Get ready for the 2026 Winter Olympics, but there's a catch you might not expect! The time difference between the U.S. and Italy could make or break your viewing plans. And this is the part most people miss: the Milano Cortina Games actually kicked off two days before the opening ceremony! Here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Aliza Chasan, a seasoned Digital Content Producer for 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com, brings you the lowdown on this winter’s most anticipated event. With a background in covering trending news, including crime and politics, for outlets like PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition, and DNAinfo, Aliza ensures you’re in good hands.
Why the Time Difference Matters
The venues in Italy are six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. This means American viewers will need to plan carefully to catch their favorite events live. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a detailed schedule breakdown.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6, was a spectacle to remember, featuring performances by Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, and Andrea Bocelli, along with the traditional Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. Produced by Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony took place primarily at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium, with additional events around Milan and athlete parades in Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Catch all the highlights here.
The closing ceremony will be held at the Verona Arena on Feb. 22, marking the end of an unforgettable two weeks of competition.
Daily Highlights: What to Watch
Saturday, Feb. 7: A skiing extravaganza with Alpine, cross-country, freestyle, and ski jumping events. Don’t miss the U.S. vs. Great Britain curling matchup! Other highlights include men’s single skating, ice dance, ice hockey, luge, snowboarding, and speed skating.
Sunday, Feb. 8: More slope action with Alpine skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping, alongside snowboarding and cross-country. Figure skating fans, rejoice—team competitions in pair skating, women’s single, and men’s single are on the docket.
Controversial Question: With so many events overlapping, which sport do you think deserves more primetime coverage? Let’s debate in the comments!
Figure Skating and Snowboarding Schedules
Figure skating events run from Feb. 6 to Feb. 11, with a break on Feb. 12, followed by additional events on Feb. 13, 15, 16, 17, and 19. Snowboarding events start early on Feb. 5, continuing through Feb. 7-9, 11-13, and 15-18. Check the official Olympics website for detailed timings.
Full Schedule Overview
While the opening ceremony was on Feb. 6, events began on Feb. 4 with Alpine skiing, curling, and luge. The closing ceremony on Feb. 22 will coincide with several medal events. Here’s a snapshot of the daily lineup:
- Feb. 4: Alpine skiing, curling, luge
- Feb. 5: Alpine skiing, curling, ice hockey, luge, ski jumping, snowboarding
- Feb. 6: Opening Ceremony, Alpine skiing, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, luge, ski jumping
- Feb. 7: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, ski jumping, snowboarding, speed skating
- Feb. 8: Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, ice hockey, luge, ski jumping, snowboarding, speed skating
And here’s where it gets controversial: The schedule is subject to change, according to organizers. How do you feel about last-minute adjustments affecting your viewing plans? Share your thoughts below!
TV Coverage: Live or Delayed?
Viewers in the U.S. can watch on NBC and Peacock, with a minimum of five hours of live coverage each morning and afternoon. Tape-delayed coverage will also be available. Check your local listings here.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Winter Olympics promises thrills, spills, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this guide ensures you won’t miss a beat. But remember, the time difference and potential schedule changes could throw a wrench in your plans. How will you navigate these challenges? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your strategies!
