From 6 to 22 February 2026, Italy will be at the centre of the sporting world with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. While global attention is focused on the Alpine resorts, Verona emerges as an elegant and strategic base for experiencing the Games without giving up culture, comfort and quality of life.
Italy looks to the mountains: the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics are not just a major sporting event; they are an international showcase that turns the spotlight on northern Italy, from the Dolomites to its cities of art. Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the Alpine heart of the competitions, while Milan will act as the urban capital of the Games, hosting ceremonies, side events and hospitality.
In this spread-out setting, more and more travellers are looking for an alternative to the busiest ski resorts: a place that allows them to follow the event, soak up the Olympic atmosphere and, at the same time, enjoy a balanced travel experience. Verona meets this need perfectly.
Why Verona? A city where you can sleep well… and live better
Verona is not only the city of Romeo and Juliet. It is a human-scale city, refined, well organised and easily accessible. During the Olympic Games, it will be an ideal base for those who want a more relaxed stay than they may experience in the mountain locations, which are often congested during peak season.
Here, you can sleep well: the hotel offer is broad and varied, from boutique hotels in the historic centre to design hotels in more modern neighbourhoods. And above all, in Verona you live well: strolling between Piazza delle Erbe and Ponte Pietra, enjoying dinner in an osteria or a glass of Amarone in a wine bar requires no planning and no stress.
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In winter, the city slows its pace slightly, becoming even more pleasant for couples and adult travellers in search of authenticity.
From Verona to Cortina: how to get closer to the snow
One of Verona’s greatest advantages is its strategic location. From here, reaching the Alpine competition venues is easy, especially if planned with flexibility.
- By car: Cortina is about 2 hours and 30 minutes away, crossing spectacular landscapes in the Dolomites. Ideal for a one- or two-day trip.
- By train: Verona is a key railway hub. You can reach Calalzo di Cadore and then continue by bus to Cortina.
- With organised tours: during the Games, specific solutions are scheduled for spectators and visitors, with daily transfers to the Olympic venues.
Choosing Verona means deciding when to go to the snow, without having to experience it every day.
Verona in winter: what to do when there are no events on
On non-competition days, Verona has a lot to offer. Even, and especially, in winter.
- The Verona Arena: without the summer crowds, your visit will be more intimate and evocative.
- Castelvecchio and its museum: a masterpiece of military architecture and art.
- The San Zeno district: perfect for discovering the most authentic side of Verona, with its traditional shops and historic trattorias.
- Thermal baths and relaxation: just a few kilometres away, the Aquardens Thermal Baths are ideal for recharging after a day in the mountains.
- Valpolicella: bare vineyards, welcoming wineries and slow tastings make winter the perfect time to explore this area.
A balanced trip: sport, culture and the dolce vita
The real luxury, during a major global event, is balance. Verona allows you to alternate the energy of the Olympic Games with the calm of a city of art, switching from the snow to a candlelit dinner, from an Olympic competition to a walk along the Adige River.
It is a particularly suitable choice for:
- couples who want to experience the event without giving up romance,
- adult travellers interested in sport, but other things too,
- those looking for comfort, beauty and freedom of movement.
When and how to plan your trip
February is an ideal month to visit Verona: cold but dry weather, less tourism than in spring, and more stable prices compared to Alpine resorts. The advice is to book in advance, especially if you want to stay in the historic centre or in charming hotels.
Getting around is easy even without a car: the city centre is compact and well connected, while for excursions to the mountains you can choose to rent a car for just one or two days.
During the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Verona does not try to compete with the mountains. It does something more interesting: it offers another way to experience the event. More urban, more relaxed, more balanced. An elegant gateway to the Olympics, to be crossed with calm, style and curiosity.
