2026 Winter Olympics: Celebrating Alpine Skiing Glory and Historic Wins
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, have brought a new era of winter sports to the Italian Alps. From the steep, icy slopes of Bormio to the scenic peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the world’s elite skiers are pushing the boundaries of human speed and precision. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the historic wins, the controversial moments, and the technological marvels that define Alpine Skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Historic Venue Map
Unlike previous games, the 2026 Winter Olympics are spread across multiple regions of Northern Italy. This “wide-area” hosting model focuses on sustainability by using existing world-class tracks.
- The Stelvio, Bormio (Men’s Events): Known as the “dark side” of the Alps, this course is physically punishing. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, it has lived up to its reputation as the ultimate test of endurance.
- Olimpia delle Tofane, Cortina (Women’s Events): The Dolomites provide a stunning backdrop for the technical and speed events. Cortina is the heartbeat of Italian skiing culture, making it a fan favorite for the Winter Olympics.
Winter Olympics: Alpine Skiing Full Schedule
All Alpine Skiing events are being held at two main venues: Bormio (Men’s events) and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Women’s events).
| Date | Event | Venue | Local Time (CET) |
| Feb 7 | Men’s Downhill 🥇 | Bormio | 11:30 |
| Feb 8 | Women’s Downhill 🥇 | Cortina | 11:30 |
| Feb 9 | Men’s Team Combined 🥇 | Bormio | 10:30 / 14:00 |
| Feb 10 | Women’s Team Combined 🥇 | Cortina | 10:30 / 14:00 |
| Feb 11 | Men’s Super-G 🥇 | Bormio | 11:30 |
| Feb 12 | Women’s Super-G 🥇 | Cortina | 11:30 |
| Feb 14 | Men’s Giant Slalom 🥇 | Bormio | 10:00 / 13:30 |
| Feb 15 | Women’s Giant Slalom 🥇 | Cortina | 10:00 / 13:30 |
| Feb 16 | Men’s Slalom 🥇 | Bormio | 10:00 / 13:30 |
| Feb 18 | Women’s Slalom 🥇 | Cortina | 10:00 / 13:30 |
General Schedule of Major Events
While Alpine Skiing concludes on February 18, many other high-profile events continue through the final week of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
| Date | Key Sports & Medal Events | Highlight |
| Feb 18 | Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country, Curling, Freestyle Skiing | Final day of Alpine Skiing |
| Feb 19 | Bobsleigh, Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Speed Skating | Women’s Singles Figure Skating |
| Feb 20 | Biathlon, Ice Hockey Semifinals, Short Track Speed Skating | Men’s Ice Hockey Semifinals |
| Feb 21 | Bobsleigh, Curling Finals, Figure Skating Gala, Ski Mountaineering | Curling Gold Medal Matches |
| Feb 22 | Men’s Ice Hockey Final 🥇, Cross-Country 30km | Closing Ceremony (Verona) |
Breaking Down the Winter Olympics Alpine Medal Table
As of today, February 18, 2026, the battle for the top spot remains a fierce rivalry between the traditional powerhouses and a few surprising newcomers.
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | Switzerland | 4 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| 2 | Italy | 3 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| 3 | Austria | 2 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| 4 | USA | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 5 | Brazil | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Top Athlete Performances
Every 2026 Winter Olympics creates legends. This year, two names have dominated the headlines for very different reasons.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen: Brazil’s Samba on Snow
The biggest story of the 2026 Winter Olympics is undoubtedly Lucas Braathen. After a sabbatical and a nationality switch, he secured the first-ever Winter gold for Brazil in the Giant Slalom. His performance proved that the 2026 Winter Olympics are truly a global event, transcending traditional winter-sport boundaries.
Federica Brignone: The Host Nation’s Hero
Italy’s own Federica Brignone has become the face of the 2026 Winter Olympics. With two gold medals in the Super-G and Giant Slalom, she has inspired millions of Italians and solidified her legacy as one of the greatest technical skiers of all time.
New Technological Innovations
The 2026 Winter Olympics have integrated cutting-edge technology to enhance both athlete safety and the viewer experience.
- AI-Enhanced Analysis: Broadcasters are using real-time AI to show the “ideal line” versus the athlete’s actual path.
- Smart Helmets: Many skiers at the 2026 Winter Olympics are wearing helmets equipped with sensors that monitor G-force and impact in real-time, helping medical teams respond faster to crashes.
The New “Team Combined” Format
One of the most exciting changes in the 2026 Winter Olympics is the introduction of the Team Combined. Instead of one skier doing both a speed and a technical run, countries now pair up. One specialist handles the Downhill, and another handles the Slalom. This tactical shift has made the 2026 Winter Olympics more collaborative and unpredictable.
Sustainable Practices and the Future
Milano Cortina 2026 is committed to being the “greenest” games ever. Over $90\%$ of the venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics are pre-existing. Furthermore, the transportation between venues is powered by hydrogen-cell buses, setting a new standard for future Olympic hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the dates for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The games are scheduled from February 6 to February 22, 2026.
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Who won the Men’s Downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen secured the gold with a blistering time on the Stelvio course.
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Can I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics online?
Yes, the 2026 Winter Olympics are being streamed globally via the Olympics.com website, Peacock (USA), and various national broadcasters like Sports18.
