The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially launched in Italy, marking the beginning of a historic games that spans the cosmopolitan streets of Milan to the rugged peaks of the Dolomites. While the first stones have been thrown in the mixed doubles curling tournament, the opening day has been met with immediate drama. Heavy snowfall in the Alps has forced the cancellation of the opening women's downhill training sessions in Cortina d'Ampezzo, delaying the highly anticipated debut of superstars like Mikaela Shiffrin and Sofia Goggia. Meanwhile, the arrival of NHL powerhouses like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews has ignited a fervor in Milan not seen in over a decade.
Heavy Snow Buries Training Plans in Cortina
It is a classic case of too much of a good thing. While organizers feared warm temperatures leading up to the Games, a massive winter storm system slammed into the Dolomites late Tuesday night, dumping over 40 centimeters of fresh powder on the iconic Olympia delle Tofane slope. As a result, the first scheduled downhill training run for the women's alpine skiing event was cancelled early Wednesday morning.
Race directors made the call at 6:00 AM local time, citing safety concerns and the need to clear the course to ensure a fair surface. For Mikaela Shiffrin, who enters these games looking to cement her legacy, the delay is a minor hiccup in a high-stakes schedule. "We know the weather in the mountains is unpredictable," a Team USA representative stated. "The team is staying focused on dryland training today and hopes to be on the snow by tomorrow."
The delay also impacts local favorite Sofia Goggia, who is eyeing gold on her home turf. The Mikaela Shiffrin training cancellation has become the top story in the alpine village, with crews working around the clock to groom the "Tofana Schuss"—the steepest section of the course—before the next scheduled window.
NHL Players Return: McDavid and Matthews Touch Down
While the mountains contend with snow, the city of Milan is buzzing with star power. For the first time since 2014, the world's best hockey players have returned to the Olympic stage. The NHL players 2026 Olympics participation has transformed the atmosphere at the Fiera Milano and PalaItalia venues.
Team Canada's captain Connor McDavid and Team USA's Auston Matthews were spotted arriving at Malpensa Airport amidst a sea of fans and media. The return of NHL talent is arguably the biggest narrative of these Games. "It’s been a long time coming," Matthews told reporters briefly upon arrival. "Putting on this jersey means everything."
Although the men's ice hockey tournament does not begin until next week, the presence of these athletes has already spiked ticket interest and global viewership. The Team USA Winter Olympics roster for hockey is stacked with elite talent, including Jack Eichel and Quinn Hughes, setting the stage for a potential gold medal showdown against rival Canada.
Olympic Curling Live Updates: First Action on the Ice
Despite the weather chaos outdoors, the action inside the Cortina Olympic Stadium is heating up. The mixed doubles curling tournament kicked off the competitive schedule on Wednesday morning, providing the first Winter Olympics 2026 results of the Games.
Team USA's duo of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin faced a stiff challenge in their opening round-robin match. The pair, looking to improve upon previous American performances, traded points early in a tense tactical battle. Fans searching for Olympic curling live updates have been treated to high-precision play, with the ice conditions reported to be pristine despite the storm raging outside.
Italy's home team also took to the ice to raucous applause, marking the official start of competition for the host nation. The mixed doubles event will continue daily, serving as the primary athletic showcase leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
Countdown to the Opening Ceremony
With preliminary action underway, all eyes are turning toward the Winter Games opening ceremony 2026, scheduled for Friday, February 6. The event will take place at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan, promising a spectacular show under the theme "Armonia" (Harmony).
Breaking news confirmed earlier today that speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca have been selected as the flag bearers for Team USA. They will lead the 232-member delegation into the stadium, representing a diverse and experienced squad. As the Milano Cortina schedule ramps up, organizers are hopeful the weather will clear in time for the ceremony, allowing the dual-city celebration to bridge the gap between the ice in Milan and the snow in Cortina.
