Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics Preparations and Challenges

The 2026 Winter Olympics, set in Milan Cortina, Italy, will feature the debut of ski mountaineering and aim for the highest projected female participation in Winter Games history. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized the continuity and heritage of the Olympics during an invitation ceremony, highlighting Milano Cortina's readiness to host over 90 National Olympic Committees. The Canadian Olympic Committee CEO expressed concerns about financial strain on Canadian sports due to potential trade issues while highlighting Canada's strong Olympic performance history. Canada's women's hockey team is preparing for the Games, with Marie-Philip Poulin expected to lead amid team composition debates. In preparation for the Games, Italy's Winter Games Week has engaged schools in promoting Olympic values and physical activity. The event will run from February 6 to 22, 2026, encompassing 116 events across 16 disciplines.