A Luxury Olympic Winter Like No Other
When the world turns its eyes to Italy in 2026, it won’t just be about gold medals, it’s about elevating the Winter Olympic experience to an art. The Milano‑Cortina Games offer a rare convergence: refined city glamour in Milan, paired with the soul-stirring alpine majesty of the Dolomites. For travelers who crave more than spectator status, this is your chance to immerse: to ski beside Olympic venues, savor snow-capped peaks by day, and unwind in world-class luxury lodges by night.
Put simply: this isn’t just travel around the Olympics… it’s travel with them.
Where to Stay: From Milan’s Elegance to Alpine Grandeur
Milan
Begin your Olympic escape in the heart of Italy’s fashion capital, where style, sophistication, and history converge. For classic elegance, the Mandarin Oriental offers refined interiors, attentive service, and an ideal location to explore Milan’s cultural treasures. Those seeking a fresh, modern luxury experience won’t want to miss the Rocco Forte House or The Carlton, Milan’s new “it” addresses that are already leaving travelers swooning.
For visitors who want a true local experience, Casa Cipriani provides an intimate, residential feel, allowing you to live like a Milanese, while Portrait Milano impresses with curated luxury and modern design sensibilities. Each of these hotels provides a stylish, comfortable base to enjoy Olympic ceremonies, ice skating, or the city’s renowned shopping and dining scene.
Cortina d’Ampezzo & Surrounding Dolomites
When it’s time to trade the city for alpine majesty, Cortina d’Ampezzo awaits, offering a variety of luxury accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste.
For boutique elegance, Ancora blends chic design with personalized service, perfect for travelers seeking a sophisticated alpine retreat. Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate Hotel De Len, a forward-thinking property that balances environmental responsibility with exceptional comfort. Classic alpine charm can be found at Grand Hotel Savoia, a historic hotel offering traditional elegance paired with modern amenities.
If you’re open to staying outside of Cortina proper, the surrounding Dolomites provide serene, spacious alternatives. Aman Rosa Alpina, COMO Alpina, and Forestis offer expansive grounds, world-class wellness facilities, and exceptional service, ideal for travelers who want privacy, tranquility, and effortless access to Cortina’s Olympic venues. Whether it’s ski-in/ski-out convenience, spa indulgence, or boutique luxury, these properties ensure that every moment of your Alpine adventure is unforgettable.
Ski Like a VIP: Experiencing the Dolomites in Olympic Mode
Luxury travelers have a unique opportunity: glide on pristine Olympic-adjacent slopes, guided by seasoned experts who know the Dolomites like their own skis. One exclusive route includes a ski safari through the Brenta Dolomites, where trained local guides escort you from resort to resort, with stops at cozy mountain huts serving regional delicacies and wine.
For those seeking both challenge and beauty, the Dolomiti Superski network offers access to over 1,200 km of groomed terrain, spanning 12 connected resorts. Whether you’re carving classic alpine turns or indulging in haute après‑ski with Prosecco on a mountain terrace, this is skiing elevated.
Olympic Events Worth Watching and Where to Experience Them
- Women’s Alpine Skiing: Held on the breathtaking Olympia delle Tofane run above Cortina, this is where speed meets elegance.
- Ski Jumping: The Giuseppe Dal Ben Arena in Predazzo (Val di Fiemme) hosts Nordic combined and ski jumping, perched high in the Dolomites and steeped in alpine tradition.
- Biathlon: Anterselva’s state-of-the-art biathlon stadium offers a thrilling combination of endurance sport and mountain serenity.
- Sliding Sports: The Cortina Sliding Centre, newly rebuilt for 2026, will bring bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge action to one of the Alps’ most glamorous towns.
Hospitality & VIP Access: Olympic Luxury Done Right
For the discerning traveler, VIP access is key. Through On Location’s 2026 hospitality program, you can gain entry to exclusive venues like Clubhouse 26, available in both Milan and Cortina. These lounges blend sport and sophistication: think curated exhibitions, dedicated service teams, Italian aperitivo, and panoramic mountain views.
Culinary experiences are equally curated: world-class Italian chefs, including Michelin-level talent, will helm the Olympic hospitality kitchens, offering a taste of tradition crafted for a global stage.
Transportation logistics are complex, the Games are spread out, after all, but for luxury travelers there are ways to simplify: private transfers, strategic shuttles, and bespoke shuttle routes ensure you’re not just a spectator, but a guest of the Games.
Après-Ski & Local Culture
Elegant village life in Cortina offers shopping, design, and mountain charm. Gourmet experiences, alpine restaurants, and spa offerings elevate every day on and off the slopes. Whether you prefer a mountain lodge, boutique spa, or design-focused retreat, the Dolomites deliver a sophisticated alpine lifestyle.
Planning Tips & Insider Advantages
- Book Early: Limited hotel inventory in Cortina means planning ahead is critical. Flexibility and cancellation options are key.
- Ticketing Strategy: Learn best practices for securing Olympic tickets and hospitality packages.
- Transportation: Plan extended train and shuttle routes to avoid congestion and maximize your time.
Environment & Sustainability: Consider eco-conscious accommodations and locally rooted hotels for a responsible travel experience.
Why This is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Luxury Olympic Escape
Milano‑Cortina 2026 is more than the Olympic Games, it’s a rare fusion of world-class sport and refined alpine luxury. From exclusive VIP experiences and curated culinary moments to skiing pristine slopes and staying in extraordinary hotels, this is a journey that promises memories you’ll cherish forever.