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5 Big Questions About the Winter Olympics

Top athletes from around the world are preparing to hit the snow and ice at the 25th Winter Games. Here’s what you need to know.

February 2, 2026
By Ellen Song

As You Read, Think About: How will this year’s Olympics differ from the 1924 Games?

Let the Games Begin!
Watch a video to learn more about the Olympics.

1. How long have the Olympics been around?

The Olympics began about 2,800 years ago in Greece with a single event, a footrace. The modern Olympic Games—featuring athletes from many different countries—were first held in Athens, Greece, in April 1896. 

The first Winter Olympics took place in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The competition was called “International Winter Sports Week.” The event wasn’t officially recognized as the first Winter Olympics until two years later. 

The 1924 Games didn’t include popular winter sports like downhill skiing or snowboarding (which hadn’t been invented yet). And nearly all the athletes were men—women competed only in figure skating. 

Since then, the Winter Games have grown to include more events and athletes. 

The Olympics began about 2,800 years ago in Greece. There was just a single event, a footrace. The modern Olympics, featuring athletes from many countries, were first held in Athens, Greece. That was in April 1896. 

In 1924, the first Winter Olympics took place in Chamonix, France. The event was called “International Winter Sports Week.” It wasn’t officially considered the first Winter Olympics until two years later. 

The 1924 Games didn’t include popular sports like downhill skiing. Snowboarding hadn’t been invented yet. And nearly all the athletes were men. Women competed only in figure skating. 

Since then, the Winter Games have grown. Now they include more events and athletes.

piemags/Alamy Stock Photo

At the 1924 Winter Games, all events were held outdoors—including figure skating.

2. Where are the Games taking place this year?

For the first time, the Olympics will have two host cities, both in Italy: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. They’re more than a four-hour drive from each other, making these the most spread-out Winter Games ever. The Olympic flame will burn in both places throughout the Games, which run from February 6 to 22. 

For the first time, the Olympics will have two host cities. They are both in Italy: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. They’re more than a four-hour drive from each other. That makes these Games the most spread-out Winter Olympics ever. The Olympic flame will burn in both places throughout the Games, which run from February 6 to 22.  

Fact File: ITALY

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

Population: About 61 million people. In comparison, the U.S. is home to about 343 million people.

Geography: The mainland is shaped like a boot that looks like it’s kicking Italy’s largest island, Sicily. Overall, the country is slightly larger than the state of Arizona.

Official Language: Italian


Sources: CIA World Factbook; U.S. Census Bureau

Population: About 61 million people. In comparison, the U.S. is home to about 343 million people.

Geography: The mainland is shaped like a boot that looks like it’s kicking Italy’s largest island, Sicily. Overall, the country is slightly larger than the state of Arizona.

Official Language: Italian


Sources: CIA World Factbook; U.S. Census Bureau

3. Why are there two host cities?

Li Jing/Xinhua via Getty Images

One reason is to avoid unnecessary construction. Past host cities often had to build several new arenas and other venues. But after the Games ended, those places sometimes got little use. 

This year, events will mostly take place in existing venues. Indoor rinks in Milan will host skating events. Meanwhile, skiers, snowboarders, and other outdoor athletes will go for the gold in Cortina d’Ampezzo and other mountain towns in northern Italy. 

One reason is to avoid extra construction. Past host cities often had to build many new arenas and other venues. But after the Games ended, those places sometimes got little use. 

This year, events will mostly take place in existing venues. Indoor rinks in Milan will host skating events. Skiers, snowboarders, and other outdoor athletes will compete in Cortina d’Ampezzo and nearby mountain towns.  

4. Will anything else be different this year? 

GABRIEL MONNET/AFP via Getty Images 

A SkiMo athlete races up a steep slope.

Yes! Athletes will compete in 116 medal events—the most ever in a single Winter Olympics. Nearly half the competitors will be women, a record for the Winter Games.

Plus, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut. Also called SkiMo, it’s a race that involves climbing a mountain partway on skis and partway on foot, then speeding downhill on skis to the finish line.

And on the ice, National Hockey League players will return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.

Yes! Athletes will compete in 116 medal events. That’s the most ever in a single Winter Olympics. Nearly half the athletes will be women. That will be a record for the Winter Games.

Plus, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut. Also called SkiMo, it’s a mountain race. Athletes climb a mountain partway on skis and partway on foot. They then speed downhill on skis to the finish line.

And on the ice, National Hockey League players will return to the Olympics. It will be their first time since 2014.

Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Auston Matthews hopes to lead Team USA to a hockey gold medal.

5. Who are some athletes to watch for this year?

Every four years, viewers worldwide are introduced to a new batch of Olympic stars. They also get to see if past champions can excel once again on the world’s biggest stage. This year, two U.S. Olympic legends are hoping for a gold medal three-peat. Snowboarder Chloe Kim and skier Mikaela Shiffrin are two-time gold medalists. 

Will they shine again in Italy? What other athletes will become Olympic heroes? We’ll find out soon!

Every four years, viewers are introduced to a new group of Olympic stars. They also get to see if past champions can shine again. This year, two U.S. Olympic legends are hoping for their third gold medal. Snowboarder Chloe Kim and skier Mikaela Shiffrin are two-time gold medalists. 

Will they shine again in Italy? What other athletes will become Olympic heroes? We’ll find out soon!

Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via AP Images

Chloe Kim

1. Describe two ways the 2026 Winter Olympics will be different from the 1924 Winter Olympics.

2. Why will the 2026 Winter Olympics have two host cities?

3. Based on the article, what are two records that the 2026 Winter Olympics will set?

1. Describe two ways the 2026 Winter Olympics will be different from the 1924 Winter Olympics.

2. Why will the 2026 Winter Olympics have two host cities?

3. Based on the article, what are two records that the 2026 Winter Olympics will set?

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