How to Buy Tickets for the Olympic Winter Games
How to buy 2026 Olympic tickets | Milano Cortina 2026 Tickets | Tickets for Winter Olympic
How to Buy Tickets for the Olympic Winter Games? Imagine the thrill of cheering for your favorite athletes as they carve through icy slopes or glide across the rink, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Alps. The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, happening from February 6 to 22, 2026, promise just that—a spectacle of winter sports that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But how do you snag a seat to witness this global event?
Buying tickets for the Olympics can feel like navigating a snowy slalom course, but with the right approach, you’ll be ready to soak in the action. This guide breaks down the process step by step, offering practical tips to secure your tickets and avoid pitfalls, all while keeping the excitement alive.
Understanding the Olympic Winter Games Ticketing Process
The Olympic Winter Games are a massive undertaking, with events spread across northern Italy, from Milan’s ice arenas to Cortina d’Ampezzo’s alpine slopes. Getting tickets starts with understanding how the process works.
Unlike buying concert tickets, the Olympics use a structured system to ensure fairness, especially since demand for events like figure skating or ice hockey can be sky-high. The Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee oversees ticket sales, and they’ve set up a system that prioritizes official channels and digital tickets to keep things secure and accessible.
Why Official Channels Matter
Ever tried buying tickets from a shady website only to realize they’re fake? That’s a risk you can’t afford with the Olympics. The only safe place to buy tickets is the official Milano Cortina 2026 ticketing website (tickets.milanocortina2026.org). Unauthorized platforms might tempt you with deals, but they could leave you empty-handed at the gate.
The official site ensures your tickets are legit, and it’s the only platform endorsed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Plus, buying through official channels protects you from cancellations due to Italian laws against unauthorized reselling.
Key Dates for Ticket Sales
Timing is everything when it comes to Olympic tickets. For Milano Cortina 2026, ticket sales for the Olympic Winter Games kicked off in February 2025, with Paralympic sales starting in March 2025. If you missed the initial phase, don’t worry—general sales opened on April 8, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Early bird offers, available until May 6, 2025, provide discounts on select sessions, so acting fast can save you some euros.
Mark your calendar and check your inbox (including spam folders) for notifications if you registered for the ticket draw.
Registering for the Ticket Draw
The ticket draw is your golden ticket to securing spots for high-demand events like the men’s ice hockey final or the figure skating gala. It’s a lottery system designed to give everyone a fair shot at buying tickets before they sell out.
Steps to Sign Up
Registering for the draw is straightforward and free. Head to tickets.milanocortina2026.org, create an account, and sign up before the deadline (mid-January 2025 for the first phase). You’ll receive an email with a 48-hour time slot in February 2025 to purchase tickets. During this window, you can browse real-time ticket availability and pick your events.
No purchase is required, so there’s no risk in registering. Pro tip: double-check your spam folder for the email, as missing it could mean waiting for the general sale in April.
Benefits of Early Registration
Why bother with the draw? It’s your best chance to snag tickets for popular events before they’re gone. Registering also gets you into Fan26, the Organizing Committee’s digital community, where you’ll get exclusive updates and insights about the Games. It’s like getting VIP access to the Olympic buzz without spending a dime.
Plus, early registrants who buy by May 2025 can score early bird discounts on certain sessions, making it a win-win.
Navigating the Official Ticketing Platform
Once you’re registered, the official ticketing platform is your hub for securing seats. It’s user-friendly but requires a bit of prep to ensure a smooth experience.
Creating an Account
To buy tickets, you’ll need an account on tickets.milanocortina2026.org. The process is simple: provide your email, set a password, and verify your details. Make sure your browser allows cookies, as the site uses them to process bookings. If cookies are blocked, you might need to open the ticket shop in a new window. Once your account is set, you’re ready to explore the events.
Browsing Available Events
The platform lets you filter events by sport, venue, or date. Want to watch women’s alpine skiing at Cortina’s Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre? Or catch ice hockey in Milan? The site shows real-time availability during your assigned time slot. You can buy up to 25 tickets total, with a limit of 10 per session (or four for high-demand events like the Opening Ceremony). Take your time to explore—there’s no rush within your 48-hour window.
Ticket Pricing and Categories
Olympic tickets come in a range of prices, so there’s something for every budget. Whether you’re eyeing a budget-friendly preliminary round or splurging on the Closing Ceremony, understanding the pricing structure helps you plan.
Price Ranges for Olympic Events
Ticket prices start at €30 for events like women’s ice hockey preliminaries, with over 20% of tickets under €40 and 57% under €100. High-demand sports like figure skating (€280–€1,200) and men’s ice hockey finals (€450–€1,400) are pricier, while the Opening Ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium ranges from €280 to €2,026.
The Closing Ceremony at Verona’s Arena is the most expensive, topping out at €2,800. Prices vary by category (e.g., Cat A for premium seats) and session, so check the detailed price list on the official site.
Paralympic Ticket Pricing
Paralympic tickets are a steal, starting at €10 for kids under 14, with nearly 90% of tickets under €35. These cover events like Para alpine skiing and wheelchair curling from March 6 to 15, 2026. No draw is required for Paralympic tickets—just log in starting March 6, 2025, to grab yours. Visa cardholders get a 24-hour pre-sale window, so consider using one to beat the rush.
Early Bird Discounts
Who doesn’t love a deal? The early bird campaign, running until May 6, 2025, offers special prices on select Olympic and Paralympic sessions. It’s a great way to save on events that might otherwise stretch your budget. Act fast, though—these discounts are limited and only available through the official platform.
Hospitality and Travel Packages
Want to elevate your Olympic experience? Hospitality and travel packages combine tickets with perks like accommodations and exclusive lounges, perfect for those who want a hassle-free trip.
