2026 Winter Olympics: Dates and when to watch Italy, race by race. Schedule

Le Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics bring Olympic sport back to Italy, twenty years after the Turin experience. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 6th, with a calendar spanning over two weeks of competition. Sixteen sports, more than one hundred medal-winning events, and a large Italian team make this edition particularly relevant for the Italian public. Following the program requires orientation, as the competitions overlap and involve very different disciplines. A structured guide helps you understand when and where to cheer, without missing the most significant events.

When do Italy's competitions at the 2026 Winter Olympics begin?

The Italian presence kicks into high gear the day after the opening ceremony. Saturday, February 7th marks the operational debut of the Italian athletes, competing in multiple disciplines from the early hours. The Italian delegation numbers nearly two hundred athletes, split between individual sports and team competitions. The initial schedule alternates technical trials, qualifications, and the first finals, with a high concentration of events in the first three days. Alpine skiing, curling, speed skating, and women's hockey represent the first areas where Italian competitiveness is measured. Television interest is high because many competitions take place in central time slots, encouraging widespread viewing even on weekdays.

To understand the rhythm of the first few days, it is worth observing some key dates:

• 7 February: debut in men's alpine skiing, women's speed skating and first challenges in mixed curling
• 8 FebruaryA busy day of women's alpine skiing, biathlon, and parallel snowboarding
• 9 February: space for freestyle, hockey and alpine combined

The initial distribution shows an Italy immediately exposed, with technical and endurance races that require continuity and energy management.

Which disciplines have the most Italian competitions?

The 2026 Olympic program gives high visibility to sports in which Italy has a consolidated tradition. Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, and speed skating encompass many of the technical expectations. These are joined by more recent disciplines on the Olympic scene, such as ski mountaineering, which introduces new dynamics for television viewers as well. Curling and ice hockey, for both men and women, will ensure a constant presence throughout almost the entire duration of the Games.

Analyzing the distribution of competitions, one thing emerges clearly: Italy isn't focusing on a single sport, but on multiple fronts. The consistent daily appearances create a progressive narrative, made up of returns to the track and close challenges. Some athletes stand out as recurring features, especially in biathlon and speed skating, where multiple distances and formats increase the chances of winning medals.

The disciplines with the highest frequency of Italian appointments include:

• Sci alpino: downhill, super-G, slalom and giant slalom for men and women
• Biathlon: sprints, individual, pursuits and relays
• curling: men's, women's and mixed tournaments spread over several days
• Short track: single distances and relays

Such a broad schedule makes it useful to consult the calendar daily, especially during the central phases of the Games.

On which days are the most anticipated finals concentrated?

The second Olympic week coincides with the increase in finals and the most delicate moment for the medal standings. From February 12th onward, the number of decisive events increases, involving both individual sports and team competitions. Short track, freestyle skiing, and biathlon enter the final phase, while curling and hockey approach the head-to-head qualifying rounds.

Certain matchdays take on greater significance for the Italian team, as they combine multiple finals in the same timeframe. Television management becomes crucial, with forced editorial decisions between simultaneous events. It's helpful for viewers to know in advance which days offer the greatest concentration of decisive moments.

Among the most significant dates are:

• 12 February: finals in team cross-country skiing and short track relays
• 14 February: women's biathlon sprint and men's giant slalom
• 18 February: key day for short track, curling and alpine skiing
• 21 February: possible finals in men's curling and mixed ski mountaineering relay

The final schedule maintains tension until the final days, avoiding an early end to sporting interest.

Where to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics on TV and streaming

Television coverage is a key aspect of the event. Rai manages the free-to-air broadcast of the main competitions, with Rai 1 dedicated to institutional events and Rai 2 transformed into the Olympic network during the competitions. Free streaming via RaiPlay allows for flexible viewing, also suitable for mobile viewing.

Those seeking comprehensive coverage will find a more comprehensive solution on paid platforms. Eurosport guarantees continuous coverage of all sports, including those with less mainstream exposure. Discovery+ and HBO Max expand the digital offerings, allowing for individual event selection and on-demand viewing.

The available options are distinguished by level of detail:

• Rai: main Italian competitions on free-to-air TV
• RaiPlay: free and flexible streaming
• Eurosport: full coverage of all disciplines
• Discovery+ and HBO Max: full access via subscription

A variety of channels allows you to follow the Olympics according to your own time and interests.