The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway, with the world’s biggest winter sports event kicking off on February 6 in Italy and continuing until February 22, 2026. Athletes from across the globe are competing in skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, skating, curling, and more and fans can follow every moment live, even for free.

The Games are being hosted across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and other scenic venues in Northern Italy, turning the spotlight on Europe’s winter sports capital as medals are already being decided.

What sports are being played at Winter Olympics 2026?

The Milan-Cortina Games feature top disciplines including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, speed skating, ice hockey, curling, biathlon, bobsleigh, luge, and ski jumping, making it one of the most action-packed Winter Olympics editions yet.

How to watch Winter Olympics 2026 live for free

Fans can stream the Winter Olympics 2026 live through official broadcasters:

  • UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Canada: CBC Gem
  • Australia: 9Now
  • France: France TV
  • Germany: ZDF
  • Italy: RAI
  • Spain: RTVE
  • Ireland: RTÉ Player

These platforms offer free live coverage in their regions, and viewers abroad can access them using a VPN by connecting to a local server.

Why Milan-Cortina 2026 is special

This marks Italy’s return as Winter Olympics host after 20 years, and the Games are already delivering thrilling performances, surprise medal wins, and packed stadiums — making Milan-Cortina 2026 one of the most talked-about sporting events of the year.