Winter Olympics 2026: Your Full Day-by-Day TV & Streaming Guide to Milan-Cortina
Get ready for an unparalleled spectacle of winter sports! Just a year and a half after the Paris Summer Games, the world's elite athletes will once again convene for the 25th edition of the quadrennial Winter Olympics in 2026. This time, the majestic landscapes of northern Italy, from the bustling city of Milan to the historic 1956 Winter Olympics host city of Cortina d'Ampezzo and beyond, will serve as the breathtaking backdrop for two weeks of intense competition.
Anticipation is already building, and for good reason. Fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated return of NHL players to the Olympic ice for the first time since 2014, promising an unforgettable men's ice hockey tournament. Skiing icons like Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn are set to grace the slopes, aiming to expand their already impressive medal collections. On the ice, the U.S. figure skating team, potentially the strongest ever assembled, will be led by stars such as Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and Alysa Liu. Speed skating sensation Jordan Stoltz, a Wisconsin native, is also poised for a breakout performance. And for those seeking something new, the 2026 Games will introduce ski mountaineering as a medal sport, adding an exciting dimension to the complete Winter Olympics schedule.
The action will unfold over more than two exhilarating weeks, and thanks to comprehensive broadcast and streaming options, you won't have to miss a single moment. This guide will help you navigate the full 2026 Winter Olympics schedule, ensuring you know exactly where and when to tune in to support your favorite athletes and disciplines.
Navigating the Winter Olympics 2026 Broadcast & Streaming Landscape
For viewers in the United States, the 2026 Winter Olympics broadcast coverage will be primarily handled by NBC and USA Network, with select niche events also appearing on CNBC. These networks will provide extensive live coverage, feature programming, and expert analysis throughout the Games.
However, for the most comprehensive and flexible viewing experience, streaming will be your go-to option. Peacock and NBCOlympics.com are expected to be the main digital hubs, offering live streams of every event, often with multiple concurrent streams to ensure you can catch all the action, regardless of network availability. This means you can follow specific athletes, dive deep into your favorite sports, or replay thrilling moments on demand.
- NBC: Primetime coverage, major medal events, highlights, and opening/closing ceremonies.
- USA Network: Extensive live coverage of various sports throughout the day.
- CNBC: Live broadcasts of select events, particularly those with a dedicated following.
- Peacock Premium: Your ultimate streaming destination. Expect live coverage of every event, exclusive content, on-demand replays, and dedicated channels for popular sports.
- NBCOlympics.com: A complementary streaming platform, often mirroring Peacock's offerings for live events and providing additional resources like schedules, results, and athlete profiles.
Pro Tip: Given the time difference with Italy (Milan is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time), planning your viewing schedule will be crucial. Early morning in the U.S. will often mean prime-time medal events unfolding live in Italy. Set your alarms, download the Peacock app well in advance, and familiarize yourself with the full Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic schedule to ensure you catch your must-see moments.
Key Dates and Early Action: What Not to Miss
While the full detailed winter olympics schedule spans over two weeks, some of the most exciting action, including early medal events, kicks off right from the first weekend. Let's look at a snapshot of what promises to be a thrilling start to the Games.
Sunday, February 15 – A Thrilling Start to the 2026 Winter Olympics
The first full Sunday of competition is packed with medal opportunities and compelling matchups across multiple venues. Prepare for a day filled with speed, precision, and incredible athleticism:
- 3:05 a.m. EST – Curling: Men’s Round Robin
- USA vs. Sweden (Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, Cortina d’Ampezzo) – Catch Team USA in early crucial round-robin play. Available on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- Germany vs. Great Britain, Norway vs. Italy (also on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com)
- 4:00 a.m. EST – Alpine Skiing: Women’s Giant Slalom Run 1
- (Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Cortina d’Ampezzo) – The first run sets the stage for a medal event, airing on USA Network, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 4:30 a.m. EST – Freestyle Skiing: Men’s Dual Moguls Finals (Medal Event)
- (Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, Livigno, Valtellina) – A high-octane medal event showcasing incredible agility and speed. Tune in on USA Network, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 5:15 a.m. EST – Biathlon: Men’s 12.5km Pursuit (Medal Event)
- (Anterselva Biathlon Arena, Antholz) – A demanding combination of cross-country skiing and precision shooting, available on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 6:00 a.m. EST – Cross-Country Skiing: Men’s 4 x 7.5km Relay (Medal Event)
- (Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Val di Fiemme) – Team strategy and endurance will be on full display. Watch on USA Network, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 6:10 a.m. EST – Men's Ice Hockey Preliminary: Switzerland vs. Czechia
- (Milano Santaguilia Ice Hockey Arena) – Early hockey action heats up the arena, broadcast on CNBC, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 7:30 a.m. EST – Alpine Skiing: Women’s Giant Slalom Run 2 (Medal Event)
- (Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Cortina d’Ampezzo) – The decisive run where medals will be won. Catch it live on NBC, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 7:45-9:00 a.m. EST – Snowboard Cross: Mixed Team Finals (Medal Event)
- (Livigno Snow Park, Livigno, Valtellina) – Fast-paced and unpredictable, this team event promises thrills. Airs on USA Network, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 8:05 a.m. EST – Curling: Women’s Round Robin
- USA vs. China (Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, Cortina d’Ampezzo) – Another opportunity to cheer on Team USA, available on CNBC, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
- 8:45 a.m. EST – Biathlon: Women’s 10km Pursuit (Medal Event)
- (Anterselva Biathlon Arena, Antholz) – Following the men's event, the women take to the course for their own pursuit medal. Broadcast on NBC, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com.
