The Countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games

The excitement is palpable as the countdown begins for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of northern Italy’s Alps, the world’s best winter athletes are poised to chase their dreams of gold. Team USA is gearing up for a momentous journey, where dedication, skill, and sportsmanship will take center stage.

The Path to the Olympics

With the clock ticking down inside the 100-day window leading to the Opening Ceremonies on February 6, 2026, Team USA athletes are in the final stretch of their preparations. This crucial period includes a series of pre-Olympic events, providing a platform for competitors to showcase their talents and secure their places on the Olympic roster.

NBC Sports will deliver extensive coverage of these build-up events, offering fans a chance to witness the excitement and intensity as athletes compete for their Olympic dreams. From U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team Trials to national championships, the anticipation is building for what’s ahead.

Watching the Pre-Olympic Events

Curling Trials: Pursuit of Glory

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Curling Team Trials kick off in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, from November 11 to November 16. This six-day event is a thrilling opportunity for the top curling teams in the nation to vie for a spot on Team USA.

NBC Sports will present over 100 hours of live coverage, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action. The trials will feature dynamic matchups as teams aim to hone their skills and build momentum leading into the Olympics.

U.S. Curling Team Trials Schedule

• Tuesday, November 11

  • 1 p.m. — Draw 1 (4 games) on Peacock
  • 8 p.m. — Draw 2 (4 games) on Peacock

• Wednesday, November 12

  • 1 p.m. — Draw 3 (4 games) on Peacock
  • 8 p.m. — Draw 4 (4 games) on Peacock

• Thursday, November 13

  • 1 p.m. — Draw 5 (4 games) on Peacock
  • 8 p.m. — Draw 6 (4 games) on Peacock

• Friday, November 14

  • 9 a.m. — Tiebreaker(s) on Peacock*
  • 3 p.m. — Women’s Final (Game 1) on Peacock
  • 8 p.m. — Men’s Final (Game 1) on Peacock

• Weekend Wrap-up

  • December 15-16 schedules include critical knockout rounds.

Speed Skating: The Race is On

From January 2-5, the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Team Trials will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Among the competitors is Jordan Stolz, a world champion making waves in the speed skating world. This event is vital, determining who will represent Team USA in a sport known for its high stakes and even higher speeds.

Fans can tune in as Stolz, the 1000m world record holder, looks to secure his Olympic spot amidst a fierce lineup of speed skaters.

Speed Skating Trials Schedule

• Friday, January 2

  • 6 p.m. — Women’s 3,000m on Peacock

• Saturday, January 3

  • 4 p.m. — Men’s and Women’s 1000m on NBC, Peacock

• Sunday, January 4

  • 2 p.m. — Men’s and Women’s 500m (Part 1) on Peacock

• Monday, January 5

  • 4:30 p.m. — Men’s Mass Start (Part 1) on Peacock

Figure Skating: The Pursuit of Artistic Excellence

From January 6-11, the Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships will take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. This high-profile event will feature defending champions like Ilia Malinin and Alysa Liu, who are looking to secure their positions on the Olympic team.

NBC Sports will cover this final qualifying event extensively, providing viewers with prime-time access to the performances that will help shape Team USA’s figure skating roster.

Figure Skating Championships Schedule

• Wednesday, January 7

  • 8 p.m. — Coverage on Peacock, USA Network

• Friday, January 9

  • 8 p.m. — Coverage on NBC, Peacock

• Saturday, January 10

  • 8 p.m. — Coverage on NBC, Peacock

Additional Excitement for Fans

As anticipation builds for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, fans can expect a supercharged lineup of programming. From thrilling curling matches to heart-pounding speed skating and graceful figure skating performances, sports enthusiasts will have countless opportunities to cheer for Team USA.

Stay tuned to NBC and Peacock for all the latest updates, schedules, and live coverage as these athletes strive for glory on the world stage. The journey through trials, tribulations, and triumphs awaits, and the Olympics will be an unforgettable highlight in the sports calendar come February 2026!