, open and deeply connected to nature and community. Curious and optimistic, they love sport and outdoor life, while also valuing joy, friendship and fun.
Through their design and story, the mascots convey a balance between performance and humanity, competition and fair play, tradition and innovation.
Tina – Olympic Mascot
Tina is the official Olympic mascot, depicted as a lighter-coloured stoat, symbolising alpine winters. Born in Italy, in the heart of the mountains, she grew up where green summers turn into snowy winters, shaping her respect for nature.
Passionate about art and music, Tina believes in the power of beauty to bring people together. Although she now lives in the city, she remains deeply connected to nature and committed to protecting it.
Milo – Paralympic Mascot
Milo is the official Paralympic mascot, represented by a darker-coloured stoat and Tina’s younger brother. Born without one paw, he learned through creativity, determination and strong will to use his tail and turn his difference into a strength.
His story highlights:
- inclusion;
- adaptability;
- the idea that differences can become sources of strength.
“The Flo” – Companions of the Mascots
On the road to the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Tina and Milo are accompanied by “The Flo”, a group of six playful snowdrops.
They symbolise:
- rebirth;
- hope;
- new beginnings.
Curious and full of life, The Flo are deeply attached to their friends and, despite occasional mischief, always remain united, illustrating the importance of teamwork and mutual support.
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Olympic Venues and Locations
Competitions will be held across 15 venues located in several regions of Italy, including:
- Milan (skating, ice hockey, ceremonies);
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (alpine skiing, curling, sliding sports);
- Livigno (freestyle skiing and snowboarding);
- Bormio (alpine skiing and ski mountaineering);
- Anterselva (biathlon);
- Predazzo and Tesero (Nordic events);
- Verona (special Olympic events).
What You Need to Know Before Travelling to Italy
InfoCons recommends that participants pay attention to the following:
- travel documents must be valid for at least three months after departure;
- tickets must be purchased exclusively through the official Milano Cortina 2026 platform;
- access to certain areas is restricted (LTZ);
- use of public transport is recommended;
- wearing helmets is mandatory for all skiers and snowboarders, including adults;
- travel medical insurance is essential.
Programme of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
6 February 2026 (Friday)
- Opening Ceremony – Milan, San Siro Stadium, 8:00 PM
7 February 2026 (Saturday)
- Alpine Skiing – Women’s events (training and qualifications)
- Curling – Mixed Doubles competition begins (round robin)
- Figure Skating – Team Event (short programs)
- Ice Hockey – Men’s and women’s preliminary matches
8 February 2026 (Sunday)
- Alpine Skiing – Women’s Super-G
- Biathlon – Mixed relay 4 × 6 km
- Curling – Mixed Doubles (round robin)
- Figure Skating – Team Event (continuation)
- Ice Hockey – Preliminary matches
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9 February 2026 (Monday)
- Alpine Skiing – Women’s Downhill
- Biathlon – Men’s 20 km Individual
- Biathlon – Women’s 15 km Individual
- Curling – Mixed Doubles and start of women’s and men’s tournaments
- Skeleton and Luge – Initial runs
- Figure Skating – Ice Dance
10 February 2026 (Tuesday)
- Alpine Skiing – Women’s Slalom
- Biathlon – Men’s and women’s Sprint
- Curling – Women’s and men’s tournaments (round robin)
- Bobsleigh – Competition runs
- Figure Skating – Men’s Singles, Short Program
- Ice Hockey – Preliminary matches
11 February 2026 (Wednesday)
- Alpine Skiing – Women’s Giant Slalom
- Biathlon – Pursuit events
- Curling – Mixed Doubles semifinals
- Skeleton – Final events
- Figure Skating – Women’s Singles, Short Program
12 February 2026 (Thursday)
- Curling Mixed Doubles – Gold and Bronze Medal Finals
- Biathlon – Men’s and women’s Relays
- Alpine Skiing – Women’s Team Combined
- Luge – Team event
- Ice Hockey – Final group-stage matches
13 February 2026 (Friday)
- Alpine Skiing – Men’s Super-G
- Biathlon – Men’s and women’s Mass Start
- Curling – Women’s and men’s semifinals
- Figure Skating – Pairs, Free Skate
14 February 2026 (Saturday)
- Curling – Women’s and men’s Finals
- Alpine Skiing – Men’s Downhill
- Ice Hockey – Quarterfinals
- Figure Skating – Women’s Singles, Free Skate
15 February 2026 (Sunday)
- Cross-Country Skiing – Women’s and men’s Skiathlon
- Ski Jumping – Individual events
- Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing – Qualifications
- Ice Hockey – Quarterfinals
16 February 2026 (Monday)
- Cross-Country Skiing – Women’s and men’s Sprint
- Ski Jumping – Team events
- Snowboard Cross – Qualifications
- Ice Hockey – Women’s semifinals
17 February 2026 (Tuesday)
