The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially called the Milano Cortina Games, will be uniquely held across a vast area rather than in a single city. This exciting event will take place in various locations throughout northern Italy, including Milan, Bormio, Livigno, Anterselva, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Predazzo, Tesero, and Verona.
Alpine Venues Captured from Above
In a breathtaking cloud-free satellite image, the majestic peaks and valleys of the Alps dominate the upper section, showcasing the numerous competition venues nestled within this stunning landscape. The mountainous terrain is vividly highlighted, allowing viewers to appreciate the distribution of events across the region. Marked circles on the image enable viewers to identify the precise locations of these venues.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, located in the northeast, lends part of its name to the Games. Known as the "Pearl of the Dolomites," this picturesque town is situated within the breathtaking Dolomite mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Renowned for its winter sports offerings, Cortina also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956.
Milan, Lake Garda, and Verona
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics is set to take place at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan. In the satellite view, this stadium can be seen as a gray area in the lower left section, just below the Alpine region. As Italy's second-largest city, Milan's metropolitan area extends throughout much of Lombardy and into eastern Piedmont.
Central to the image is the striking deep blue expanse of Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, covering an impressive area of 370 sq km and ranking as the third largest in the Alpine region.
To the east of Lake Garda lies Verona, the city chosen to host the closing ceremony, which will mark the end of two weeks of thrilling competition. Verona is celebrated for its well-preserved historic structures, including the renowned Arena, a circular Roman amphitheater that has earned the city its UNESCO World Heritage designation. Additionally, on March 6, the Arena will host the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Paralympic Winter Games.
Venice by the Adriatic Coast
In the lower right corner of the image, another iconic Italian landmark emerges: the crescent-shaped Venetian lagoon, shimmering in turquoise hues, reveals the intricate network of islands that comprise the enchanting floating city of Venice along the Adriatic coast.