When Do the Olympics Start? Winter Olympics Schedule & How to Watch
Amid the cold winter weather that's hitting the U.S., those stuck in their homes can at least look forward to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. So, when do the Olympics start?
The Olympics are set to bring winter sport action to the world across almost three weeks in February. Famed Americans set to participate include Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, Chloe Kim, Jessie Diggins and Ilia Malinin, to name a few.
"The Olympic Games are the world's only truly global, multi-sport, celebratory athletics competition," the Olympics' official website states. "With more than 200 countries participating in over 400 events across the Summer and Winter Games, the Olympics are where the world comes to compete, feel inspired, and be together."
When Do the Olympics Start?
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina are scheduled to start on Friday, Feb. 6, and that's the same day as the opening ceremony.
Even though the official start date is Feb. 6, some of the events actually happen sooner. The real 2026 Winter Games will start with the beginning of the curling competition on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Also, the Milano Cortina Olympics run until Sunday, Feb. 22.
Also, the Winter Paralympic Games will begin on March 6 and go until March 15.
Where Will the 2026 Winter Olympics Take Place?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Italy for the third time, with Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo serving as the official hosts.
"You're going to make these Games so special for millions of people," International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry said as she welcomed volunteers in the Main Press Centre (MPC) in Milan ahead of the events. "Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything that you have done and that you will be doing throughout the Games."
President Coventry added, "I've been to five Olympic Games and the volunteers during the Games were like the special secret source of magic. So, it is really exciting to be here with all of you. I can't emphasize enough how the atmosphere is created around the Games by all of you, and all of the thousands of volunteers around Italy, because, a lot of the time, you are the first people that athletes, that their families, and that the fans come into contact with."
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics will be broadcast nationally in the United States by NBC and its partners. Events will be televised on NBC, USA, CNBC. All of the events at the 2026 Winter Games will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.