What Are Hospitality Packages?
Offered through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider, these packages include guaranteed tickets plus extras like lounge access, aperitivo-style bites, and souvenirs. You can choose from ticket-inclusive hospitality (day passes) or overnight packages that bundle accommodations. Prices are higher—sometimes 2–2.5 times regular tickets—but they guarantee seats for in-demand events and add a touch of luxury.
Benefits of Ticket-Inclusive Packages
These packages are like the VIP pass to the Olympics. They simplify travel logistics, especially since events are spread across 22,000 square kilometers in northern Italy. You’ll get curated experiences, like staying in Milan’s historic Sonder Missori hotel with easy access to venues. Plus, On Location’s team provides on-site support, so you’re never left scrambling. If you’re planning a bucket-list trip, these packages are worth exploring.
Tips for Securing High-Demand Tickets
Popular events like figure skating and ice hockey sell out fast, so you’ll need a strategy to score those coveted seats.
Prioritizing Your Events
With 16 Olympic disciplines and 6 Paralympic sports, you’ve got options. Make a list of must-see events—maybe biathlon in Anterselva or ski jumping in Predazzo—and check their schedules on the official site. If you’re flexible, consider preliminary rounds or less popular sports like skeleton for cheaper tickets and less competition. Blind-buying for events like ice hockey preliminaries can be risky since matchups aren’t confirmed, but it might pay off if your favorite team plays.
Using the Resale Platform
Missed your draw slot or want a sold-out event? The official resale platform, opening in December 2025, is your second chance. It’s like a marketplace where fans sell unwanted tickets at capped prices (sometimes with a 10% fee).
Based on Paris 2024, resale tickets can be plentiful before the Games, but they disappear fast once FOMO kicks in. Stick to the official platform to avoid scams.
Important Policies and Restrictions
Before you buy, know the rules to avoid surprises at the venue.
Age and Accompaniment Rules
You must be 16 or older to buy tickets, and kids under 14 need an adult (18+) to accompany them. For safety, children under 3 can enter without a ticket but must sit on an adult’s lap. These rules ensure everyone’s safe and comfortable, especially in crowded venues like Milan’s San Siro Stadium.
Ticket Limits and Digital Format
Each account can buy up to 25 tickets total, with a cap of 10 per session (or 4 for ceremonies and high-demand sports). All tickets are 100% digital, accessible via a mobile app starting December 2025. You’ll scan a QR code at entry, so keep your device charged. If you hit a snag, service checkpoints near venues can help. Oh, and there’s no 14-day withdrawal period for online purchases since these are event-specific tickets.
Avoiding Scams and Unauthorized Sellers
The excitement of the Olympics can make you an easy target for scammers. Here’s how to stay safe.
Risks of Third-Party Purchases
Buying from unofficial sites like secondary ticket exchanges is a gamble. You might pay above face value or receive invalid tickets that get you turned away at the gate. Italian law prohibits unauthorized resale, and the Organizing Committee can cancel those tickets. Stick to tickets.milanocortina2026.org or hospitality.milanocortina2026.org to avoid heartbreak.
How to Spot Legitimate Tickets
Legit tickets come only from the official platform or On Location. Check the website URL carefully—scammers often create lookalike sites. Official tickets are digital, tied to your account, and include a QR code for entry. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, contact the Organizing Committee through their official site.
Preparing for the Games
You’ve got your tickets—now what? A little prep goes a long way to ensure a smooth Olympic experience.
Downloading the Mobile App
The Milano Cortina 2026 mobile app, launching closer to the Games, is your ticket hub. It’ll store your digital tickets and provide event updates. Download it in December 2025, log in with your ticketing account, and ensure your device is charged on event day. If you run into issues, venue service checkpoints can assist.
Planning Your Travel and Stay
With venues spread across Milan, Cortina, Bormio, Livigno, and more, planning your trip is key. Book accommodations early—Milan’s hotels fill up fast, and Cortina’s alpine charm comes with limited spots. Consider train travel between venues for convenience. If you’re opting for a hospitality package, your stay might be included, making logistics a breeze. Check the interactive venue map on milanocortina2026.olympics.com to plan your itinerary.
Conclusion
Buying tickets for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure. From registering for the draw to navigating the official platform, every step brings you closer to witnessing world-class athletes in action.
Stick to official channels, plan ahead, and consider hospitality packages for a seamless experience. Whether you’re cheering for biathlon in Anterselva or figure skating in Milan, the thrill of the Games is worth the effort. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to join the global celebration of winter sports in 2026!
FAQs
1. Can I buy Olympic Winter Games tickets from third-party websites?
No, it’s not safe. Only purchase through tickets.milanocortina2026.org or hospitality.milanocortina2026.org to avoid scams or invalid tickets. Unauthorized tickets may be canceled, leaving you unable to enter venues.
2. What happens if I miss my ticket draw time slot?
If you miss your 48-hour window, you can still buy tickets during the general sale starting April 8, 2025, or use the resale platform opening in December 2025, subject to availability.
3. Are there discounts for children or seniors?
Paralympic tickets start at €10 for kids under 14, but there are no specific senior discounts. Early bird offers until May 6, 2025, provide savings for all ages on select sessions.
4. How do I know which events are included in my ticket?
The official ticketing platform lists session details, including sports and disciplines. For example, a figure skating ticket might cover multiple events like the team short program and ice dance.
5. What if the sliding events are moved to another country?
If bobsled, luge, or skeleton events are relocated (e.g., to Austria or New York), your tickets will still be valid for the new venue. Check official updates for travel planning.
Tag: How to Buy 2026 Winter Olympic Tickets