Italy 2026 Winter Olympics travel guide — structured for American and European travelers planning to combine Olympic events, skiing, and exploring Northern Italy.
Winter Olympics 2026: Key Facts
- Dates: 6–22 February 2026 (Olympic Games), 6–15 March 2026 (Paralympic Games). Official schedule & tickets on the Milano-Cortina 2026 website.
- Main clusters: Milan (ice sports, Opening Ceremony at San Siro), Cortina d’Ampezzo (women’s alpine skiing), Bormio (men’s alpine skiing), Livigno (freestyle/snowboard), Val di Fiemme — Predazzo/Tesero (cross-country & ski jumping), Anterselva (biathlon), Verona (ceremonies).
Dolomites in winter – family vacation in the mountains and skiing
Step-by-Step Planning
1. Tickets
- Check availability and official resale options on the official ticketing portal (sales open closer to late 2025).
2. Suggested Itinerary (7–12 days)
Venice (1–2 days): winter magic & canals; see our Italy guides for transport & booking hacks – Venice – a small trip for three days.
Milan (2–3 days): ceremonies, ice sports, city highlights. Where to stay in Milan – the best areas for tourists.: Centro Storico, Brera, Porta Nuova, Navigli.
Dolomites (3–5 days): base in Cortina, Val Gardena, or Val di Fassa for easy ski access & Olympic events. Inspiration from our Dolomites guide – Dolomites – hiking along the most beautiful routes.
Lake Garda or Verona (1–2 days): wineries, spas, historic city. Garda tips here – Vacation on Lake Garda.
Overall travel strategy – winter 2026 + Olympics
- Take care of your accommodation now. With the Olympics approaching, accommodation in several mountain areas (Cortina, Bormio, Livigno) is limited and is already being reserved for officials. Book now, before September 2025 – this opportunity will disappear quickly.
- Choose a strategic base. Consider these alternatives:
- Alta Badia, Val Gardena — less traffic, authentic mountain style, reasonable prices.
- South Tyrol (Bolzano, Trento) — good infrastructure, culture, easy access to the Olympic areas.
Airports & Transfers to Cities
First of all, these are the airports in northern Italy – Milan, Bergamo, Verona and Venice – they are closest to the Dolomites, where the main competitions will be held. Also, part of the competitions will be held in Milan – so these are the most convenient main gateways to the 2026 Olympics.
Milan Malpensa (MXP)
- Train Malpensa Express to the central station до Milano Centrale – €15 (~57 min) or to Milano Cadorna (~43 min).Trenord
- Bus Malpensa Shuttle: about €10 (One-way) or €16 (round trip).
Milan Linate (LIN)
- Bus Autostradale Air Bus: ~25 min to Milano Centrale, €5 one-way, timetable 6:30–23:30.
- Starfly Bus: the same route, €5, every 20–30 min.
- ATM Urban Bus 73 / X73 to metro station San Babila — the cheapest (€2), but the slowest (~50 minuthe .
Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)
- How to get to Milan:
- Bus: Terravision | Orioshuttle | Autostradale — shuttles from the airport to the train station Milano Centrale (час у дорозі ~50–60 min, ticket €10–12 one way.
- Train: The airport bus gets you to the train station in Bergamo. Then every 30 min goes regional train to Milano Centrale (~50 min on the way, ticket ~€6). Trenord
- Why do people choose BGY?
- There is a closest airport Dolomites.
- Less queue than in Malpensa.
Verona (VRN, Valerio Catullo)
- How to get the centre of Verona:
- Bus Aerobus: shuttle to the train station in Verona – Verona Porta Nuova (~15 min, €6).
👉 Aerobus Verona - Train Trenitalia / Italo: з from Porta Nuova Milan (1 hour 10 min), Venice (1 hour 15 min).
👉 Trenitalia | Italo
- Bus Aerobus: shuttle to the train station in Verona – Verona Porta Nuova (~15 min, €6).
- Why is it convenient for Olympiada?
- Proximity to the mountain areas of Trento and the Dolomites(Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Predazzo).
- Verona will host the closing ceremony in the ancient arena! 🎭
Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
- How to get to Venice and Mestre:
- Why is it convenient for Olympiada?
- A huge airport in the North of Italy, the closest to Cortina d’Ampezzo (about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car).
- An ideal option for those who want to combine the Olympics with a cultural vacation in Venice.
Treviso (TSF)
- How to get to Venice/ Mestre:
- Bus ATVO: shuttle from the airport to Piazzale Roma in Venice (~40 min, €12).
👉 ATVO Treviso Airport Shuttle - Autostradale Shuttle: to Venezia Mestre (~45 min, €12).
👉 Autostradale - Train: bus to the train station Treviso Centrale (~15 min), then 30 min by train to Venezia Mestre (€3.80).
👉 Trenitalia
- Bus ATVO: shuttle from the airport to Piazzale Roma in Venice (~40 min, €12).
- How to get to Cortina d’Ampeza:
- Cortina Express Shuttle: direct transfer from Treviso to Cortina (~2 hr 30 min, €25–30).
