The Best 2026 Winter Olympic Destinations: Where to Stay in the Italian Dolomites

Where to Stay in the Italian Dolomites

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, have transformed Northern Italy into a sprawling, high-altitude theater of sport and luxury. Unlike previous Games that focused on a single Olympic park, this year’s events are organized into distinct “clusters,” making your choice of home base the most critical part of your travel strategy. If you are chasing the adrenaline of alpine skiing or the precision of curling, Cortina d’Ampezzo—the “Queen of the Dolomites”—is the undisputed place to be. This historic resort town, which first hosted the Games in 1956, has seen a sophisticated revival for 2026, blending its Olympic heritage with brand-new luxury openings like The First Hotel Cortina and the refurbished Grand Hotel Savoia. Staying in Cortina puts you within walking distance of the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre and the iconic Olympic Ice Stadium, but be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere where the aperitivo hour is as competitive as the downhill slalom. For a completely different vibe, the Antholz-Anterselva Valley near the Austrian border is the 2026 headquarters for Biathlon. This region offers a pristine, postcard-perfect Alpine experience where the “Südtirol Arena” sits surrounded by snow-draped coniferous forests and the frozen Lake Anterselva. Accommodations here are more intimate, ranging from traditional South Tyrolean wellness hotels like the Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus—famous for its “floating” sky pool—to cozy mountain huts known as rifugios. If your interest lies in snowboarding or freestyle skiing, you’ll want to head west to the Valtellina Cluster, specifically the duty-free haven of Livigno. Known as “Little Tibet” for its high altitude and snowy reliability, Livigno offers a younger, high-energy vibe with a massive “Snow Park” that serves as the stage for the world’s best aerialists. Meanwhile, the Val di Fiemme cluster, including the towns of Cavalese and Predazzo, serves as the soul of Nordic disciplines like ski jumping and cross-country skiing, offering a more rustic, family-friendly atmosphere rooted in centuries-old Ladin culture. Navigating between these hubs is an adventure in itself, as cars are largely restricted near venues in favor of a massive “Park and Ride” shuttle system and regional trains. Interestingly, 2026 has seen a unique “Olympic Effect” where the surrounding valleys of Alta Badia and San Vigilio di Marebbe remain surprisingly serene, offering quiet lift lines and empty pistes for those who want to enjoy the world-class skiing of the Dolomiti Superski area while the crowds are distracted by the Games. Whether you are sipping a Negroni Sbagliato in a posh Milanese lounge or snowmobiling to a remote hut at the base of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the 2026 Winter Olympics offer a rare opportunity to see the Italian Alps at their most vibrant, blending the peak of human performance with the timeless beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Strategic Base Guide for 2026

• The “City & Ice” Base (Milan): Best for Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and the Opening Ceremony. Stay near Porta Romana for the best atmosphere and easy metro access to the arenas.
• The “Alpine Glamour” Base (Cortina): Best for Women’s Alpine Skiing, Bobsleigh, and Curling. Book early in the Fiames area if you prefer a modern, modular village feel.
• The “Nordic Heart” Base (Anterselva/Val di Fiemme): Best for Biathlon and Ski Jumping. Look for wellness resorts in Bruneck (Brunico) for a perfect balance of transport links and luxury spas.
• The “Freestyle Hub” (Livigno/Bormio): Best for Snowboarding and Men’s Alpine Skiing. Ideal for those who want a “ski-in/ski-out” lifestyle during the Games.

Extensive FAQ: Navigating the 2026 Games

Q: Can I travel between Milan and Cortina in a single day? A: It is technically possible but not recommended. The journey takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours each way during the Games. It is much better to treat travel days as their own event and stay in each “cluster” for at least 3-4 days.

Q: Are tickets still available for the major events? A: The official 2026 ticketing platform is the only place to buy verified digital tickets. While high-demand events like Figure Skating sell out fast, tickets for Nordic and Biathlon events in the valleys are often more accessible.

Q: How do I get to the mountain venues if I don’t have a car? A: Italy has launched a “Train and Ride” system for 2026. You take the train to major hubs like Tirano, Belluno, or Fortezza, where dedicated Olympic shuttle buses wait to transport spectators directly to the competition sites.

Q: Is there a specific dress code for the Olympics? A: In the mountains, “Technical Luxury” is the 2026 trend. You need high-quality thermal base layers and waterproof boots for the venues, but a smart-casual outfit is expected for dinners in Cortina or Milan.

Q: What is the “Uber Snowmobile” service? A: In a 2026 exclusive, Uber has partnered with local guides in Cortina to offer snowmobile safaris. It’s a unique way to reach UNESCO viewpoints like the Three Peaks of Lavaredo when mountain roads are closed to regular traffic.

Q: Can I still ski for fun during the Olympics? A: Yes! While competition pistes are closed, the vast majority of the Dolomiti Superski network (1,200km of trails) remains open. In fact, many areas outside the host towns are quieter than usual this February.

Q: What is the significance of the mascots, Milo and Tina? A: Milo (the reindeer) and Tina (the ermine) represent the resilience and playfulness of the Alps. You’ll find them at “Fan Villages” in Milan, Cortina, and Antholz, where public viewing screens and cultural events are free to the public.