Milan 2026: Eight New Events to Spice Up the Winter Olympics

Milan, Italy – November 30, 2025 – The anticipation is building as the countdown continues to the 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The Games promise a fresh and exciting spectacle with the debut of eight new events, including a fully new sport never before seen on the Olympic stage.

Nearly four years before the opening ceremony, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has finalized the event list, injecting new energy into the Winter Games program. Leading the charge is ski mountaineering, often called “skimo,” a demanding discipline that blends the technical skill of Alpine skiing with the endurance of cross-country.

Skimo athletes will navigate courses requiring both uphill climbs with specialized ski skins, downhill descents through gates, and sections completed on foot while carrying skis.As NBC Sports describes it, the sport tests a unique combination of physical prowess and technical expertise, with events typically consisting of heats, semifinals, and a final to determine the fastest competitor.

Beyond ski mountaineering, the following new events will join the Olympic program within existing sports:

* Freestyle Skiing: Men’s and Women’s Dual Moguls
* Luge: Women’s Doubles (Open)
* Skeleton: Mixed-Gender Team Event
* Ski Jumping: Women’s Large Hill Event

These additions reflect the IOC’s commitment to evolving the Games and attracting a wider audience.

However, not all events will be returning. The alpine skiing mixed team parallel event, featured in both the 2018 and 2022 winter Games, has been removed from the program. While the IOC hasn’t publicly stated the reason, Team USA reported in 2022 that the athlete quota spots freed up by this change will be redistributed across other sports to maintain the overall athlete count at 2,900.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to run from February 6-22,and will be broadcast across NBC networks and streamed live on Peacock.

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What impact will the inclusion of women’s ski jumping on the large hill have on the overall portrayal of female athletes in the Winter Olympics?

New Olympic Events to Premiere at the 2026 Winter Games

Women’s Ski jumping – Large Hill

For years, women ski jumpers campaigned for equal representation in the Winter olympics. Their dedication paid off with the inclusion of women’s ski jumping at the 2014 Sochi Games, initially on the normal hill. The 2026 Milan-Cortina Games will mark a significant milestone: the debut of women’s ski jumping on the large hill.

This event isn’t just about adding another competition; it’s about providing female athletes with the same opportunities to showcase their skill and athleticism as their male counterparts. The large hill presents a greater challenge, demanding more power, technique, and courage from the jumpers. Expect to see incredible distances and breathtaking aerial maneuvers. Key terms related to this event include women’s ski jumping, large hill competition, Olympic ski jumping, and female winter athletes.

Mixed Team Ski Jumping

Building on the growing popularity of ski jumping, the 2026 Winter Olympics will introduce mixed team ski jumping. This dynamic event combines the strengths of both male and female jumpers,creating a thrilling and strategic competition.

each team will consist of two men and two women, adding a new layer of complexity to the conventional team format. Team composition and jump order will be crucial for success. This event promotes gender equality and showcases the diverse talent within the ski jumping community. Search terms to consider: mixed team ski jumping,Olympic ski jumping teams,gender equality in sports,and ski jumping competition format.

monobob (Women’s)

The world of bobsleigh is getting a shake-up with the introduction of monobob for women. Unlike traditional bobsleigh, which requires a team of two or four athletes, monobob is a solo event.This levels the playing field and provides more nations with the prospect to compete in bobsleigh at the Olympic level.

The monobob requires exceptional driving skills, strength, and precision. Athletes must master the art of navigating the icy track alone, controlling the sled’s speed and trajectory. This event is a testament to the individual athleticism and determination of female bobsleighers. Relevant keywords: women’s monobob, Olympic bobsleigh, solo bobsleigh competition, winter sliding sports.

Ski Mountaineering (ISMF)

A thrilling addition for adventure sports enthusiasts, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut in 2026. This discipline combines elements of cross-country skiing,alpine skiing,and mountaineering,challenging athletes to ascend and descend steep,challenging terrain.

The format typically involves a series of timed ascents and descents, requiring athletes to carry their skis on their backs during the uphill portions. Ski mountaineering demands incredible endurance, technical skill, and strategic decision-making. It’s a true test of all-around mountain prowess.Consider these search terms: ski mountaineering Olympics, ISMF competition, skimo racing, mountain sports at the Olympics.

understanding Ski Mountaineering Disciplines

Within ski mountaineering, several disciplines will be featured:

* Individual: A demanding race combining uphill and downhill sections.

* Sprint: A short,intense race focusing on uphill speed and technique.

* Vertical: A pure uphill race, testing athletes’ climbing ability.

* Team: A relay race showcasing teamwork and endurance.

Benefits of New Olympic Events

The inclusion of these new events offers several benefits:

* Increased Gender Equality: Events like women’s large hill ski jumping and women’s monobob directly address the need for equal opportunities in winter sports.

* Wider Global Participation: Monobob, in particular, lowers the barrier to entry for nations without established bobsleigh programs.

* Enhanced spectator Appeal: The dynamic and exciting nature of events like mixed team ski jumping and ski mountaineering will attract new audiences to the Winter Olympics.

* Innovation in Sports: The introduction of new disciplines keeps the Olympic program fresh and relevant, showcasing the evolving landscape of winter sports.

Preparing for the 2026 Winter Games: Athlete Focus

Athletes preparing for these new events are undergoing specialized training regimens.For example, monobob athletes are focusing on developing exceptional driving skills and upper body strength. Ski mountaineering athletes are dedicating countless hours to uphill training and honing their downhill technique. The competitive landscape is fierce, and athletes are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of Olympic glory.