👉 Cortina Express
- Cortina Express Shuttle: direct transfer from Treviso to Cortina (~2 hr 30 min, €25–30).
- Why choose Treviso (TSF)?
- Cheapest flights from many European cities(Ryanair/WizzAir).
- Very compact airport (fast control, few queues).
- Direct shuttles to Cortina make it one of the most convenient options for skiers.
🔑 Comparison of all airports for Olympics-2026:
| Airport | The best for | Time to get toCortina | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malpensa (MXP, Мілан) | Intercontinental flights (USA, Canada) | ~4–5 hr | The largest, but furthest from the Dolomites |
| Linate (LIN, Мілан) | European flights | ~4 hr | Close to Milan |
| Bergamo (BGY) | Lowcosters, cheap flights | ~4 hr | Convenient to the Alps, base of Ryanair |
| Verona (VRN) | Val di Fassa, Predazzo, closing ceremony | ~3 hr | Good access to Trento and the Dolomites |
| Venice Marco Polo (VCE) | Cortina d’Ampezzo | ~2,5 hr | Closest the big airport |
| Treviso (TSF) | Cortina d’Ampezzo (lowcosters) | ~2 hr 15 min | Cheap flights, direct Cortina Express |
3.2 Transport Between Venues
Trentino (Predazzo/Tesero): Trentino Trasporti lines B101, B123, etc.
Cortina Express: intercity buses from Cortina to Venice/Treviso airports.
South Tyrol (Anterselva — Biathlon): südtirolmobil/SAD buses from Brunico/Valdaora.
3.3 Renting a car: when is it worth it and what to pay attention
Of course, as an option, you can rent a car at the airport. But do it in advance, because there will be many people who want to, and the number of rental companies and cars is limited. In addition, you will have to solve another difficult task with an asterisk: looking for free parking in places where there will be a limited number. So – a hotel with its own parking is a must-have option if you plan to go to the mountains by car.
Best for: Dolomites, Livigno, Cortina. For Milan/Venice/Verona, public transport is better.
Pick-up: at major airports — more choice, easier returns
Winter rules: Nov 15–Apr 15 — winter tires or chains required in Alpine regions. Check the winter tire option – “snow tires/chains” when booking.
ZTL zones: city centers have restricted traffic areas — avoid fines, park outside. Or enter only with permission, which you will request in advance from the homeowners.
Full rental hacks: our Italy car hire guide.
4. Where to stay
- Milan – for ice disciplines and convenient logistics between clusters. Districts: Centro Storico/Brera (classic), Porta Nuova (modern), Navigli (atmosphere). Our accommodation guide is here. Book hotels in advance.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo – closer to the women’s alpine skiing; as an alternative in terms of price – San Vito, Dobbiacco, Auronzo.
- Bormio / Valtellina – for men’s alpine skiing, thermal baths, close to Stavio.
- Livigno – freestyle/snowboarding; if there are no places – Tirano (good connections on the way from/to Milan; there are transfers to Livigno).
- Val di Fassa / Val Gardena – ideal for combining fan zones with skiing in Dolomiti Superski.
Conveniently monitor your home via Booking.com – set convenient filters: free cancellation / parking / “ski-in/ski-out”.
More details – a selection of locations in the mountains.
Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto)
Pros: Olympic hub, top ski resorts, luxurious infrastructure, restaurants, après-ski.
Cons: Very high prices during the Olympics, traffic congestion, early sold-out hotels.
Top Hotels:
- Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina, Radisson Collection — Guests praise the panoramic mountain views, exceptional spa, and refined cuisine.
- Faloria Mountain Spa Resort — Guests highlight the modern spa, spacious rooms, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Ambra Cortina —Boutique hotel in the center; good service and beds.
2. San Vito di Cadore (10 km from Cortina)
Advantages: Quieter than Cortina, lower prices, easy access to Olympic venues.
Disadvantages: Limited nightlife, smaller hotel selection.
Top Hotels:
- Parkhotel Ladinia — Praised for its spa area, modern rooms, and family-friendly approach.
- Fiori Dolomites Experience Hotel — Guests love the cozy design, delicious breakfast, and warm hospitality.
Dobbiaco / Toblach
Pros: Scenic location, excellent for cross-country skiing, near major slopes.
Cons: Further from Cortina (~30 km), limited luxury options.
Top Hotels:
- Hotel Patris — Guests mention spacious rooms and stunning views of the Dolomites.
- Hotel Cristallo — Dobbiaco centre; guests note breakfast and cleanliness.
- Hotel Rosengarten — intimate property, good for travellers with a car.
Bormio (Lombardy)
Pros: thermal baths, compact town centre.
Cons: limited room inventory, mountain roads/serpentine approach.
Hotels:
- QC Terme Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi — historic wellness complex; reviews rave about the spa.
- Hotel La Genzianella — family-run service, praised breakfasts and atmosphere.
- Eden Hotel Bormio — modern rooms, parking, close to the centre.
Livigno (Lombardy)
Pros: large hotel base, runs for boarders and freeriders.
Cons: logistics via tunnel / passes, altitude.
