See Italy from your couch during 2026 Winter Olympics

2026 Winter Olympic events will be staged across northern Italy. Map courtesy of olympics.com.

 Even if you’re not packing a parka and heading to Italy right now, the Winter Olympics 2026 will give you a great view of the country's north from your couch.

Watching the events in Italy will be a reminder that the games are never just about sports. Between races and medal ceremonies, the cameras no doubt will focus on landscapes, communities and local hosts of the games. The games will be staged mainly in two areas:

Cortina d'Ampezzo: Long known as one of Italy’s most elegant mountain towns, the jagged Dolomites rise beyond the ski runs. It’s easy to imagine being there off-season, hiking or enjoying a long lunch on a terrace once the snow melts. 

Milan: A surprising Olympic locale known more for fashion, design, and aperitivo than snow, you'll see events tied to a city that feels energetic year-round.

Some competitions unfold in quieter Alpine valleys, like Val di Fiemme, where cross-country skiing and Nordic events take place. Our travelers seek out these places that represent a slower, more authentic Italy—small towns, family-run hotels, and food rooted in mountain traditions.

What makes following these Olympics especially enjoyable will be noticing how Italy inserts itself into the coverage: historic architecture in the background, church bells sounding in the distance. By the time the broadcasts end, you might've added a few ideas to your Italy bucket list—places you didn’t know you wanted to see, until you saw them framed by snow, mountains, and a bit of Olympic medal-chasing thrill.