Cool Sports to Check Out at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

Italy is all set to host the Winter Olympics in 2026. The games will happen in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to February 22. This event will feature a mix of classic and new sports. There are many sports to watch. Alpine skiing is one where athletes speed down snowy slopes. Bobsleigh involves teams racing down icy tracks in sleds. Curling is a strategic game where teams slide stones on ice toward a target. Figure skating combines art and athleticism with jumps, spins, and routines. Freestyle skiing is all about jumps and tricks. Ice hockey is a fast-paced team sport. Skeleton and luge are high-speed sled races, but in skeleton, athletes lie face down, while in luge, they lie on their backs. Ski jumping is about launching off ramps and landing smoothly. Cross-country skiing is a long-distance race over varied terrain.Nordic combined mixes ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Biathlon combines skiing and rifle shooting. Short track speed skating is a quick race on a short oval track. Ski mountaineering is new to the 2026 games and involves climbing and descending mountains on skis. Snowboarding features jumps, tricks, and races. Speed skating is a long-distance race on an oval track. To watch the games, you can tune in to NBC's channels and apps. Peacock will also stream the events. You can also watch on NBCOlympics. com and the NBC Olympics app. The opening ceremony will feature performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Laura Pausini. The theme is “Harmony. ” The ceremony will air live at noon ET on February 6 and will be re-aired at 8 p. m. ET on NBC and Peacock.