Get ready to dive into the snow team as the 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly here!
It’s that time again, another Winter Olympics is finally upon us and it’s going to be a freaking doozy! Coming up is two weeks of non-stop snow based action and good heavens it’s exciting. If you’re unsure exactly how to get around the coverage this year, don’t stress, we’ve got all the information you need to back our Aussie athletes this 2026 Winter Olympics!
Where is the action this year?
This year we’ll be sledding and skiing down the scenic slopes of Italy. The games will be held across multiple territories in Italy’s north which include: Anterselva, Bormio, Livigno, Predazzo, Verona, Tesero, Milano, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This will be the third time Italy have hosted the Winter Olympic Games with prior games taking place in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006.
When is the opening ceremony?
For us unlucky Aussies on the other side of the globe, the opening ceremony will take place in the early hours of 5:30am this Friday the 7th of February. The ceremony will be held at the San Siro stadium in Milan.
Where in Australia can I stream the games?
If you’re looking at getting around our Aussies and watching some of the games, which I highly recommend you do, then you’ve got a couple options. You can watch them on Nine Now and the Nine Network, as well as you can stream them on Stan Sport (which is what I will be doing because I’m a loyal Stan subscriber and I’m still hoping to be able to write my subscription off on tax this year).
Are there any new sports?
Hell yeah there is! This year the newest addition to the line up of games includes ski mountaineering, also known as Skimo. Ski mountaineering includes skiing uphill with skins, then going on a hike with your skis on your back, to then finish with a downhill ski. We also have some Aussies taking part in it this year including; Lara Hamilton and Phil Bellingham. You can catch an explainer below!
@nbcbayarea Here's everything to know about ski mountaineering before it makes its Olympic debut. #WinterOlympics #SkiMountaineering ♬ original sound – NBC Bay Area
Will Australia win the Winter Olympics?
Yes, we absolutely will what a silly question! As long as everyone is really cool with ignoring the fact that Norway has taken the top spot in the medal tally the last couple Winter Olympics and that in the last four games Australia’s best year had us placed 13th. But hey. I’m a believer.
You can catch the 2026 Winter Olympics when the opening ceremony kicks off this Friday on NineNow or Stand Sport.