- Cross-Country Skiing – 10 km Individual
- Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing – Finals (Slopestyle, Moguls)
- Ice Hockey – Men’s semifinals
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18 February 2026 (Wednesday)
- Cross-Country Skiing – Relays
- Snowboard – Big Air
- Alpine Skiing – Men’s Slalom
- Ice Hockey – Women’s Bronze Medal Match
19 February 2026 (Thursday)
- Women’s Ice Hockey – Olympic Final
- Cross-Country Skiing – Team Sprint
- Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing – Halfpipe Finals
- Figure Skating – Exhibition Gala
20 February 2026 (Friday)
- Cross-Country Skiing – 50 km Women’s and Men’s
- Men’s Ice Hockey – Olympic Final
- Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing – Final events
21 February 2026 (Saturday)
- Closing Ceremony – 8:30 PM
Stay Safe in Italy with InfoCons – Consumer Protection
- Carabinieri Italy / Emergencies – 112
- Emergency Medical Services / Ambulance – 118
- Fire Brigade – 115
- Police – 113
- Traffic Information – 1518
Beware of Counterfeit Products – InfoCons Informs You!
In the context of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, consumer vigilance is essential, particularly regarding counterfeit products, especially sports equipment, winter gear and fan merchandise.
Counterfeit or pirated products are frequently encountered at large international events, where increased demand encourages the appearance of non-compliant goods. These products not only affect the economy and the sports industry, but may also pose real risks to consumer safety, health and integrity, especially when used in extreme conditions.
Consumers are encouraged to purchase products only from authorised and reliable sources. Choosing original products ensures quality, performance and safety, contributing to a positive Olympic experience.
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How to Identify Counterfeit Products Using the European InfoCons App
To support all participants at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, InfoCons provides the free European InfoCons App, a modern and accessible tool for consumer information and protection.
Through the Alerts section, users can consult products identified as counterfeit or non-compliant by the European alert system for non-food products. Products can also be checked using the search function by entering relevant keywords.
Alerts are updated daily and include:
- product name;
- affected country or countries;
- level of risk;
- product origin;
- alert activation date;
- product image.
This ensures transparent and rapid access to essential information for informed and safe consumer choices.
“Choose Original, Choose Safe! On Your Marks, Get Set, Innovate!” – Product Safety in Sport in 2026
In 2026, World Intellectual Property Day highlights the link between intellectual property and sport under the theme: “Choose Original, Choose Safe! On Your Marks, Get Set, Innovate!”. The theme emphasises the essential role of patents, trademarks, industrial designs and copyrights in supporting athletic performance, technological progress and consumer safety.
Modern sport is a complex ecosystem at the intersection of technology, fashion, health, entertainment, media and consumer goods. From innovative sports equipment to globally recognised brands, intellectual property protects innovation and guarantees product quality.
Sport, Product Safety and the Winter Olympic Games
In the context of the Winter Olympic Games, the importance of using original, compliant and safe products becomes even more significant. Sports equipment and fan merchandise are among the categories most exposed to counterfeiting risks.
The use of non-compliant products may lead to:
- accidents and injuries;
- compromised athletic performance;
- economic losses for consumers;
- loss of trust in markets and brands.
The European InfoCons App – A Useful Tool for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
The European InfoCons App is free of charge, available in 33 languages, including Italian, and can be downloaded from App Store, Google Play and AppGallery. It provides users with:
- quick access to emergency numbers in Italy through the S.O.S. function, available offline;
- access to emergency numbers worldwide;
- personalisation for users with health conditions or special dietary needs (salt, sugar, allergens, nutritional values and additives);
- EU-wide emergency alerts related to personal safety and health;
- barcode scanning of food product labels with instant information on ingredients, additives, sugar and salt content, and allergens, in any of the supported languages;
- alerts based on user-set preferences for food products.
Through the European InfoCons App, consumers benefit from concrete support for safety, information and protection throughout the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
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