Milano Cortina 2026 Collegiate Resources

Italy will host its third Winter Olympics in 2026 — and the first to be officially co-hosted by two cities. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games begin on February 6 and run through February 22, with events taking place across multiple sites in northern Italy. During the Games, nearly 3,000 athletes from more than 93 National Olympic Committees will compete in 116 medal events, including the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering on February 19. The collegiate development pathway will once again be on full display in Milano Cortina, with nearly 40% (88 athletes) of the U.S. Olympic roster having competed collegiately across 54 different schools. Additionally, five U.S. teams — bobsled, cross-country skiing, men’s ice hockey, women’s ice hockey, and skeleton — will feature at least 75% collegiate participation on their Olympic rosters.

Shortly after the Olympic Games conclude, Milano Cortina will welcome Paralympians from around the world for the 14th edition of the Winter Paralympic Games. Taking place March 6–15, the 10-day event will feature approximately 665 athletes competing in 79 medal events across six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. The Games will also mark the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics and the second time Italy has hosted the event, following the 2006 Games in Turin. In addition, wheelchair curling mixed doubles will make its Paralympic debut as a new medal event. The collegiate system will continue to play an important role in the Paralympic development pathway, with nearly 30% of the 2026 U.S. Winter Paralympic Team having competed collegiately across 16 schools. The Nordic skiing team has the highest rate of collegiate participation, with 56.3% of its roster (9 of 16 athletes) coming from collegiate programs.