How to watch (and experience) the 2026 Winter Olympic Games

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are here! While the greatest athletes in the world are gathering in Italy, we wanted to make sure you know how to watch all of your favourite events. 

Olympic Schedule 

You can find the full schedule of the games here: Olympic Schedule. Whether you want to watch the beauty of figure skating or the teamwork in hockey, you’ll find the exact times for everything there. 

Where to Watch

While we do have a few students traveling to Italy to witness the events live, there are plenty of options for you to watch from the warmth of your home. For a free option, BBC Sport will be your go too. Discovery + members will also be able to catch the Games through their subscription, starting as low as £3.99 a month. 

Getting Involved in Winter Sports

If watching the games is inspiring you to try out some winter sports first hand, you’re in luck, London is filled with opportunities to get involved in. 

Curling 

Did you know that every curling stone used in the Olympics is made from granite found on a Scottish island? The small island named Ailsa Craig is only 240 acres across, but it’s considered the best place in the world to source the perfect granite for curling stones. 

If you want to try curling out yourself, you can see all the options here. Whether you’re planning  Valentine’s date night, a fun outing with friends, or a solo day out to get the hang of it, it’s the perfect Winter Olympic activity. 

Ice Skating 

The festive season may be over, but London still has a few options for you to try your hand at skating. Queens has a year-round indoor ice rink for public skating and group lessons. The venue also offers a variety of other activities, such as bowling and darts. Another option, open until February 22, is the Canary Wharf ice rink. This is a good choice if you want to explore a new part of London while feeling the ice beneath your feet. 

Skiing and Snowboarding 

While London itself doesn’t have the best slopes, you can travel to mainland Europe to experience skiing or snowboarding at a fraction of the cost of US ski resorts. Some of the most popular budget-friendly destinations are Italy and Austria. 

Summer Olympics 

If winter sports aren’t really your thing and you’re already counting down the days until the 2028 LA Summer Olympic Games, you can still get into the Olympic spirit by visiting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. There, you can swim in an Olympic pool, take a tour of the Olympic Stadium (now home to West Ham), try cycling in the Lee Valley VeloPark, or even give white-water rafting a go! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can slide down the world's longest slide while you’re there too. 

Finally, if you’re looking for the Olympic vibe outside of the events, you can curl up at home with some sweet and salty popcorn for a movie night. Two of our favourite winter Olympic movies are Cutting Edge and Cool Runnings. 

Be sure to tag us in any Olympic adventures you get up to during your time abroad @arcadiaengland.