The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are just around the corner. From February 6 to 22, 2026, the best skiers in the world will compete on some of the most beautiful and challenging slopes in the Italian Alps. Luckily, we don’t have to wait until the Games start to experience these iconic descents. The slopes used during the Games are also accessible to the public. In this article we delve deeper into three of the most legendary Olympic slopes of 2026: the Stelvio in Bormio, Olympia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Livigno’s freestyle and snowboard slopes.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan-Cortina and offer some of the most iconic and challenging slopes in the Italian Alps. Three key locations for the Games are:
- Stelvio in Bormioa legendary, technical slope for men’s alpine ski races, known for its steep turns and fast passages.
- Olympia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzothe fastest women’s track with a rich history, perfect for downhill and super-G competitions.
- Livignothe epicenter for freestyle and snowboarding, with snow parks for disciplines such as SlopeStyle, Big Air and Halfpipe.
These slopes are open to the public, but will be a challenge for both beginners and advanced skiers. The Olympic competitions will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026. Don’t miss it – plan your adventure to the Italian Alps!
1. The Stelvio in Bormio (men’s descent)
What makes the Stelvio so special?
The Stelvio is one of the most technical and spectacular descents worldwide. It is at the heart of the men’s alpine ski competitions at the 2026 Olympic Games and has a rich history in the Ski World Cup. Since its opening in 1982, the Stelvio has hosted the World Championships and the World Cup Finals, and is considered one of the most demanding slopes in the world.
The history of the Stelvio
In 1982, the Stelvio opened for the first edition of the World Series. The slope has since welcomed two editions of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships (1985 and 2005) and two World Cup Finals (1995 and 2008). The slope has been an annual host venue for the men’s downhill in the World Cup since 1993. Alongside the Streif in Kitzbühel, the Stelvio is widely recognized as one of the most spectacular and technical slopes in the world.
The Stelvio in the 2026 Winter Olympics
During the 2026 Olympic Games, the Stelvio will host the men’s alpine ski competitions, including downhill, super-G, giant slalom and slalom, as well as the new discipline of ski mountaineering. The slope, with a length of 3,250 meters and a height difference of 1,010 meters, is a true test for every skier.
Features of the Stelvio:
- Length: 3.250 meter
- Height difference: 1.010 meter
- Height starts: 2.255 meter
- Height finish: 1.245 meter
- Maximum slope: 60%
- Speed: Skiers reach speeds of more than 100 km/h.
The route starts with two fast turns that lead directly to the famous Rocca jump, followed by the Canalino Sertorelli, where skiers pick up speed. Then comes the challenging Ermellini segment, followed by the spectacular Carcentina diagonal. The finale is a lightning-fast descent through the woods, with bends that leave no room for mistakes.
Competitions on the Stelvio during the 2026 Olympic Games:
February 21: Ski Mountaineering Mixed Relay
February 7: The Man Downhill
February 9: Team Combined
February 11: The Man Super-G
February 14: The Man Giant Slalom
February 16: The Man Slalom
February 19: Ski Mountaineering Sprint (m/v)
2. Olympia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo (women’s downhill)
What makes Olympia delle Tofane so special?
Olympia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the oldest and most prestigious slopes in the world of alpine skiing. This track has a deep-rooted history in the Olympic Games and the World Cup and provides a spectacular venue for the women’s events at the 2026 Olympic Games.
Olimpia delle Tofane: an iconic history
The Olympia delle Tofane became famous during the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina, when Austrian Toni Sailer won the gold medal in the men’s alpine skiing competitions. Since 1993, the track has been used annually for the women’s World Cup races in downhill and super-G. The track will also be the venue for the female alpine ski competitions at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and has hosted the 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.
Features of Olympia delle Tofane:
- Length: 2.560 meter
- Height difference: 750 meter
- Height starts: 2.240 meter
- Height finish: 1.490 meter
- Maximum slope: 64%
The start of the Olympia delle Tofane is the steep Schuss, where skiers build up their speed. Next comes the Duca d’Aosta jump and the famous Gran Curvone, which leads to the technical section of the Scarpadon corners. These descents combine speed with precision and are a real test for the female athletes.
