2026 Winter Olympics Set to Welcome Thousands of Athletes from Around the World

The 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, mark a significant milestone in Olympic history by being co-hosted by two cities for the first time. The venues span nearly 8,500 square miles of northern Italy, with competitions held across 13 existing or temporary facilities.

Historically, only one country—Italy—has previously hosted both Winter and Summer Olympics, doing so in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1956) and Rome (1960). For the 2026 Games, Milan and Cortina will collaborate to accommodate a vast array of athletes from around the globe. The dual-hosting strategy allows for the maximum use of existing venues, reducing construction needs and minimizing environmental impact.

Among these facilities is an anticipated new 16,000-seat ice hockey stadium under construction for about two years, along with the renovation of the Porta Romana railway yard into student housing units post-games. Italy will lead as the largest participating nation, followed closely by Canada and the United States, each boasting strong national teams.

Athletes from 192 National Olympic Committees are expected to compete in over 160 events across 17 disciplines, including eight new competitions: ski mountaineering (skimo), alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, speed skating, short track, and freestyle skiing. This roster is expected to be the largest U.S. team ever at a Winter Olympics.

The United States will field 235 athletes in total, including three alternates, comprising returning Olympians with combined gold medal tallies of 22. Notable names like alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, figure skater Evan Bates, and ice hockey player Hilary Knight are expected to participate for the fifth time. Additionally, 32 athletes previously competed in Youth Olympic Games.

Organizers anticipate nearly two million spectators at venues in northern Italy, necessitating early booking. Tickets vary widely, from $30 for cross-country skiing to over $1,400 for figure skating exhibition shows. The International Paralympic Committee is also expected to announce qualified athletes soon, and CBS News will continue covering both Olympic and Paralympic events.

With the introduction of ski mountaineering as a new discipline, these Games promise to bring unprecedented activity and engagement to northern Italy’s snowy landscapes.