Milano Cortina Games Launch with Stunning Satellite Imagery of Olympic Venues

As the 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicks off today, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has unveiled a breathtaking image of northern Italy, showcasing several pivotal venues for the globally anticipated event. Known collectively as the Milano Cortina Games, this year’s Olympics will unfold across a variety of picturesque locations, with competitions occurring at once in cities and regions like Milan, Bormio, Livigno, Anterselva, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, Tesero, and Verona.

The impressive image reveals a clear view of the majestic Alps, which serve as the backdrop for many of the Olympic venues. In the northeastern corner, we find Cortina d’Ampezzo, the town after which these Games are named. Often regarded as the Pearl of the Dolomites, Cortina is situated in a stunning mountainous region that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status due to its beauty and significance. This renowned ski resort also holds historical importance, having hosted the Winter Olympics back in 1956.

The opening ceremony is set to take place at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, identifiable on the image as a grey area nestled below the towering Alps on the lower left. Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, boasts a vast metropolitan area that spreads across Lombardy and eastern Piedmont, making it a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors.

Central to the image is Lake Garda, whose deep blue waters capture attention as the largest lake in Italy, covering 370 square kilometers and ranking third in size among Alpine lakes. Exiting eastward from Lake Garda, one arrives at Verona, the city that will serve as the host for the closing ceremony, marking the culmination of the two-week series of athletic competitions. Verona’s historic architecture, including the famous Arena—a circular Roman amphitheatre—has also granted the city UNESCO World Heritage status. Additionally, on March 6, the Arena will host the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Winter Games, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Paralympic Winter Games.

To the southeast, we can glimpse another iconic Italian site—the turquoise waves of the crescent-shaped Venetian lagoon, alongside the islands that collectively form the enchanting city of Venice, positioned along the Adriatic coast. As the atmosphere buzzes with excitement and anticipation, these stunning visuals encapsulate the spirit and grandeur of the 2026 Winter Olympics.