Torch Relay Ignites Anticipation For Milan Cortina Olympics

The excitement is building as the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy approach, with anticipation reaching a fever pitch across the globe. As of January 11, 2026, the Olympic torch relay is already well underway, winding its way through the picturesque landscapes and historic cities of northern Italy. From the grandeur of Milan to the alpine charm of Cortina d’Ampezzo—separated by more than 400 kilometers—the stage is set for what promises to be the most geographically expansive Winter Games in history.

With 16 sports on the docket and 116 gold medals up for grabs, these Games will showcase both tradition and innovation. For the first time, ski mountaineering will join the Olympic program, while skeleton adds a mixed team event, luge introduces women’s doubles, and large hill ski jumping unveils both women’s and men’s super team competitions. The closing ceremony, set to dazzle in Verona—160 kilometers east of Milan—will cap off nearly three weeks of world-class competition from February 4 to 22, 2026.

But before a single medal is awarded, the Olympic Flame must make its journey. On January 12, 2026, the 36th stage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch Relay will traverse a route rich in culture and natural beauty. The day begins in Rivoli, a city known for the iconic Castello di Rivoli, now a beacon of contemporary art. The torch will then snake through Venaria Reale, home to the stately Royal Palace of Venaria, a symbol of Piedmontese Baroque elegance. Settimo Torinese, recognized for its urban regeneration and vibrant cultural spaces, is next, followed by Chivasso, where the Po River and a legacy of industry and agriculture define the landscape.

As the relay enters the Aosta Valley, the scenery shifts dramatically. In Châtillon, the looming presence of Mont Blanc signals the approach to the Alps, with the relay’s final destination for the day being Aosta. Here, the city’s Roman heritage provides a stunning backdrop as the Flame reaches the Jardin de l’Autonomie, where the community gathers for a celebration that weaves together Alpine identity, city history, and Olympic spirit. Among the torchbearers on this memorable day are Andrea Soncin and Cristiana Girelli—respective technical commissioner and captain of the Italian women’s national football team—adding star power and a sense of national pride to the proceedings.

The torch relay is more than a ceremonial march; it’s a celebration amplified by the support of presenting partners Coca-Cola and Eni. Their special activations and events infuse each stage with energy and engagement, ensuring that the Olympic spirit burns brightly throughout the relay’s journey.

Meanwhile, as the opening ceremony on February 6 draws near, attention turns to the venues—none more scrutinized than the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan. Despite lingering signs of construction, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed satisfaction with the venue’s progress. IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi remarked, “What I see personally is an extraordinary seating bowl and this venue … looks fantastic.” He acknowledged the challenges faced but praised the expertise and oversight that propelled the arena to readiness, saying, “It’s incredible what they’ve done, really incredible.”

The arena is set to be a focal point of the Games, especially with NHL players returning to Olympic ice for the first time since 2014. The men’s hockey tournament runs from February 11 to 22, while the women’s competition takes place from February 5 to 19. After a successful three-day test event simulating Olympic conditions, confidence in the ice quality is high. Luc Tardif, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, stated, “We’re going to make a report, but yesterday that was a test, so there is no reason that NHL will not come … We want to make sure about the quality of ice, the security for the players, doesn’t matter where they come from. So now I can say we’re ready for the competition.”

Players themselves echoed this sentiment. Canadian James Livingston, who participated in the test event, offered a characteristically Canadian take: “I mean we all grew up playing on ponds back in Canada, so I’m sure that whatever gets thrown at them, they’re gonna adapt and they’re gonna enjoy it. And they are playing for their country. So, I think it will be a great competition.”

Beyond the ice, other storylines are capturing the world’s attention. In Alpine skiing, American legends Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin have kicked off the World Cup season in dominant form, raising hopes for a golden run in Cortina. Freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu and snowboarding sensation Chloe Kim are also set to electrify the slopes. The athletes’ village in Cortina, comprised of over 350 mobile homes, will provide a unique home base for competitors hailing from every corner of the globe.

Figure skating, always a centerpiece of the Winter Olympics, features a compelling American narrative this year. Ilia Malinin, dubbed the “Quad God,” recently captured his fourth consecutive U.S. figure skating title, officially securing his place on the 2026 Olympic team. At just 21 years old and the son of former Olympic skaters, Malinin is poised to make his own mark on the sport. Reflecting on his performance at nationals, where he landed three quadruple jumps instead of his usual seven due to new skates, Malinin explained, “I decided to take it a little more safe. I was a little unsure what I was going to do so I decided not to go for any risks. I’m sure in a few weeks (the skates) will be in perfect condition.” He won the event by more than 50 points, underscoring his dominance and the high expectations for his Olympic debut.

As the Games approach, questions remain about the participation of Russian athletes. Some sports federations are still deciding whether to allow Russians to compete as neutral athletes, contingent on an independent review to ensure they have not publicly supported the war in Ukraine or maintain affiliations with the Russian military. This ongoing debate adds a layer of complexity to the international competition, reflecting the broader political and ethical challenges facing global sport.

For fans eager to catch every moment, NBC will broadcast showcase events during U.S. primetime while streaming all sports on Peacock. With the time difference—Eastern time is six hours behind Milan and Cortina—viewers will need to plan accordingly to witness history as it unfolds.

The stage is set. From the torch’s journey through storied Italian towns to the final preparations of world-class venues, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and the kind of drama only the Olympic Games can deliver. With athletes, organizers, and fans all counting down the days, Italy is ready to welcome the world for a celebration of sport, unity, and human achievement.