How to Volunteer at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

Volunteering at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics offers a front-row seat to an incredible array of sports, including alpine skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding, ski-jumping, and bobsled. The Games will feature sports across various disciplines, attracting athletes from over 90 countries. Typically, the Winter Olympics host about 2,800 athletes, all competing at the highest level in their respective sports. These athletes will showcase their talents in stunning venues across Milan and Cortina, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

With approximately 109 events and thousands of athletes, the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics promises to be an event that captures the world’s attention. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to be part of this global celebration. Imagine the thrill of watching the world’s best athletes compete, knowing that you played a part in making it all happen.

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The Winter Olympics have always been a spectacle of athletic prowess, and the 2026 Games will be no different. Sports like alpine skiing will be held in the majestic Dolomites, while figure skating and ice hockey will likely occur in Milan’s state-of-the-art arenas. Snowboarding events, including slopestyle and halfpipe, will highlight the creativity and skill of athletes who push the boundaries of what’s possible on snow.

Volunteering at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is more than just a role and job; it’s a chance to create lasting memories, develop lifelong friendships, and be part of a historic event. From February 6 to February 22, 2026, you can help make this Olympic Games a success while enjoying the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of northern Italy. With a chance to get up close and personal with the world’s premiere winter sports athletes, volunteering for the games could be a dream come true.

Joining the Fan26 Digital Community now ensures that you’ll be among the first to learn about volunteering opportunities, giving you a head start in securing your place in this extraordinary event. 

Registration Process:

Applications open officially at the start of September, but in the meantime, those who are interested can pre-register and see if they would qualify. Qualification criteria are as follows:

1. Applicants must be 18 years of age by November 1, 2025.
2. Volunteers must understand and speak basic English or Italian.
3. Volunteers complete a training course and participate in a selection event.
4. Volunteers must be available for at least nine days during either the Olympic or Paralympic Games.

Once the application opens, volunteers will be able to choose their preferred role in the games, anything from hospitality, sports competitions, technology, and guest-relations. Volunteers also get the option to pick their desired sports and location to work for their time at Milano-Cortina. There are nine sites in the area where operations will take place including, Milano, Cortina, Verona, Venezia, Livigno, and more.

The application journey is lengthy, but if all goes well, Spring of 2025 those who were selected will be notified, and the process of training will continue for a year before the games begin. But don’t worry if you are afraid of missing out; an event like the Olympics will require thousands of volunteers to get off the ground.

Accommodations are up to volunteers to figure out. In the past, volunteers have met up and rented out Air BnB’s to keep the costs down. Once at the games, volunteers are compensated with behind-the-scenes access to all the games, free transportation, and free meals during their shift.

This international event celebrates athleticism and fosters unity and cultural exchange. As a volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of it all, helping to facilitate these competitions and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Whether you’re assisting in the logistics of ski jumping or helping in the hospitality department, aiding spectators find their way to the ice rink, your role will be crucial in creating a memorable experience for athletes and fans alike.

Italy’s rich Olympic history adds another layer of significance to these Games. The 2026 Winter Olympics will build on the legacy of previous Italian-hosted Games, such as the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympics and the 2006 Turin Olympics, both of which were celebrated for their organization and the warm hospitality of the Italian people.

Being a volunteer at the Olympics isn’t just about contributing your time; it’s about becoming part of a global community. You’ll meet people from all over the world, learn new skills, and experience the excitement of the Games from a perspective that few others get to see. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Olympic spirit, one that emphasizes excellence, friendship, and respect.

This is your chance to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re passionate about winter sports, eager to meet people from around the world, or simply want to be involved in a major global event, volunteering at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Start planning now, and get ready to make history as part of the 2026 Winter Olympics.