Industry News
Olympics
The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games in 2026 are quickly approaching, and the anticipation continues to grow as the Games recently released its official Olympic Flame Journey Plan. The Olympic Flame has been journeying for every Olympic Games since Berlin 1936, and the tradition continues as the Flame will return to Italy for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.
The flame will begin its 63-day voyage in Olympia, Greece, where the first Olympic Games were held. From there, the flame will visit 60 Italian cities, covering roughly 12,000 kilometers and all 110 provinces of the country. Stops will be made in Naples for Christmas, followed by Bari to celebrate New Year’s. Then, after exactly 70 years since the 1956 Games, it will make its return to Cortina d’Ampezzo on January 26, 2026, before arriving in Milan for the Opening Ceremony on February 26, 2026. There, the flame will enter San Siro Stadium, where it will burn for the duration of the Games.
The flame’s travels mean more than just stopping in various cities. The flame itself symbolizes the olympic spirit as well as a connection between the ancient Olympics and the modern Games. The flame is also a symbol of unity and peace, with the ultimate goal of unity through competition. The journey pays tribute to Italy’s rich history and culture while also visiting many of Italy’s World Heritage Sites.
“The Olympic Torch Relay is the moment when the Games enter peoples’ homes, spreading the magic of winter sports across Italy. This “Greatest Journey” is the moment when Milano Cortina 2026 will embrace our country, uniting Italy in a celebration of national pride,” Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, said. The journey will involve 10,001 torchbearers, further igniting the passion for the Games. In the past, the torch has been carried by stars such as Muhammad Ali, Jackie Chan, and David Beckham, adding to the excitement of the flame’s journey. While the Games have not announced any of the torchbearers yet, there are sure to be some big-time names that will help excite the world for the Games.
In addition to releasing the Olympic Flame Journey Plan, Milano-Cortina 2026 recently released its competition schedule as well. Ski jumping and cross-country skiing will be the first skiing disciplines held at the Games, both with competitions on February 7, 2026. Freestyle skiing, alpine skiing, and Nordic skiing are all spread out throughout the Games, making it a dreamlike 17 days for any skiing fan.
As more details are released, the stoke for the best two weeks in snowsports is growing larger. The Winter Olympics puts skiers and snowboarders from around the world in the global spotlight, and for fans of both sports, the Games are the perfect opportunity to watch the best in the world compete for the one of the most coveted awards in sports: the Olympic Gold.
