The world is ready to embrace the chill as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially arrive. This prestigious event, hosted by Italy across the iconic cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, marks a historic return to the heart of the Alps. Whether you are a fan of high speed alpine skiing or the graceful movements of figure skating, knowing when and where to tune in is essential.

The Games are scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026. With over 116 medal events across 16 different disciplines, this edition of the Winter Games promises to be the most inclusive and expansive yet.

Key Dates and Opening Ceremony Details

While the official Opening Ceremony takes place on February 6, the action actually starts slightly earlier. In a tradition typical of multi sport events, preliminary rounds for sports like curling, luge, and alpine skiing began as early as February 4, 2026.

The Opening Ceremony, titled “Armonia” (Harmony), is set to be a star studded affair at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. Global icons like Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli are expected to perform, setting the stage for 17 days of intense competition. The Closing Ceremony, titled “Beauty in Action,” will take place on February 22 at the historic Verona Arena, officially handing over the torch to the French Alps for 2030.

Where to Watch Winter Olympics 2026 in India

For fans in India, the broadcasting landscape has shifted slightly to provide more accessible digital options. Viacom18 holds the official rights to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. This means you can catch all the live action through the following platforms:

• Digital Streaming: The JioCinema app and website will be the primary destination for live coverage. It offers the benefit of multiple simultaneous feeds, allowing you to choose which specific sport you want to follow.
• Television: Linear TV coverage will be available on the Sports18 network. Fans can expect a mix of live events, expert analysis, and daily highlight packages tailored for the Indian time zone.

Global Broadcasting Guide for International Fans

The Winter Olympics is a global spectacle, and major broadcasters around the world have secured rights to ensure fans do not miss a moment:

• United States: NBCUniversal remains the home of the Olympics. Fans can watch live on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, while Peacock will provide comprehensive streaming of every single event.
• United Kingdom: The BBC will offer free to air coverage, while Discovery+ and Eurosport provide extensive multi court and multi sport streaming options.
• Canada: CBC and Radio Canada are the official broadcasters, offering coverage through their TV channels and the CBC Gem streaming service.
• Australia: The Nine Network and Stan Sport are the go to places for Australian viewers to support their winter athletes.
• Europe: Most European nations will have coverage via their national public broadcasters (members of the EBU) as well as Warner Bros. Discovery platforms like HBO Max.

Must Watch Events and Schedule Highlights

The 2026 Games feature a packed schedule with several “can’t miss” moments. Here are a few highlights to mark on your calendar:

• Figure Skating: One of the most watched sports, figure skating events are spread throughout the Games, with major medals being decided between February 13 and February 19.
• Ice Hockey: With NHL players returning to the Olympic stage, the men’s ice hockey tournament is expected to be incredibly competitive. The gold medal match is a highlight of the final day, February 22.
• Ski Mountaineering: This sport makes its grand Olympic debut in 2026. Look out for the sprint and mixed relay events during the second week of the Games.
• Alpine Skiing: The downhill and slalom events in Cortina are legendary for their speed and difficulty, with key races scheduled for February 7 and February 8.