2026 Winter Olympics: Opening Ceremony, Key Events & How To Watch

From the perspective of Team USA, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are already generating a lot of excitement. These Games promise a blend of classic winter sports and new approaches, all played out against the beautiful backdrop of the Italian Alps and filled with the energy of intense competition. The majority of the Olympic events will take place throughout February, bringing winter sports to the forefront.

As a huge winter sports fan, I’m really excited Italy is hosting the Winter Games! It’s fantastic to see the competition return to Europe, showcasing beautiful places like Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo after the Beijing Olympics. Now, being on the East Coast, that means a lot of early mornings to catch the live events, but honestly, I don’t mind! It sounds like there will be plenty of coverage, so I’m prepared to set my alarm and soak it all in.

This February, Team USA is aiming for a big performance at the Winter Olympics, with extensive coverage across many channels. They have athletes who could win medals in almost every event, making these Games particularly exciting. The Olympics represent a key opportunity for Team USA to showcase their talent on the world stage.

A major highlight of the 2026 Games will be the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey. After a 12-year absence, having the world’s best hockey players compete again will make the Games incredibly exciting to watch. This return to top-tier competition is just one of many reasons to look forward to the event.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature both celebrated athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and Chloe Kim, as well as exciting new competitors. With more coverage than ever on NBC and Peacock, including fresh ways to watch, and plenty of compelling stories unfolding, there’s something for every fan to enjoy.

The 2026 Olympics Are Being Held In Italy From February 6-22

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the Milan Cortina Games, will be held across Italy. Events will be centered in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the northeastern region of the country from February 6th to 22nd, with competitions happening throughout the month. This Olympics is unique because, instead of focusing on one city, it will utilize multiple locations.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held across several cities in Northern Italy. Milan will be the main hub, hosting the opening ceremony and events like ice hockey. Cortina d’Ampezzo will focus on alpine sports such as skiing and curling, while other popular winter sports destinations like Val di Fiemme and Bormio will also host competitions. The Games will highlight Italy’s beautiful scenery and rich Olympic tradition with a fresh, modern approach.

2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony: Start Time & What To Expect

The Winter Olympics will officially begin with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. The event starts at 8 p.m. local time in Italy (2 p.m. Eastern Time) and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.

If you miss the Opening Ceremony during the day, you can watch it again in the evening. NBC and Peacock will re-air the ceremony at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This is similar to how most of the games will be shown: live events followed by edited versions in the evening for a wider audience.

Athletes To Watch During The 2026 Winter Olympics

With the 2026 Olympics starting soon, many athletes are poised to deliver exciting performances across all sports. Team USA boasts a powerful group of competitors – a blend of seasoned champions and fresh new faces – who are expected to be major contenders. The Games promise inspiring stories, showcasing both established stars and rising underdogs.

Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn, one of the most successful Olympic skiers ever, is back after a five-year break. Despite tearing her ACL just a week before the games, she plans to compete in multiple events, hoping to add to her Olympic medal count which includes a bronze from the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

Maxim Naumov

Maxim Naumov is a rising star in men’s figure skating and will compete in the 2026 Games. He’s known for his beautiful and reliable performances. This will be Naumov’s first Olympic appearance following the heartbreaking loss of his parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were world champion pair skaters and tragically died in a plane collision in 2025.

Mikaela Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin is a highly decorated alpine skier heading into the 2026 Games with an opportunity to build on her already impressive career. Representing Team USA, she’s expected to compete in multiple events – slalom, giant slalom, and super-G – where she’s known for her strength and skill.

Alysa Liu

Alyssa Liu became the youngest US figure skating champion at just 13 years old. She briefly retired at 16, but returned to the sport after the 2022 Olympics and is competing again this year. Last year, she made a remarkable comeback, winning the world championship and aiming to showcase her artistic style at the 2026 Games.

Ilia Malinin

Ilia Malinin is a rising star heading into the 2026 Olympics. Nicknamed the “Quad God,” he’s the first skater to land all six different types of jumps within a single performance. Figure skating is in his blood – both his parents skated for Uzbekistan, and his grandfather competed for the USSR.

Chloe Kim

Chloe Kim quickly became a snowboarding star after her impressive debut at the 2018 Games. She’s been the leading competitor in halfpipe snowboarding ever since. Despite a shoulder injury that raised questions about her participation, Kim is ready to compete for Team USA on the world stage.

Amber Glenn

Amber Glenn, a three-time US champion, is going to the Olympics for the first time ever. She recently won her third national title, making her the first woman to achieve this since Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan. Known for being a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness, Glenn is a committed athlete excited to compete in her first Olympic Games.

Key Event Dates For The 2026 Winter Olympics

The Olympic schedule might have some changes during the games, but most events, including team competitions, are planned in advance, so you can get ready to watch. Here are some of the highlights:

Women’s Downhill Alpine Skiing – February 8
Figure Skating Team Events – February 8-9
Men’s Hockey Tournament Begins – February 11
Snowboard Halfpipe Finals – February 12
Women’s Hockey Gold Medal Game – February 19
Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Game – February 22

How To Watch The 2026 Winter Olympics On Cable & Streaming

NBC will be the main broadcaster for Team USA’s coverage of the 2026 Games. You’ll be able to watch on NBC itself, as well as on cable channels like CNBC and USA Network. For those who prefer streaming, Peacock will have live events, replays, and the best moments from each day. NBC will also offer daily and evening broadcasts featuring the biggest competitions.

Peacock will offer a unique way to watch the Olympics with GoldZone, similar to NFL RedZone, quickly switching between exciting medal events and key competitions as they happen. Plus, you’ll be able to watch on demand, choose from different camera angles, and stream on your phone, making the 2026 Olympic Games more accessible and immersive than ever before.

2026-02-05 21:04