February 5, 2026, 1:43 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

Since the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, the competition has not been held in Europe. This presents a unique opportunity to experience the competition up close—and it’s not as complicated as you might think. Those who plan early and remain flexible can experience the Olympics live this year while also enjoying a varied vacation.

The opening ceremony will take place on February 6 in Milan at the San Siro Olympic Stadium. Some competitions will also be held in the city. Other events are located in Alpine towns such as Cortina d’Ampezzo or Bormio. As a visitor, you have the chance to enjoy both Milan’s urban flair and a unique alpine sports experience.

City or Mountains? Differences in Accommodations

Of course, major events like the Olympics significantly impact prices for flights, accommodations, or restaurants in the region. However, visiting the Olympics in Milan and other locations doesn’t automatically mean the vacation will be unaffordable.

Those looking for more affordable accommodations will find options in Milan or its suburbs. Milan offers a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in various price categories. Especially in the less central districts or surrounding areas, you can find budget-friendly alternatives. If you’re willing to plan for some travel time, you can save significantly while staying close to the action. In Milan itself, the opening ceremony, as well as the ice hockey and figure skating tournaments, will take place.

In the Italian Alpine regions, most other events are held, and that’s where the higher-class hotels and accommodations are located. The town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites is particularly known for its elegant atmosphere and excellent cuisine. From there, you have the advantage of not having to travel far to reach the games on competition day. Cortina d’Ampezzo hosts the women’s alpine skiing races, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, and curling competitions, as well as the corresponding Paralympic disciplines.

Travel and Mobility During the Games

All visitors planning to arrive by car should check local road closures before the events. Some roads in the Alpine regions are either not accessible or only partially accessible during the games. However, there are “Park-and-Ride” services offering parking and shuttle bus connections.

Another option is to travel from Milan to the Olympic venues by train. The city has excellent infrastructure. Many of the venues are easily accessible around the clock. Bormio and Livigno in the Lombardy region are particularly well connected. A direct train links Milan with the city of Tirano. Once there, a shuttle takes guests to the games.

For travelers, this means more flexibility. It’s entirely possible to travel from Milan or Bergamo to an Alpine competition in the morning and return to the city in the evening. This way, the Olympic experience can be ideally combined with a classic city trip. Winter sports during the day, culture, and classic Italian cuisine in the evening. However, Cortina d’Ampezzo is too far from Milan for a day trip—it’s advisable to find accommodation nearby.

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Tickets and Tips for Attending Competitions

To experience a competition live, tickets must be purchased in advance. Currently, many tickets for various events are still available. On the official Olympics website, you can find all the information on dates, venues, and price categories.

• Those looking for cheaper tickets can watch the preliminary rounds or less well-known disciplines. Ticket prices here start at 30 to 40 euros.
• Finals, ceremonies, and more popular sports like figure skating, ski jumping, or biathlon are in a significantly higher price range. Tickets can range from 400 to 1,400 euros.
• Good to know: Tickets for the Paralympics are significantly cheaper. Many events offer tickets starting at 35 euros.

Experience the Olympics and Discover Milan

Milan is not just a top travel destination because of the Olympics. The city is especially known for fashion, design, and history. Museums, historic districts, and a vibrant culinary scene make the stay attractive even outside the arenas and ski areas. A trip to Milan during the Olympics is not solely defined by the sporting events. A visit can be ideally combined with cultural and culinary experiences, offering a diverse and unique travel experience. The magazine “Time Out” has even named Milan the best city destination in Europe right now.