Attending the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics Proves Affordable for American Spectators

Experts say the Winter Games will be more financially accessible for U.S. travelers compared to previous Olympics

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:55am

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The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are expected to be more affordable for American spectators compared to past Games, with experts estimating a budget of $3,000 or less can cover flights, accommodations, and event tickets. Factors like traveling during the off-peak U.S. travel season and the event's dispersed locations across Northern Italy are making the Games more accessible for families and individual travelers.

Why it matters

The affordability of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics is significant, as previous Games have often been prohibitively expensive for many American fans to attend in person. This year's Winter Olympics could open up the experience to a wider audience, allowing more people to witness the events live.

The details

Experts say flights between the U.S. and Milan have remained inexpensive, with round-trip fares from New York to Milan Malpensa Airport starting around $440 just before the first events on Feb. 4. Accommodations are also more affordable, with an Airbnb in Milan costing one traveler $1,938 for five nights. Ticket prices start at €30 ($36) for the average spectator, with more than half of the 1.5 million tickets sold costing less than €100 ($119).

  • The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will take place from February 4-23, 2026.
  • The opening ceremony will be held in Milan, while events will be scattered throughout Northern Italy, including the alpine areas of Livigno and Anterselva/Antholz, before closing in Verona.

The players

Rogers Li

A 29-year-old working in clinical research from Rockville, Maryland who is attending his first in-person Olympics.

Katy Nastro

A travel expert and spokesperson for the airfare app Going.

Ken Hanscom

The chief operating officer of Ticket Manager and a trustee of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“I was surprised that it was a bit more affordable than I expected.”

— Rogers Li (dnyuz.com)

“The accessibility from a financial standpoint to attend Milano Cortina's Games on a budget of $3,000 or less is pretty unheard of.”

— Ken Hanscom, Chief Operating Officer, Ticket Manager (dnyuz.com)

“You're traveling during an off-peak time in the U.S. for travel, which is in your favor—meaning that costs are typically lower [in] early February.”

— Katy Nastro, Travel Expert and Spokesperson, Going (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

Ticket sales for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics are ongoing, with more than 1 million of the 1.5 million total tickets already sold as of January 2026. Fans are encouraged to book their travel and accommodations early to take advantage of the relatively affordable prices.

The takeaway

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are shaping up to be one of the most financially accessible major sporting events for American spectators in recent memory, making it a realistic option for families and individual travelers to attend the Games in person.