The year 2026 is going to be huge for various sports with many top tier international tournaments and events throughout the year. First up on the schedule, of course, is the Winter Olympics in Italy. Officially dubbed as the Milano Cortina Games, or XXV Winter Olympic Games, they will take place in Milan and the Cortina d’Ampezzo region, including Lombardy and Northeast Italy.
From February 6 with the Opening Ceremony, to February 22nd with the Closing Ceremony, it is going to be a celebration of everything that involves the highest levels of competition on snow and ice. Beating Sweden with their Stockholm Are bid with 47 votes to their 34, Italy will once again bethe host, their third Winter Games and fourth overall.
While there is no doubt that its summer counterpart is far more popular and recognized, the Winter Olympics are an amazing celebration of sports that are not typical or even relevant in many areas of the world. Because a country needs mountains and cold winters for its athletes to even begin to become knowledgeable about and skilled in these disciplines, not everyone gets to compete in winter sports. Sure, it is a huge advantage for regions that do.
However, those who lack this chance are still drawn to the disciplines and categories of Alpine, Nordic, and other sports because of the sheer excitement, degree of difficulty, danger, and fascination they have about them. As such, they are a fan favorite of sports bettors, so make sure to check out the Winter Olympic Games XXV expert picks and predictions on Stake.com for a wide selection of markets and the best odds.
Popular Sports and Favorites
Alpine skiing remains the marquee event. Spectators are drawn to downhill and technical races, where fractions of a second decide medals. American skier Mikaela Shiffrin, a multiple World Cup overall champion and Olympic medalist, is expected to be a defining figure again in 2026, after showing strong form following injury.
Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt has also dominated the men’s circuit and is widely considered a top contender for gold in both speed and technical events. These athletes represent nations with deep skiing traditions, such as Austria, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States, who have historically battled for the podium.
Figure skating often draws viewers who might not typically follow winter sports, thanks to its combination of athleticism and artistry. In the lead up to Milano-Cortina, rising stars and established champions made headlines. American Ilia Malinin, known for pushing technical boundaries with unprecedented quadruple jumps, is a favorite in the men’s singles, while his countrywoman Amber Glenn has generated buzz in the women’s field with record setting national performances. Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a multiple world champion, brings flair and experience that make her one to watch. The United States and Japan traditionally excel in figure skating at the Olympics, so make sure to follow them.
Ice hockey, especially the men’s tournament, remains a signature team sport of the Winter Games. With NHL players participating, the intensity of competition increases, and matchups like a high profile face off between the United States, Canada, and Denmark capture headlines not just for sport but broader narratives that engage a wide audience. It is also a time when hockey goes global, as opposed to the heavy NHL focus. The US and Canada rivalry is a perennial medal favorite matchup, but surprises are always possible in this fast paced, physical game.
Snowboarding attracts fans with its creativity and dynamism in events like halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air. American Chloe Kim, a dual Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe, is expected to be a standout again, as is New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski Synnott, whose progressive tricks continue to push the sport forward. Nations with strong snowboarding cultures, the US and Canada, dominate these events.
Cross country skiing enjoys popularity in Nordic countries, where it is part of cultural identity. Norwegian great Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is among the most decorated cross country skiers who excel across multiple distances. Norway, Sweden, and Finland have long storied histories in this discipline, contributing to their high medal expectations in 2026.
How to Bet on the Winter Olympics?
As an experienced sports bettor, you are probably more than used to football, basketball, tennis, horse racing, cricket, and others. Chances are, you have yet to place a bet on a winter sport. With the Olympics approaching rapidly, it is a prime chance to capitalize. So, instead of going in blindly, here is what you need to do.
Understanding Winter Olympic Sport
For experienced sports bettors, the Winter Olympics feel unfamiliar mainly because the events do not resemble regular season leagues. Most sports are short format competitions decided over a few runs, races, or routines, which increases variance. Alpine skiing, speed skating, and cross country skiing are time based and reward consistency and technique, while events like freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating rely on judges, adding a subjective layer similar to boxing or gymnastics.
Team sports exist, such as ice hockey as the most popular one, and curling, but the majority of markets focus on individual athletes. The key adjustment is accepting that past results may be limited and that one mistake can eliminate a favorite. Betting on the Winter Olympics is less about long term form and more about preparation, conditions, and momentary execution. This is why live betting may be a better option for most events.
Markets and Odds Unique to the Games
Winter Olympic betting offers many familiar markets with a different twist. Outright winners are common, but books also offer podium finishes, head to head matchups, heat winners, and nationality based props. Because Olympic events happen infrequently, sportsbooks often deal with uncertainty, which can create value if you research well.
Head to head markets are especially useful for bettors who want to avoid picking outright winners in volatile events. Futures on medal counts or specific countries can resemble season long bets, but they require understanding which nations dominate which disciplines. Since events are condensed into a short window, odds can move quickly after qualifications or practice runs, making timing more important than in league betting. In any case, research is prevalent.
