Want the short answer to “when do the winter olympics start”? The next Winter Olympics open with the ceremony on February 6, 2026, with competitions running through February 22, 2026. That straightforward fact is why searches are climbing: fans, travelers, and TV viewers in the United States are locking down plans, checking broadcast schedules, and tracking athletes as the Games near.
When do the Winter Olympics start — the official dates
The XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are scheduled to begin with the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026. Competition days run from February 6 to February 22, 2026, with the closing ceremony on the final day. If you need the official bulletin and full session schedule, consult the International Olympic Committee and the Games’ organizing committee for authoritative timetables.
For background on the event and history, see the Winter Olympic Games overview on Wikipedia. For official event pages and updates visit the IOC’s official site.
Why this is trending right now
Interest surges as the start date approaches—ticket releases, athlete rosters and the broadcast schedule (especially for U.S. audiences) all surface in the weeks before the Games. Media outlets and networks finalize TV windows; athletes qualify and withdraw; and travel notices get updated. In short: the calendar is forcing decisions, and people want to know when do the winter olympics start so they can plan.
Broadcast and streaming in the United States
If you’re in the U.S., NBCUniversal holds the domestic rights and traditionally provides both linear coverage and streaming via its platforms. Expect primetime event packages, early-morning windows for European events, and highlights on streaming apps.
Check network pages for schedule specifics; major news organizations and sports outlets publish daily TV grids in the run-up. For example, NBC’s dedicated Olympics hub will list primetime and live-stream windows as the Games get closer.
Key dates at a glance
| Date (2026) | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 6 | Opening ceremony; first competition sessions (varies by sport) |
| Feb 7–21 | Main competition window across alpine, skating, skiing, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton |
| Feb 22 | Final competitions and closing ceremony |
Time zones and TV planning
Events are hosted in Central European Time (CET). For U.S. viewers that usually means live sessions in the morning or early afternoon ET, with highlight packages and marquee event replays in primetime. If you care about live results, convert CET to your local zone ahead of key competition days.
Who is searching and why
The audience is broad: casual fans curious about the opening ceremony, committed sports fans tracking medal contenders, families planning travel, and media/content creators setting calendars. Many are U.S.-based viewers checking when do the winter olympics start so they can schedule watch parties or request time off work.
Top athletes and storylines to watch (examples)
Some headline athletes (many of whom are household names in the U.S.) typically drive search spikes: skiers, figure skaters, snowboarders and sliding-sport veterans. Expect profiles and prediction pieces to ramp up as national teams are finalized. Coverage often highlights returning champions, rising stars and athletes coming back from injury—storylines that make the dates feel urgent.
Tickets, travel and local logistics
If you plan to attend, check official ticket portals and authorized resellers early—popular sessions (opening ceremony, marquee finals) sell out quickly. For travel, book refundable or changeable arrangements: schedules can shift, and visa or health advisories occasionally appear as events draw near.
For official guidance on travel and entry, consult government travel advisories and the IOC’s visitor information pages to stay current.
Practical takeaways — what you should do now
- Mark your calendar: opening ceremony on Feb 6, 2026; competition runs through Feb 22, 2026.
- Set reminders for ticket release windows and broadcast schedule announcements.
- Confirm streaming access (network subscriptions, apps) ahead of time to avoid last-minute logins.
- If traveling, choose refundable bookings and check entry requirements early.
Where to get authoritative updates
Reliable sources include the International Olympic Committee and the official Games site for schedule changes. Major news organizations and sports outlets provide day-by-day TV grids and athlete updates—use them for context but cross-check with the official schedule if you need exact session times. For breaking updates and analysis, see reporting on trusted outlets like Reuters.
Now, here’s the practical part: if you care about catching the opening ceremony live, convert CET to your local time and be ready for morning viewing. If primetime is more convenient, network highlight packages usually condense the day’s action for evening audiences.
Final thoughts
Knowing when do the winter olympics start answers more than a calendar question—it triggers planning, viewing choices and travel decisions. With the opening ceremony set for February 6, 2026, and a full competition slate through February 22, now’s the time to lock in tickets, streaming access, or your watch-party plan. The Games will be a concentrated burst of stories, upsets and unforgettable moments—so decide how you want to experience them and then enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled for February 6, 2026, with competitions running through February 22, 2026.
NBCUniversal typically holds U.S. broadcast rights. Expect linear coverage and streaming via NBC platforms—check the network’s Olympics hub for the official TV and streaming schedule.
Yes; session times can shift due to weather, logistical updates, or organizational adjustments. Always confirm with official Olympic schedules on the IOC or the Games’ official site.
Events for Milan-Cortina 2026 are listed in Central European Time (CET). U.S. viewers should convert CET to their local time zones for live viewing.