DAILY COUNTDOWN 2 - Momentum Builds as Alpine, Cross-Country and Snowboard Giants Chase Olympic Glory
Feb 08, 2026·ilovesnow:format(webp))
With the Olympic flame now burning bright, Milano Cortina 2026 moves swiftly into Day 2 as momentum builds across the FIS disciplines and some of the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding step into the spotlight.
From the legendary Olimpia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo to the demanding skiathlon course in Tesero, and back to the head-to-head intensity of Parallel Giant Slalom in Livigno, Sunday delivers another high-stakes day where experience, resilience and ambition collide on the Olympic stage.
After an opening day that saw the first medals awarded and early storylines emerge, athletes now return with confidence, pressure and opportunity as Milano Cortina 2026 continues its shift from anticipation to full competitive rhythm.
Four further sets of medals will be decided on Day 2, with podiums on offer in Alpine Skiing Women’s Downhill, Cross-Country Skiing Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon, and Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom for both women and men, events rich in Olympic history and primed for defining moments.
Medal Events Day 2 – Sunday, 8 February
11:30 Cortina d’Ampezzo - Alpine Skiing - Women’s Downhill - Results
12:30 Tesero - Cross-Country Skiing - Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon - Results
14:26 Livigno – Snowboard – Women’s Final Parallel Giant Slalom – Results
14:36 Livigno – Snowboard – Men’s Final Parallel Giant Slalom – Results
Across the Games, a total of 57 Olympic podiums will be awarded in ski and snowboard disciplines.
Full Olympic schedule available here.
Athletes & Storylines to Watch
Alpine Skiing – Women’s Downhill
The stage is set for a classic women’s Alpine programme in Cortina d’Ampezzo, with a star-studded field including Sofia Goggia (ITA), Federica Brignone (ITA), Sara Hector (SWE), Corinne Suter (SUI) and Emma Aicher (GER) leading the charge. The USA women’s team, buoyed by strong World Cup form — believe they’re poised for a breakthrough on the Olimpia delle Tofane slopes. Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) is looking to make a stunning comeback but all eyes are also on Lindsey Vonn (USA) as she fights to start the downhill despite a ruptured ACL and chase another Olympic medal.
Cross-Country Skiing – Men’s Skiathlon
Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo begins his Milano Cortina 2026 campaign aiming to rewrite history as the most decorated men’s Olympic cross-country skier, needing four golds in Italy to surpass the record of eight. The men’s skiathlon at the Tesero Cross-Country Stadium marks the start of his record bid as the Olympics’ top cross-country favourite. Klaebo says preparing well gives him confidence but recognizes the challenge ahead.
Snowboard – Women’s Parallel Giant Slalom
Parallel Giant Slalom takes centre stage in Livigno, where legacy and longevity define one of the most compelling Olympic storylines. Ester Ledecka (CZE) is chasing history as she aims to become the first snowboarder to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals, while facing fierce challenges from World Cup leader Tsubaki Miki (JPN) and a formidable Italian home team. The event also highlights remarkable Olympic longevity, with veterans Claudia Riegler (AUT) (52) and Tomoka Takeuchi (JPN) (42) extending their historic careers.
Snowboard – Men’s Parallel Giant Slalom
Italy’s Roland Fischnaller arrives at his seventh Olympic Games as the 2025/26 Parallel Giant Slalom World Cup leader, spearheading a formidable home team in Livigno. With Aaron March, Maurizio Bormolini and Mirko Felicetti all ranked inside the world’s top six, a full Italian podium sweep is a genuine possibility. Standing in their way is defending Olympic champion Benjamin Karl (AUT), competing at his fifth and final Games before retirement. A medal would make Karl the most decorated snowboarder in Olympic history, completing a set that already includes gold, silver and bronze.
Through My Eyes | A Special Letter
I Love Snow an Olympic campaign that shines a light beyond results and podiums, focusing on the personal journeys that lead athletes to the Olympic stage.
In Through My Eyes / A Special Letter, selected competitors share intimate reflections on preparation, pressure and what it truly means to compete at the Games.
Today’s feature highlights Tsubaki Miki (JPN), whose Olympic dream began at just eight years old.
I Love Snow
“I LOVE Snow – Passion Beyond Limits” brings fans closer to the athletes and stories that power snow sports across every FIS discipline - Olympic and Paralympic alike. The promise: authentic, emotional storytelling that turns moments into lasting fandom beyond Milano Cortina 2026.