Headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics? Here’s where to stay to avoid the crowds.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the Queen of the Dolomites. While the opening ceremony and most indoor sporting events will take place in Milan, the majority of the outdoor events will be held in the breathtaking Dolomites.

Whether you're traveling here for the Olympics or something else, here's where to stay to enjoy the best of the region.

(All eyes will be on the Dolomites and Milan in 2026. Here’s why you should visit.)

Alta Badia

Alta Badia offers winter sports and culinary delights just 30 miles from the excitement of the XXV Winter Olympic Games. Connected to the Sellaronda ski route, Dolomiti Superski is the driving force in Alta Badia’s winter culture.

“Alta Badia is the ideal solution for those who want to see the Olympics and those who want to ski," says Nicole Dorigo of Alta Badia Tourism Cooperative. "For those who want to feel the spirit of the games up close, the events are just a few kilometers away, and enthusiasts can reach the venue by skiing. For those who simply want to enjoy the mountains, as every winter, everything remains the same.”

The region is known for its Ladin culture and traditions. You can learn how to bake puccia, a Ladin bread that can last for years, and taste Ladin dishes during Road dles Saus, a week where skiers can sample traditional fare at various mountain huts on the slopes. You can also experience Gourmet Skisafari, where award-winning chefs create special gourmet dishes at several Alpine huts; and participate in a Wine Skisafari, where skiers ski from hut to hut sampling South Tyrolean wines.

It’s worth dining at Maso Runch Farm, offering Ladin cuisine like red turnip dumplings in a family-run Ladin home; tasting local wines at Rifugio Ütia Bioch, the highest wine cellar in Italy at 6,820 feet; and pinning banknotes from your home country to Jimmi Hut’s decorative international wall of currency.

Spend your nights at Hotel Marmolada, akin to a mountain lodge in the heart of the town and within minutes walking distance of the slopes. The rooms are simple yet cozy, with views of the Alps; breakfast and dinners offer a variety of delicious foods from international to traditional; and the staff become family by departure time. 

"Don’t forget to look at the mountains during sunset; if you are lucky, you’ll see the Enrosadira, a natural phenomenon that turns the Dolomites pink, red, and orange,” says Dorigo.

How to get there
There are several ways to reach Alta Badia. The closest airports are Bolzano Airport (BZO), Treviso Antonio Canova Airport (TSF), and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). The nearest train station is Brunico-Bruneck, approximately 19 miles outside of Alta Badia, with a connecting bus service several times a day. Additionally, the South Tyrol Guest Pass allows cardholders to travel on South Tyrol’s public transportation services free of charge.

(Follow the footsteps of champions in Italy's Winter Olympics host resorts)

Moena

Located within the Trentino region and Val di Fassa valley lies Moena, a town of approximately 2,000 residents and part of Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski area in the world. Known for being an Alpine Training Center for the Italian State Police, the San Pellegrino Pass connects the towns of Moena and Falcade, making this town a ski-lover’s paradise. Cross-country skiers will enjoy Centro del Fondo Alochet’s tracks through snow-covered woods. To watch the games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, it is best to drive. When not on the slopes or watching the games, spend your time exploring the old district of Turchia with its decorative barns, wooden sculptures, and colorful flowers. Stroll the streets of Antico Rione di Moena's historic center, or watch a performance at Teatro Navalge. For an unexpected tasty treat, foodies should try Puzzone di Moena, a washed-rind cheese made with raw cow’s milk. 

InAlto Alfio Ghezzi Dolomites, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Moena accessible by cable car on the San Pellegrino Pass, offers breathtaking views of the mountain range. Foresta Restaurant serves typical flavors of the Trentino region, while Ciasa dò Parè provides a menu based on what’s in season on their organic farm. Hotel Patrizia Moena issues each guest a Val di Fassa Guest Card, providing discounts for museums, spas, tours, and complimentary public transportation.  

How to get there
The closest airports are Bolzano (BZO), and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). By train, it’s best to stop in Trento, Auer, or Bolzano and continue to Moena by bus.

(Where the pros are skiing this winter)

San Vito di Cadore

Seven miles from Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the host sites for the 2026 Winter Olympics, lies the mountain town of San Vito di Cadore. It sits at the foot of the Monte Antelao, the second-highest mountain in the Dolomites. The town is known for the mesmerizing Lake Mosigo. Other attractions include the Ethnographic Museum of Popular Traditions, a deep-dive into the culture and customs of the Cadore region; and Cibiana di Cadore, a traditional village that is home to 15th-century stone houses and a population of less than 500 people. Some of the homes feature murals that depict local life, legends, and folk festivals. 

Winter enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, including cross-country skiing and ski mountaineering. It's also a great destination for families, as there is a plethora of designated slopes and snow games for children. Ski pass holders can take a complimentary shuttle to the Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort. 

Enjoy dining on the terrace of Rifugio Larin, tasting fresh pasta at Baita Prà Solìo, and cannoli from Panificio Fiori. Hotel Fiori Dolomites Experience is a boutique hotel with guest experiences that include a night climb to an Alpine hut and snowshoeing in the Dolomites. 

How to get there
The closest airports are Treviso Airport (TSF) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). The nearest train station is 12 miles away in Calalzo. Direct buses operate between the station and the town center.

Olang

Tucked deep in the Trentino region and Puster Valley, and 30 miles from the Winter Olympics, Olang is a quaint reprieve from the crowds and chaos. Visitors can ski at Kronzplatz, toboggan, ice skate, snowshoe, and snow tube at night. Test your athleticism on a Rennböckl, a non-motorized device consisting of a seat with handles mounted to a ski. Drivers steer by shifting body weight from side to side and breaking with their feet. Visitors can ask their accommodation for a Südtirol Guest Pass, which provides complimentary access to public transportation and admission to over 80 museums and activities. 

For an exceptional experience, dine at Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler, located in what was formerly a Moessmer cloth factory, for seasonal dishes by Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler. Have lunch at Restaurant Lamp, a few minutes’ walk from the train station, and dine at Oberraut, situated within lush meadows and forests.

The Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus is a wellness lover’s dream. Perched on the side of a mountain with panoramic views of the valley and mountaintops, the hotel is near the slopes for daytime adventures and serves as a spa for evening relaxation. In addition to its renowned spa, visit its wellness park with five outdoor pools, saunas, and a cave steam bath.

How to get there
The closest airports are Bolzano (BZO) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). It’s easily accessible by train; Olang’s station, Stazione Valdaora-Anterselva, is located near the town center. 

Milan

A co-host city of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Milan will be the site of the opening ceremony and indoor events, including figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Milan, outside of the Olympics. Visit the jaw-dropping Duomo di Milano, a Gothic cathedral with intricate details and designs. It’s worth it to pay to climb to the roof for views of the city. Dress up to watch a performance at Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses where musical masterminds like Bellini have performed; book tickets in advance. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's famous mural, "The Last Supper." Restoration for this piece of art entailed 20 years of daily work.

The city has unlimited dining options, including Sadler, a one-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant nestled in a 1913 Art Nouveau building. For a local hot spot, try Zio Pesce, or taste sustainable fine dining at 28 Posti, one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Discreetly tucked away within an apartment complex is Vico Milano, a boutique hotel with a rich history. Before becoming a hotel in 2021, it was once a factory that designed and produced Legnano racing bikes and then became a showroom for a fashion label.

How to get there
It is easiest to fly into Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP).