By Diana Fletcher, International Banker
Most regions of the world quiet down for the winter months, but not Italy, which will be bursting at the seams as 2026 dawns with preparations for Milano Cortina 2026, officially the XXV Olympic Winter Games. This edition of the Olympic Games promises a unique blend that only Italy can provide, from pristine ski slopes and historic towns in the Italian Alps to renowned Italian cuisine and archaeological wonders in urban centres.
Much of this formidable event will transpire on the stunning slopes of Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, as well as in Italian metropolitan icons Milan and Verona. The Olympic torch relay is set to launch on November 26, 2025, with the flame lighting in Olympia, Greece, and conclude on February 6, 2026, in Milan. The sporting action from February 6 to February 22 will cover more than 22,000 square kilometres, rendering these Olympic Games the most geographically widespread in history.
Milan’s San Siro stadium will host the opening ceremony, handy for international travellers, as the Milano Malpensa Airport, located in Ferno, Varese, 49 kilometres northwest of Milan, is the principal international airport serving the area.
If you’re inspired to journey to Italy for the Winter Olympics, it’s absolutely not too early to start organising your trip to avoid disappointment. Premier accommodations to suit any taste await to make your next winter escape champion-quality, whether your objective is easy access to Olympic venues, world-class spa treatments or independent skiing adventures. Let’s explore four opulent five-star accommodations that are historical in every sense of the word.
Galleria Vik Milano, Via Silvio Pellico 8, 20121, Milan
© Galleria Vik Milano
Galleria Vik Milano, situated in the centre of Milan, features a breathtaking fusion of modern art and classical beauty, with 89 impeccably designed rooms and suites showcasing Milan’s profuse artistic legacy. Inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II—Italy’s oldest operating shopping arcade and famous for its glass-domed architecture, sculptures and mosaics—the five-star Galleria Vik Milano is housed in a magnificently renovated edifice. Its remarkable interior design combines traditional historical Milanese aesthetics with contemporary artistic manifestations arranged throughout its five storeys. Custom-designed rooms and suites, many with decks or terraces, are decorated with works of art by Italian and international artists and finished in stucco Veneziano. Two restaurants cap off the ethereal experience: Vik Pellico Otto, esteemed for fresh, seasonal culinary fare, and I Dodici Gatti, specialising in wood-fired pizza. The hotel’s central location provides the perfect starting point for exploring Milan’s world-class designer stores and rich cultural treasures.
Although the Olympics will take centre stage in Milan in early February, visitors won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore this vibrant city. Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary The Last Supper mural at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is an inevitable stop for art lovers. The Duomo di Milano, a stunning Gothic cathedral that was completed over nearly six centuries, is another must-see, as is the Castello Sforzesco, a historic 15th-century fortress housing museums and art collections. Many consider Milan to be Europe’s fashion capital, with the Quadrilatero della Moda district attracting high-end shoppers, while the bohemian Brera District yields art galleries, charming cafes and boutique shops. Music lovers will be in for a treat at Teatro alla Scala, a world-famous opera/ballet house since 1778.
QC Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi, Via Bagni Nuovi 7, 23038 Valdidentro SO, Bormio
© QC Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi
The alpine mountains north of Milan will host most of the Olympic Games. The QC Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi, a five-star gem in Bormio, offers a mystical winter getaway in the heart of the Italian Alps. Since its establishment in 1836, this Liberty-style Art Nouveau hotel—surrounded by snow-covered peaks and only a short distance from world-class ski slopes—has captivated tourists with its access to opulent thermal spas fed by natural hot springs. After watching the Games, guests can retire to their luxuriously furnished rooms and suites, some with balconies, which combine traditional Italian elegance with contemporary conveniences. Providing access to more than 11,000 square metres of wellness amenities, the QC Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi is the perfect winter retreat for anyone seeking relaxation, romance or rejuvenation to supplement the thrill of the Games.
Bormio’s Stelvio National Park is home to diverse wildlife and countless hiking, biking and skiing trails. A walk through Centrico Storico, Bormio’s historic centre, unveils a glimpse into everyday life in an alpine town. The Chiesa di San Vitale, a Romanesque 12th-century church, displays mediaeval frescoes, while the Museo Civico di Bormio features numerous enlightening exhibits.
Grand Hotel Savoia, Via Roma 62, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo, celebrated as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, will be one of the Olympics’ main hosts. The recently refurbished five-star Grand Hotel Savoia, a Radisson Collection Hotel—built in 1912 at the foot of the Dolomites mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty and unique geological formations—skilfully combines classic elegance with contemporary comfort. Boasting a lengthy and illustrious history, the hotel has hosted numerous prominent figures, including entertainment stars and international leaders. The design of the hotel’s 132 rooms, with their elegant wood panelling and earthy colours, is inspired by the majestic Dolomites. Its top-notch facilities, including a spa, fitness centre, indoor pool and gourmet restaurant, guarantee that every guest has an amazing Italian alpine experience.
Alongside skiing and snowboarding, visitors can indulge in activities such as ice climbing, snowshoeing and exhilarating guided tours that provide panoramic views of the Dolomites’ towering peaks with access to World War I sites. The Great Dolomite Road connects Cortina and Bolzano, passing through spectacular mountain scenery, charming villages and historic landmarks.
Due Torri Hotel, Piazza S. Anastasia, 4, 37121, Verona
© Due Torri Hotel
Due Torri Hotel, with 89 rooms and suites, is a renowned Verona icon that combines classic elegance with authentic Italian charm in the heart of the city’s centre. Rich in history, this upscale five-star hotel’s creative décor transports guests back in time. Featuring lavish interiors with period furnishings, marble flooring, elegant chandeliers and frescoed ceilings, the hotel is housed in a magnificently restored 14th-century palace that has undergone multiple renovations over the centuries. Its rooftop patio, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, constitutes the ideal setting for evening cocktails.
Due Torri Hotel is just steps away from the fabled city’s top tourist destinations. The Games’ closing ceremonies will be held at the Arena di Verona, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient Roman amphitheatres. Juliet’s House, a 13th-century residence, includes the balcony that is regarded as the setting for Juliet’s fabled encounter with Romeo in William Shakespeare’s famed tragedy. The Basilica of Santa Anastasia, a Gothic masterpiece, displays vibrant frescoes and majestic architecture. Piazza Bra is a lively square surrounded by historic buildings. Castelvecchio, a mediaeval castle, offers a glimpse into Verona’s rich past, while Torre dei Lamberti, an 84-metre mediaeval tower, yields breathtaking views.
Whether you’re an avid sports fan, a lover of fine dining or a history enthusiast, the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 venues invite you to immerse yourself in an extraordinary journey combining exhilarating Olympic action with Italy’s timeless riches. This fusion of excitement, discovery and culture ensures that your visit will be as memorable as the Games themselves, leaving you inspired long after the final medal is awarded.