The Olympic Flame Passes by Lake Como: Winter Olympics 2026 at Cortina and Bormio

The Winter Olympics are returning to Italy in 2026, and the excitement is already building. 

Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milan will be the official host cities, but key events will be held all around Northern Italy. This global celebration of sport will cast its glow over breathtaking landscapes.

The Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics

Italy last hosted the Winter Games in 2006, in Turin. Twenty years later, the world returns to discover not only the Olympic spirit but also the charm of Italian hospitality, tradition, and nature. 

The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially titled the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. 

Events will be spread across multiple venues in Northern Italy:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo: Often called the Queen of the Dolomites, it will host alpine skiing, curling, and biathlon.
• Bormio (Valtellina): Known for its legendary slopes, it will host alpine skiing competitions, continuing its tradition as one of the world’s premier skiing destinations.
• Milan: As a cosmopolitan hub, it will host figure skating, ice hockey, and the opening ceremonies.
• Other locations: Additional competitions will take place in Verona and other partner cities.

This decentralized format will highlight the cultural and geographical richness of Northern Italy, offering visitors the chance to discover multiple regions while following the Games.

The Olympic Flame on Lake Como

One of the most symbolic traditions of the Olympics is the torch relay, which carries the flame from Greece to the host nation, passing through iconic places along the way. In 2026, Lake Como will proudly be part of this journey. The flame will reflect on the lake’s shimmering waters, uniting the timeless beauty of Como with the universal values of peace, unity, and sporting excellence.

For Menaggio, located on the western shore of Lake Como, the passage of the flame is more than an event; it is a celebration of community and heritage. 

The town’s squares, promenades, and lakeside terraces will provide the perfect setting to welcome this extraordinary moment. 

Key Olympic Initiatives in Lake Como

This wintertime will be full of events on Lake Como.

Here are several confirmed or planned activities around Lake Como tied to the 2026 Winter Games, involving cultural, artistic, or community engagement:

1. “Sport Movies & TV – Culture Through Olympism” Exhibition at Yacht Club Eriolario, Lezzeno
   

   One of the most concrete and accessible initiatives is already open in the Lake Como area. At Lezzeno (on the shores of Lake Como), the Yacht Club Eriolario is hosting the exhibition “Sport Movies & TV – Culture through Olympism.”

   • It features around 300 photographs, shown under a “tribeca”-style display, along with a 53-minute video.
   • Themes include “Women at the Games” and “Olympic Ceremonies,” plus emotional moments from past Olympic and Paralympic events.
   • The exhibition is free and open through the month of October.

2. Cultural Olympiad / “Cultural Olympiad” programmes across Italy
   

   Lake Como is part of the broader Cultural Olympiad that accompanies Milano-Cortina 2026. The objectives are to promote Olympic and Paralympic values via art, culture, and heritage; to involve communities; and to create events that engage people outside the main competition venues.

   • The Cultural Olympiad aims to enhance Italy’s tangible and intangible heritage in the lead-up to the Games, including exhibitions, performances, and public art.
   • Locations like Lake Como are likely to see “satellite” or “fringe” events—cultural activations that tie in with the Olympics but do not require large sports infrastructure. The Sport Movies & TV exhibition is an example.

3. The Olympic Torch Relay / “Greatest Journey”
   

   The official torch relay will span 63 days, covering all 110 provinces of Italy, with about 10,001 torchbearers. It will start in November 2025 (in Olympia, Greece), arrive in Italy via Rome, and then travel through many regions leading up to the Opening Ceremony in Milan on 6 February 2026.

   • While as of now there is no public, confirmed schedule that states every town or stop on the lakes is identified, the relay’s design is to pass through many towns (including those with cultural significance, UNESCO heritage, etc.).
   • Torchbearer applications are also part of the initiative: people with stories can apply to carry the flame; this fosters local involvement. Lake Como residents are eligible.

4. Local / Regional Celebrations & Sports Culture

   • The Lombardy Region has already organised some Olympic-related celebrations, such as synchronised skating shows and free skating moments in public rinks. While many of these are in Milan or other big urban centres, there is an intention to spread excitement region-wide.
   • The Lake Como Convention Bureau and other local tourism & cultural bodies are preparing “Experiences” that might tie in with the Olympic atmosphere, such as themed tours, exhibitions, or sports-inspired events. Some are year-round, but many will be timed around the Olympic lead-up.
   • 

While there are many exciting developments, some details are still being worked out. For example, we still do not know, because it has not been publicly confirmed, whether the flame will physically pass through Menaggio or nearby towns on the lake shore (or exactly which date). This might be announced as part of the detailed route closer to the relay.

We also know that more exhibitions, concerts, workshops, or temporary sporting events may be planned locally (in Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, etc.), but we do not know the calendar yet. Be prepared!

Menaggio: A Gateway to the Games

While the main Olympic events will take place in Cortina and Bormio, Menaggio is ideally located for travellers who wish to experience both the thrill of the Games and the serenity of a lakeside retreat. From Menaggio, it is possible to reach Bormio in just a few hours by car, making it an excellent base for day trips to the competitions.

After an exhilarating day at the races in Bormio, returning to Menaggio offers something unique: a chance to relax on the lake, enjoy a sunset aperitivo, and recharge in the comfort of a welcoming hotel. The combination of world-class sports and world-class scenery makes this a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Lake Como: A Stage for Beauty and Inspiration

Even without the Olympics, Lake Como has long been a destination of inspiration for artists, writers, and travellers. With its charming villages, historic villas, and dramatic mountain backdrop, it represents the best of Italian culture and landscape. 

The Olympic flame passing through here adds a new chapter to this story, bringing together centuries of tradition with a moment of global unity.

Visitors during the Olympic season can look forward to not only witnessing the torch relay but also exploring the treasures of the lake. From boat tours across Bellagio and Varenna to hikes in the surrounding hills, every day offers a balance of adventure and relaxation.

Imagine watching the Olympic flame illuminate the lake’s surface, then savouring a traditional Italian dinner while reflecting on the day’s experiences. 

The 2026 Winter Olympics are not only about medals and competitions—they are about sharing emotions, creating memories, and celebrating together.

While the sports take place in host cities like Cortina, Bormio, Milan and others, the Olympic spirit is being celebrated throughout Northern Italy—and Lake Como is among the places gearing up with its own special initiatives!