Hotels:
- Hotel Lac Salin SPA & Mountain Resort — strong spa and notable cuisine.
- Alexander Charme Hotel — valley views, pool.
- Agriturismo Bosco d’oro Livigno — located between ski areas; very good breakfast.
Val di Fiemme — Predazzo / Cavalese (Trentino)
Predazzo — Pros: closer to the ski jumps.
Predazzo — Cons: smaller hotel selection.
Hotels (Predazzo):
- Active Hotel Ancora — central location; good breakfasts and helpful staff.
- Hotel Bellaria — cosy, convenient for event travel.
Cavalese — Pros: more services and restaurants.
Cavalese — Cons: slightly further from the venues.
Hotels (Cavalese):
- Hotel La Roccia Wellness — large spa, good views.
- Hotel Lagorai Resort & Spa — large spa, good views
Alternative (Tesero):
- Rio Stava Family Resort & Spa — family-oriented, guests note kids’ zones and spa.
Antholz / Anterselva (South Tyrol)
Pros: proximity to the arena, quiet valleys.
Cons: small room volumes, having a car is useful.
Hotels (Rasun / Anterselva):
- Antholzer Wildsee Haus — on the lake; guests highlight nature and tranquility.
- Messnerwirt — traditional Tyrolean style, praised local cuisine.
Nearby (Valdaora / Olang, ~25–30 min):
- Alpinhotel Keil — close to Kronplatz and convenient for reaching the biathlon.
Larger hub (Brunico / Bruneck):
- Hotel Corso — in Bruneck centre; good choice of restaurants nearby.
Alta Badia — San Cassiano / La Villa / Corvara (as a base for Cortina)
Pros: top gastronomy, premium spas; about 45–60 min to Cortina in good conditions.
Cons: mountain passes (Falzarego / Valparola) — travel depends on weather.
Hotels:
- Ciasa Salares (San Cassiano) — outstanding breakfasts, wine/chocolate cellar, excellent service.
- Hotel La Majun (La Villa) — boutique spa and views to the Sasslong.
- Hotel Col Alto (Corvara) — convenient location, large wellness area.
5. Skiing Near the Events
- Val di Fiemme: cross-country paradise + Predazzo ski jumps.
- Dolomiti Superski (Cortina, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia): 1200+ km slopes, Sella Ronda circuit.
- Bormio/Santa Caterina/Livigno: men’s alpine, freestyle parks.
6. Northern Italian Cuisine: What to Try
Gastronomic winter dishes that you must try:
Coffee rules: cappuccino before noon, espresso after meals.
Lombardy: risotto alla milanese, ossobuco, panettone, taleggio cheese.
Trentino-Alto Adige: canederli (dumplings), speck, apple strudel.
Veneto: cicchetti (Venetian tapas), seafood risotto, sarde in saor.
Valtellina: pizzoccheri, bresaola.
Dining culture:
Coperto (bread/cover charge): €1–3 pp.
Water: bottled by default; ask for acqua del rubinetto.
Tips: not required, but 5–10% appreciated.
Aperitivo: 6–8 PM spritz + snacks.
Final life hacks
Book accommodation/car in advance: Cortina/Bormio/Livinho has a small base – prices are rising, look at the neighboring valleys (Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa) and cities of the level of Belluno/Bolzano/Trieste – travel for the day of the event is quite real. Accommodation tax (tassa di soggiorno) – hotels add 1–5€ per person/night depending on the city/category.
Combine bases: “Milan + valley” gives you the opportunity to see more and find slightly cheaper accommodation + the possibility of skiing.
Update transport: on the dates of the competitions, additional bus/shuttle flights to the arenas are launched – check the operators’ websites (above in the “Transport” section). cortinaexpress.itsuedtirolmobil.info
Locations — Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, Verona, Antholz, Predazzo.
Transport – we arrive via airports in northern Italy; we travel by bus/shuttle, or we book a car, looking for parking in advance.
Accommodation – from luxury to agritourism; priority – location, parking, atmosphere.
Cuisine – Polenta, Cassoeula, Risotto with truffles, Bruscitti and Agnolotti; restaurant nuances.
Reservations – the key to a successful trip: accommodation, transport, overcoming the hype, and getting seats in restaurants.
Packing List (February in Northern Italy)
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof ski jacket & pants
- Ice grips for walking in towns
- Sunglasses (snow glare!)
- Meds & insurance (with mountain coverage)
- EU Type F/L adapter
- eSIM with EU roaming
- Copies of bookings & tickets
Useful Guides on journeys6senses
- Where to stay in Milan – the best areas for tourists — neighborhoods explained if you arrive at the Milan airport.
- Car rental in Italy: how to choose and not “get into trouble” – deposits, insurance, express checklist.
- Venice – an independent trip for three days and Where to stay in Venice – for those planning to fly through Venice airport.
- Verona – things to do in the most romantic city in Italy – this magical city will definitely be on your way.
Useful links for travelers:
Car rental – cheap car rental options in Rentalcars.com
Hotels – traditionally booked through Booking
Insurance can be purchased on the website Hotline.Finance
Train tickets in Europe – on Trainline
