Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Set to Open Next Week
TORONTO, January 31, 2026 – The XXV Olympic Winter Games are poised to commence in Italy next week, with a Canadian delegation of 207 athletes ready to compete. The Opening Ceremony on February 6 will mark the start of over two weeks of competition across Milan and the mountain venues of Cortina d’Ampezzo, with extensive coverage planned by CBC/Radio-Canada.
Opening Ceremony & Competition Schedule
The Olympic flame will be lit during the Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 20:00 local time (14:00 Eastern Time). Competition begins in earnest the following day, Saturday, February 7, with events including figure skating, skiing, and the start of the curling tournament. The Games will run through Sunday, February 22.
Team Canada Delegation
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced this week that 207 athletes will represent Canada, supported by 181 mission team members. Notably, more than 50 per cent of the team will be making their Olympic debut. The delegation includes veterans like alpine skier James Crawford, who seeks a return to the podium, alongside a new generation of athletes.
Broadcasting & Coverage
CBC/Radio-Canada, the official Olympic broadcaster in Canada, will employ a predominantly remote broadcasting model for the second consecutive Winter Games, covering every sport. This approach, first used extensively at the Paris 2024 Summer Games, allows for comprehensive coverage. Viewers can expect live streaming and broadcast across CBC platforms, with CTV also carrying live events. In 2024, Canadian audiences consumed over 614,000 hours of Olympic content digitally, a trend expected to continue.
What’s New at Milano-Cortina 2026
The 2026 Games will introduce several changes, including new competition formats and athlete storylines to follow. The decentralized nature of the venues, spread between the fashion capital of Milan and the Dolomite mountains, has prompted creative solutions for the Opening Ceremony and overall Games organisation.
Key Facts: Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | XXV Olympic Winter Games |
| Opening Ceremony | February 6, 2026 |
| Closing Ceremony | February 22, 2026 |
| Host Cities | Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy |
| Team Canada Athletes | 207 |
| Canadian Broadcast Partner | CBC/Radio-Canada |
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start?
The Games officially begin with the Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026. Sporting events commence on February 7.
How can I watch the Olympics in Canada?
CBC/Radio-Canada is the official rights-holder. Coverage will be available live and on-demand via CBC Gem, CBC Sports digital platforms, and through broadcast on CBC and CTV networks. A detailed TV schedule will be released closer to the Games.
How big is the Canadian team for these Olympics?
Team Canada will consist of 207 athletes, its contingent for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Over half of the team will be experiencing their first Olympic Games.