Overview
- Opening ceremonies ran simultaneously in Milan, Cortina, Predazzo and Livigno, featuring two Olympic flames and performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.
- International coverage praised the scale and staging yet noted audible boos for U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and the Israeli team, plus reports of some empty seats.
- The first medal events are scheduled for Feb. 7, including men’s alpine downhill in Bormio, women’s normal‑hill ski jumping in Predazzo, women’s 3,000 m speed skating and the women’s skiathlon.
- Switzerland’s women’s hockey team skipped the ceremony after a teammate tested positive for norovirus; Swiss Olympic said the player was isolated and is now symptom‑free.
- Organizers’ choice to reuse dispersed venues highlights sustainability goals but brings long travel times between sites and a more fragmented Games experience.