Milan-Cortina wins bid to host 2026 Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics are heading back to Italy.

Today, the International Olympics Committee announced that the combined bid between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo had been awarded the 2026 Games.

Italy’s Milan-Cortina bid beat out the Swedish bid from Stockholm-Åre, which was the only other bid left in the running.

Calgary had previously been vying for the 2026 Games, but dropped out of the race in November 2018.

The final voting tally was 47-34 in favour of Milan-Cortina.

Milano-Cortina elected as Host City for the Winter Olympic Games 2026 @MilanoCortina26 #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/v9MHpRMfLB

— Olympics (@Olympics) June 24, 2019

“We can look forward to outstanding and sustainable Olympic Winter Games in a traditional winter sports country,” said Thomas Bach, IOC president.

“The passion and knowledge of Italian fans, together with experienced venue operators, will create the perfect atmosphere for the best athletes in the world.”

The 2026 Winter Olympics will mark 20 years since Turin hosted the 2006 Games and the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Today’s decision also means that Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the 2026 Paralympics as well.