The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to commence on February 6, 2026, in Milan's San Siro Stadium, highlighting a month of thrilling winter sports. The Alpine skiing competitions will begin just one day later, showcasing a classic event that will see the first gold medal awarded for men's downhill skiing. This year, athletes will compete in ten events, which is one less than in previous games due to the International Olympic Committee's decision to remove the mixed-team competition from the lineup.

In a notable change, the competition format for the combined event will now feature separate team competitions for men and women for the first time. This alteration allows nations to nominate their best athletes specifically for the downhill and slalom events, rather than having one athlete compete in both disciplines. This strategic shift is expected to increase the level of competition and showcase a wider array of ski talents from participating countries.

As the countdown to the games progresses, viewers can look forward to the detailed schedule of events tailored to Alpine skiing enthusiasts and sports fans worldwide. The opening downhill race is set for Saturday, February 7 at 11:30 AM, with broadcast coverage by ARD and Eurosport, and this pivotal moment will officially kick off the Olympic festivities, drawing attention to the year's standout athletes and exciting races ahead.