Evaluating Athletes, Nations, and Conditions
With limited exposure to winter sports, bettors should start by tracking dominant countries rather than individual stars. Nations like Norway, Germany, Canada, and the United States consistently perform well in specific disciplines due to funding, coaching, and infrastructure. Athlete evaluation often hinges on recent World Cup results, which function like pre Olympic leagues.
Course design, altitude, snow quality, and weather matter more than casual bettors expect, especially in skiing and sliding sports. Some athletes excel on icy tracks, others on softer snow. Unlike many team sports, injuries or equipment issues can completely change an athlete’s chances, so last minute news and adjustments are critical.
Bankroll Management and Betting Strategy
The biggest trap in Olympic betting is overexposure. With events running all day, it is tempting to bet constantly, but the high variance means disciplined staking is essential. Treat the Olympics like a tournament rather than a season, keeping unit sizes smaller than usual. Focus on markets you understand, even if that means ignoring popular events.
Live betting can be valuable once you see how judges are scoring, how a course is playing, and how the athletes are performing. A selective approach, patience, and respect for randomness will give you the best chance to enjoy the Games while protecting your bankroll. Winter Olympic Games XXV betting odds will be ready and waiting, so make sure to prepare and form a strategy to carry you through the entire event.
Most Popular Winter Olympics Betting Method
Regardless of what type of games it is, Summer or Winter, and no matter who the host is, the most popular overall competition revolves around the total number of medals. The same goes for the XXV 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, and the odds are already out for the outright medal count. So, who do the bookies see as the nation with the most gold medals, i.e., the most successful country at the tournament?
According to Stake.com, it is, once again, Norway. The Nordic country is simply leaps and bounds ahead of the competition in terms of dominance in various sports. While other nations have superb athletes in certain disciplines, Norway is great across the board. They are also the country with the highest medal total in the history of the Winter Olympic Games. For the upcoming 2026 iteration, Norway leads the odds race with 1.65. They are followed by Germany, somewhat of a surprise in the second place, with 5.50. The disparity between the first two is a clear indication of Norwegian dominance. The USA, always a threat in sports, is third with 6.50 odds.
Following the leading trio are Canada with 7.00, Italy with 13.00, the Netherlands with 21.00, and Switzerland with 26.00. All of these are winter sports nations that typically dominate yearly leagues, cups, and tournaments. The middle of the rankings sees Sweden with 51.00, France with 66.00, China with 101.00, and Japan with 151.00. The rest of the country has odds anywhere from 251.00 with Austria to 2,501.00 for Ireland, Australia, and Poland, and are essentially out of the race for the most golds. In the following weeks, check back frequently to see the more specific odds for individual events and daily competition.
Winter Olympics FAQs
1. What are the Winter Olympic Games?
The Winter Olympic Games are an international sporting event held every four years, featuring sports that take place on snow or ice, such as skiing, skating, and hockey.
2. When were the first Winter Olympic Games held?
The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, with 16 nations participating.
3. How often are the Winter Olympics held?
They are held every four years, alternating every two years with the Summer Olympic Games.
4. What types of sports are included in the Winter Olympics?
Winter Olympic sports include ice sports (like figure skating and ice hockey), alpine sports (such as downhill skiing), and Nordic sports (like cross country skiing and ski jumping).
5. Which country has won the most Winter Olympic medals?
Norway holds the record for the most total medals in Winter Olympic history with 405 overall, 148 gold, 133 silver, and 124 bronze.
6. What is the youngest sport in the Winter Olympics?
Snowboarding is one of the newest sports, first introduced at the 1998 Nagano Games. Ski mountaineering debuts at the 2026 games.
7. How do athletes qualify for the Winter Olympics?
Athletes qualify by meeting international standards set by their sport’s governing body and by earning spots through competitions and rankings.
8. What are the Olympic rings, and what do they represent?
The five rings represent the five continents united through sport, symbolizing global friendship and cooperation.
9. How are Winter Olympic host cities chosen?
Host cities are selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after a competitive bidding process that considers facilities, infrastructure, and sustainability.
10. Why are the Winter Olympic Games important?
The Winter Olympics promote international unity, encourage athletic excellence, and help popularize winter sports around the world to get them closer to other, more well known sports.
11. What is the Olympic torch relay in the Winter Games?
The Olympic torch relay carries the Olympic flame from Greece to the host country, symbolizing peace, unity, and the connection between the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
12. What is the difference between the Winter and Summer Olympics?
The main difference is the type of sports: the Winter Olympics focus on snow and ice sports, while the Summer Olympics feature sports played on land or in water, such as athletics and swimming.
13. How do Winter Olympic athletes stay safe in extreme cold conditions?
Athletes wear specialized clothing, use protective gear, and follow strict safety rules to prevent injuries and frostbite in cold and icy environments.
14. What is the role of judges in Winter Olympic events?
Judges score athletes based on technique, difficulty, accuracy, and artistic performance, depending on the sport, to ensure fair and consistent competition.
15. Have the Winter Olympic Games ever been canceled?
No Winter Olympic Games have ever been canceled, although some have been affected by global events and have required special planning and adjustments.
