Alpine skiing is set to reclaim its position as one of the premier attractions at the upcoming Winter Olympics, with the sport poised to dominate the spotlight during the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. This thrilling discipline will showcase some of the most celebrated names in skiing history, as elite athletes from across the globe prepare to compete on Italy's iconic mountain slopes.
Star-Studded Lineup and Historic Venues
American skiing icons Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn are among the headline athletes expected to captivate audiences. They will face off against the world's best skiers in a series of high-stakes races that promise to deliver drama, speed, and unforgettable Olympic moments. The events will be strategically split between two historic and picturesque locations, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking scenery.
Women's alpine skiing races will be hosted at the renowned Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a venue celebrated for its technical courses and stunning alpine backdrop. Meanwhile, men's competitions will take place at the formidable Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, known for its demanding slopes that test even the most skilled competitors. This division not only honors the legacy of these legendary sites but also ensures a diverse and exciting viewing experience for fans worldwide.
Comprehensive Schedule and Key Dates
The alpine skiing action will commence even before the official opening ceremony, with training runs for both men and women starting ahead of the Games' kickoff on February 6. These crucial sessions allow athletes to meticulously study the slopes and adapt to the prevailing conditions, setting the stage for peak performance.
Early Training and Medal Events
Men's downhill training will initiate the proceedings in Bormio on Wednesday, February 4, followed by women's first downhill training session in Cortina on Thursday, February 5. The first medal event arrives swiftly, with the men's downhill final scheduled for Saturday, February 7, offering the inaugural opportunity for alpine skiers to clinch Olympic gold.
Women will vie for downhill medals the subsequent day, on Sunday, February 8. The competition intensifies early in the second week with team combined events, which rigorously test both speed and technical prowess. These races feature downhill runs in the morning, succeeded by slalom later in the day, demanding versatility and endurance from participants.
Midweek and Weekend Highlights
Super-G events are slated for midweek, with the men's Super-G final on Wednesday, February 11, and the women's Super-G final on Thursday, February 12. Giant slalom races will unfold over the weekend, each comprising two runs where medals are determined by the combined time, adding an extra layer of strategy and suspense.
The alpine skiing program culminates with slalom races, where men compete on Monday, February 16, and women conclude the schedule on Wednesday, February 18. This packed timeline ensures continuous excitement and showcases the full spectrum of alpine skiing disciplines throughout the Games.
Broadcast and Viewing Details
All alpine skiing events will be broadcasted live on Peacock, with NBC also airing races across its television channels. Viewers can follow the action in Eastern Time, ensuring comprehensive coverage for audiences eager to witness every twist and turn of the competition.
With a blend of elite athletes, classic venues, and a meticulously planned schedule, alpine skiing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promises to deliver thrilling Olympic competition from start to finish, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the Games.