The Road to Gold: Major Events & Star Power
Beyond the initial flurry of competition, the 2026 Winter Olympics will continue to captivate with a host of anticipated events and the magnetic presence of winter sports legends and rising stars. The return of NHL players alone elevates the men's ice hockey tournament to a must-watch event, bringing unparalleled skill and intensity to the global stage. For a deeper dive into this and other new additions, explore our related article: NHL Returns & New Sports: 2026 Winter Olympics Schedule Unpacked.
Figure skating will undoubtedly draw massive viewership, with a strong U.S. contingent led by talents like Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and Alysa Liu, all vying for podium finishes. In alpine skiing, the pursuit of more Olympic hardware by decorated athletes such as Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn will be a compelling narrative, as they push the limits on challenging courses.
Keep an eye on Jordan Stoltz, the prodigious speed skater from Wisconsin, who is quickly making a name for himself and could very well be a multiple medalist in Milan-Cortina. Furthermore, the debut of ski mountaineering will be an exciting spectacle, combining endurance, technical climbing, and downhill skiing in stunning high-alpine environments. This new sport offers a fresh challenge and a chance for new heroes to emerge.
Throughout the two weeks, you can expect thrilling competitions in bobsled, luge, skeleton, freestyle skiing, snowboard, Nordic combined, and many more. Each day of the winter olympics schedule promises dramatic finishes, inspiring performances, and unforgettable moments as athletes chase their Olympic dreams.
The Grand Finale: Medal Deciders on February 22
As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw to a close, the final day, Sunday, February 22, will be packed with high-stakes medal events, culminating in one of the most anticipated matchups of the Games. Here's what to look forward to:
- 12:00 PM EST – Cross-Country Skiing: Women's 50km Mass Start, Final
- A test of ultimate endurance as athletes battle for gold in this grueling long-distance race.
- 1:05 PM EST – Curling: Women's Gold Medal Game
- The culmination of strategy and precision, as two teams face off for Olympic glory on the ice.
- 1:35 PM EST – Freestyle Skiing: Women's Halfpipe, Final
- Expect gravity-defying tricks and aerial mastery in this thrilling showcase of freestyle talent.
- 2:15 PM EST – Bobsled: Men's Four-Man, Final
- The powerful four-man teams hurtle down the icy track in pursuit of the fastest time and a coveted gold medal.
- 4:10 PM EST – Ice Hockey: Men's Ice Hockey, Gold Medal Game (Potential USA v CAN)
- The ultimate showdown on ice. While the matchup is yet to be determined, a potential clash between rivals USA and Canada would be a fitting and explosive finale to the men's tournament. Expect electrifying hockey as the world's best professional players battle for Olympic gold.
The closing ceremony will follow these final events, providing a poignant end to what promises to be an extraordinary Winter Games, celebrating athletic achievement and international camaraderie.
Practical Viewing Tips for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
To make the most of your 2026 Winter Olympics viewing experience, consider these practical tips:
- Check Local Listings: While this guide provides a general overview, always confirm exact times and channels with your local TV provider closer to the Games.
- Download Apps in Advance: Get the Peacock and NBC Sports apps on your smart TV, phone, or tablet well before February 2026 to avoid last-minute rush and ensure smooth streaming.
- Consider a Premium Subscription: Peacock Premium will likely be indispensable for accessing all live events and on-demand content. Evaluate whether a monthly or annual subscription makes sense for you.
- Set Reminders: Use your phone or smart device to set reminders for your favorite athletes and medal events, especially with the time zone differences.
- Follow Social Media: NBC Olympics and official Olympic channels on social media will provide real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
From the early morning curlers to the thrilling primetime medal races, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promise two weeks of unforgettable sports action. With a robust broadcasting and streaming plan, you'll be perfectly positioned to witness every jump, turn, shot, and sprint. Mark your calendars, prepare your viewing setup, and get ready to cheer on the world's best as they chase glory in Italy!