Competitions at Olympia delle Tofane during the 2026 Olympic Games:
February 13: Women’s Super-G
February 11: Women Downhill
3. Mottolino at Carosello 3000 in Livigno (freestyle & snowboard)
Why Livigno?
Livigno, located in the Italian Alps, will become the epicenter for freestyle and snowboarding during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The ski resort is famous for its advanced snow parks and has been a hotspot for professional snowboarders and freestylers for years.
Olympic Disciplines in Livigno
During the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Mottolino and Carosello 3000 areas will host the freestyle and snowboard competitions, including:
- Moguls & Dual Moguls (Freestyle)
- Aerials (Freestyle)
- SlopeStyle (Snowboard & Freestyle)
- Big Air (Snowboard & Freestyle)
- Ski Cross (Freestyle)
- Snowboard Cross (Snowboard)
- Halfpipe (Snowboard & Freestyle)
- Parallel Giant Slalom (Snowboard)
Livigno’s Snowparks
The Mottolino Snowpark and the Carosello 3000 area offer everything a freestyle athlete could wish for: rails, jumps and a halfpipe for both snowboarders and skiers. The city will be transformed into a playing field for the Olympic athletes, with intensive and exciting competitions in disciplines such as Big Air and SlopeStyle.
FAQ – 2026 Winter Olympics
All information about the 2026 Winter Olympics ›
1. Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics take place?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The competitions will take place in several famous ski resorts in the Italian Alps, including Bormio, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Livigno.
2. Which tracks will be used for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The main routes are:
- Stelvio in Bormio: Used for men’s alpine ski competitions (downhill, super-G, slalom, giant slalom).
- Olympia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Used for women’s alpine ski competitions (downhill, super-G).
- Livigno: The location for freestyle and snowboarding, with snow parks for disciplines such as SlopeStyle, Big Air and Halfpipe.
3. When will the Olympic competitions take place on the Stelvio and Olympia delle Tofane?
The competitions at the Stelvio (Bormio) and Olympia delle Tofane (Cortina) will take place between February 6 and 22, 2026. The Stelvio will host the men’s alpine competitions, while Olympia delle Tofane will host the women’s competitions.
4. Can I ski the Olympic slopes myself?
Yes! The Olympic slopes such as the Stelvio and Olympia delle Tofane are open to the public. However, keep in mind that these slopes are challenging and suitable for advanced skiers. Make sure you have experience with black and red runs before taking on the challenge.
5. What makes the Stelvio so special?
The Stelvio is one of the most legendary and technical descents in the world. It has a vertical drop of 1,010 meters, a length of 3,250 meters and a maximum slope of 60%. Skiers reach speeds of more than 100 km/h. The Stelvio is notorious for its steep bends and fast sections.
6. What are the main disciplines taking place in Livigno?
Livigno is the venue for the freestyle and snowboard competitions during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The disciplines include:
- Moguls & Dual Moguls
- Aerials
- SlopeStyle
- Big Air
- Ski Cross
- Snowboard Cross
- Halfpipe
- Parallel Giant Slalom
7. When is the best time to visit the Olympic slopes?
The best times to visit the Olympic slopes are in the pre-season or immediately after the World Cup competitions in January. Please note that just before the Olympic Games (February 2026) the slopes may be temporarily closed for the athletes as they prepare.
8. Where can I book accommodation for my skiing holiday near the Olympic slopes?
You can book accommodation in the nearby ski areas, such as Bormio for the Stelvio, Cortina d’Ampezzo for the Olympia delle Tofane and Livigno for freestyle and snowboard disciplines. Please note that prices can increase significantly during the Olympics, so it is advisable to book in advance.
9. Are there any tips for skiing the Olympic slopes?
Make sure you are well prepared for the challenging descents of the Olympic slopes. Make sure your skis are properly sharpened and always wear a helmet. The Stelvio and Olympia delle Tofane are often black or difficult red slopes, so be honest about your own skill level before taking on the challenge.
10. What are the Olympic dates for 2026?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, with the alpine skiing and freestyle skiing competitions scheduled between these dates.
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