Olympic Spirit Divides Milan And Cortina As 2026 Games Near

As the world’s attention turns toward Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the contrast between the two host cities—Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo—couldn’t be more striking. On February 5, 2026, with just days to go before the Opening Ceremony, Cortina is buzzing with anticipation, while Milan’s Olympic spirit seems a bit more muted. Yet, both cities are poised to welcome athletes, fans, and a global television audience to one of the most anticipated Winter Games in recent memory.

In Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Olympic fever is palpable. Nestled among the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, the town has been blanketed with snow for much of the week, adding to its postcard-perfect charm. Blue-and-white flags commemorating both the 1956 and 2026 Games flutter from wooden homes and shops, and the Olympic cauldron sits proudly near the church at the town’s center. The excitement is tangible, with locals and visitors alike swept up in the atmosphere. Francesca Alberte, an employee at the Golden Goose boutique, summed up the mood: “All the people are so excited and so emotional for this big event. We are a little bit afraid for a lot of things that are not ready, but we’re happy and excited for this event.”

That excitement hasn’t gone unnoticed by the athletes. American luger Matthew Greiner called the Cortina atmosphere “electric,” while Italian luger Leon Felderer added, “There are always good vibes in Cortina, everybody’s happy.” Even American alpine ski racer Jackie Wiles was taken by the town’s unique charm: “Whatever happens in the race, you just love being in the Dolomites. Walking through town, everyone has fur coats on. So I feel like it’s just a cool place to be.”

Indeed, Cortina’s main street is a showcase for luxury, lined with shops selling high-end ski gear and designer clothes. A women’s snow jacket fetches 750 euros ($885 U.S.), and a men’s ski outfit can be found for 700 euros ($826 U.S.). The town exudes the kind of ritzy mountain flair that draws comparisons to Vail or Aspen. “The beautiful skiing, beautiful mountains, lots of great hotels and restaurants and shops,” said James Reed, a former bobsledder and now photographer for the U.S. bobsledding team. “It’s a really great place to come to.”

But it’s not all glitz and glamour. Behind the scenes, construction crews are racing to finish last-minute work on several venues. Despite the nerves, the overwhelming feeling in Cortina is one of pride and anticipation. As local resident Mariella Mariani put it, “It’s an important event for our country.”

Meanwhile, in Milan, the Olympic mood is more subdued. Italy’s bustling fashion and financial capital has been drenched in rain, and outside the city center, there’s little to suggest that the world’s biggest winter sports event is about to begin. The Olympic venues—ice hockey, speed skating, and figure skating—are scattered on the outskirts, far from one another and from the city’s heart. Even those who have traveled from afar to support their loved ones, like Sam and Melissa Durante from Calgary, sense the difference. “I think it’s a little disjointed here,” Sam admitted. “Milan is starting to embrace the Olympic spirit, but it’s not to the same extent that we had in Calgary.”

Still, there are pockets of Olympic excitement in Milan. The city’s main square, in front of the imposing cathedral, features a megastore selling Milan Cortina merchandise, a countdown clock, and strings of lights depicting different Olympic sports. The piazza marks the start of an Olympic boulevard stretching from the main train station to the fan zone and cauldron. For some locals, the Games are still an inconvenience—“I don’t really feel at the moment that the Olympics is happening,” said Milanese insurer Faizan Mohammad, referencing road closures—but there’s hope that the city will rally once the competitions begin.

Among the most anticipated events is the return of NHL players to Olympic men’s ice hockey for the first time since 2014. The 2026 Games will feature nine players and prospects from the Boston Bruins, representing countries including the United States, Czechia, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia. The preliminary round runs February 11–15, with all teams advancing to a single-elimination tournament. The medal rounds promise drama, with the gold medal game set for Sunday, February 22, at 8:10 a.m. ET—broadcast live on NBC. This year, Olympic hockey will use NHL-size rinks, and fighting is strictly prohibited, ensuring a focus on skill and speed over brawling.

One of the Bruins’ stars, David Pastrnak, will carry the Czech flag during the Opening Ceremony on February 6. The Bruins’ contingent is one of the largest in the NHL, with only the Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, and Florida Panthers sending more players. For fans of Olympic hockey, the stage is set for a thrilling tournament, with the world’s best players finally back in action on the Olympic stage.

Figure skating fans are equally excited to watch Isabeau Levito, the 18-year-old sensation from Philadelphia, make her Olympic debut in Milan. Levito will compete in the women’s singles event, with the short program scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, at 12:45 p.m. ET, and the free skate on Thursday, February 19, at 1 p.m. ET. Both events will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, giving fans everywhere a front-row seat to her artistry. Levito’s silver medal at the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships—the best finish by an American woman since 2016—along with her 2023 U.S. national title and 2022 World Junior Championship, have made her one of Team USA’s top contenders. Her performances have drawn comparisons to legends like Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen, and her ability to deliver under pressure has set expectations sky-high.

For athletes like Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old rookie defenseman with the New York Islanders, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of sporting achievement. Although Schaefer narrowly missed a spot on Team Canada’s roster for Milan-Cortina, his breakout NHL season—leading all first-year defensemen in goals (16), points (39), power-play points (14), shots on goal (137), and average ice time (24:05) through 58 games—has him dreaming of future Olympic glory. “I think it’s everyone’s dream to play at the Olympics,” Schaefer told NHL.com. “If you ever get that opportunity, it’d be an honor and dream come true.” For now, he’ll be cheering for his Islanders teammate Bo Horvat, who will represent Canada in Italy.

With the Opening Ceremony just around the corner, both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are racing against the clock—one city steeped in Olympic nostalgia and mountain magic, the other bustling with urban energy and a more understated anticipation. As the athletes arrive and the competitions begin, the world will be watching to see if these two distinct hosts can deliver an unforgettable Winter Games experience.