Olympic Flame’s Epic Journey: Where Will It Go for the 2026 Games?

VERONA, Italy — The torch relay for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics is set to begin an extensive journey across all 110 provinces of Italy. Spanning 63 days, the relay will cover a route of 12,000 kilometers (7,455 miles) before the Olympic cauldron is lit.

This announcement was made at a ceremonial event held on Tuesday at a palace overlooking the historic Verona Arena, which will host both the closing ceremony of the Olympics and the opening of the Paralympics.

The torch will reach Rome on December 4 and commence its journey through the country two days later. Notably, it will traverse Tuscany before embarking on a maritime journey to Sardinia and Sicily, returning to the mainland on December 19.

A significant 10,001 participants are expected to join the relay, which includes 60 celebrations across various cities. The torch will be in Naples for Christmas and will greet the New Year in Bari. On January 11, it will arrive in Torino, the city that hosted Italy’s previous Winter Olympics in 2006.

During its stay in Piedmont, a tribute will be paid to Matilde Lorenzi, a young skier who tragically lost her life last month. Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò assured that a special honor would be arranged since it was Lorenzi’s dream to compete in these Games.

The torch will arrive in Verona on January 18 and will proceed to Cortina d’Ampezzo eight days later, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Winter Olympics opening ceremony there.

The journey will culminate in Milan, with the torch entering the San Siro stadium for the opening ceremony on February 6. Details on applying to be a torchbearer will be released in February, focusing on individuals whose stories reflect courage, inclusion, and respect, as highlighted by ceremonies director Maria Laura Iascone.

The Milan-Cortina Games are scheduled from February 6-22, followed by the Paralympics from March 6-15. The Paralympic flame will be lit in Stoke Mandeville, England, and will also be carried by 501 participants.

Malagò emphasized the importance of the relay in fostering community spirit, stating, “Every step through our cities will become a moment of celebration and reflection.” He expressed confidence that the torch would evoke a sense of unity and pride, showcasing Italy on the world stage through the power of sport.