The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, begin February 6th and run through February 22nd. With events already underway, including preliminary competitions in curling and ice hockey, this year’s Games promise a widespread spectacle of athletic competition – the most geographically dispersed Winter Olympics ever held.
Key highlights include the participation of NHL stars like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid in men’s ice hockey, Marco Odermatt’s pursuit of alpine dominance, and Ilia Malinin’s attempt at a historic figure skating gold. The Games will also debut ski mountaineering as a new Olympic event, marking the first addition in 24 years.
How to Stream the Games in the U.S.
For U.S. viewers, every event will be streamed live in 4K on Peacock, making it the most affordable option. Peacock offers in-app features like Rinkside Live, highlights, an interactive schedule, and multiview for a comprehensive viewing experience.
Alternatively, NBC will broadcast exclusive Olympic coverage in 4K across NBC, USA Network, and NBCSN. These channels are available through live TV streaming services:
- YouTube TV: Offers NBC, USA, CNBC, and NBCSN.
- DirecTV: Carries NBC and USA (MySports package at $70/month).
- Hulu + Live TV: Another option for accessing the necessary channels.
- Xfinity: Provides 4K viewing with dedicated Olympics hub.
VPNs for International Access
If you’re traveling abroad, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can ensure uninterrupted access to the Games. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protect your privacy, and may bypass regional restrictions imposed by streaming platforms.
While VPNs are legal in many countries, some streaming services may block VPN usage. Verify the platform’s terms of service before relying on a VPN for access.
Key Dates and Events
The Games officially begin on Friday, February 6th, at 2 p.m. ET, with daily events starting as early as 1 a.m. ET due to the six-hour time difference with Italy.
Notable medal events include:
- February 7th: Alpine Skiing (Men’s Downhill), Speed Skating (Women’s 3000m)
- February 9th: Alpine Skiing (Women’s Super-G), Snowboard (Men’s Slopestyle)
- February 13th: Skeleton (Men’s & Women’s), Speed Skating (Men’s 10,000m)
- February 21st: Curling (Women’s Gold), Figure Skating (Pairs Free)
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will deliver a month of elite competition, accessible to U.S. viewers through streaming and traditional broadcast options. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower, the Games offer a compelling showcase of athletic achievement.
