Milan Cortina 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Short-Term Rental Hosts

From February 6 to 22, 2026, Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and other Alpine locations will host the Winter Olympics, a global event that will bring thousands of tourists, athletes, and media from around the world to Italy.

For those who manage short-term rentals, this is an unmissable opportunity. Preparing in advance means being ready, increasing visibility, and maximizing earnings.

In this guide, you will find practical tips on optimizing your listing, updating your prices, welcoming international guests, and turning the Olympics into a real advantage for your business.

Why are the 2026 Winter Olympics important for short-term rental hosts?

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are not just a major sporting event: they are a driving force for tourism and an extraordinary opportunity for those who rent non-hotel accommodation in Northern Italy, including vacation homes, guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, farmhouses, and much more.

Media coverage, visitors from all over the world, and growing demand for temporary accommodation will make this a particularly favorable period for Italian hosts, not only in the host cities but also in nearby areas.

2026 Olympics: a global event with local impact

The Olympic Games will involve over 2,500 athletes from more than 90 countries, with worldwide media coverage and an expected influx of over one million visitors. Added to these are delegations, technical staff, volunteers, journalists, and fans who will be seeking flexible, well-located, and more “authentic” accommodation than traditional hotels.

For property managers and short-term rental hosts, this is a unique opportunity to increase visibility, occupancy rates, and earnings, while potentially attracting an international clientele with specific desires and needs.

Milan and Cortina, but not only: the locations involved

Although Milan and Cortina are the main hubs, the competitions will also take place in various locations in Lombardy, Veneto, and the Trentino-Alto Adige Alps. Among the confirmed venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics are:

• Milan: Ceremonies and ice hockey competitions.
• Cortina d'Ampezzo (Ampezzo Dolomites, Veneto): Women's alpine skiing, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton.
• Baselga di Piné (Alta Valsugana, Trento): Speed skating.
• Anterselva (South Tyrol): Biathlon.

Neighboring areas, including cities such as Bergamo, Verona, and Trento, can also benefit from the event, thanks to the demand for accommodation in well-connected or less congested areas.

How to optimize your vacation rental for Milan Cortina 2026

With an international event of this magnitude, competition among short-term rental hosts will be fierce. To get noticed by travelers looking for accommodation during the Olympic Games, it is essential to review your online presence and ensure every detail of your listing is in order.

Update your listing: description, title, photos

The first step in making your listing relevant and competitive ahead of the Olympics is to include clear references to the Games in the title or description, such as “just minutes from the Olympic venues” or “perfect for guests of Milano Cortina 2026.” This will allow the platforms' internal search engines to easily link your property to the event.

Make sure your photos are up to date, bright, and realistic. If possible, add seasonal images (e.g., with snow) or images that highlight useful winter amenities, such as a ski and boot storage area or a fireplace.

Ensure that the number of beds is clearly stated and check the list of services offered. If possible, update any winter extras: extra blankets, efficient heating, parking, or a shuttle to the ski lifts. Remember: it's the details that make the difference.

Set a targeted pricing strategy

During major events, demand increases and prices rise. But be careful: raising your price at random can cost you visibility and guests. Study the competition in your area, compare rates on Airbnb and Booking.com, and take into account factors such as:

• proximity to Olympic facilities or competition venues;

• the size and capacity of the accommodation;
• extra winter amenities (e.g., ski storage, independent heating, breakfast included).

To avoid mistakes, consider using a dynamic pricing tool such as Smoobu Dynamic Pricing, which adjusts rates based on actual demand, events, and seasonality. You set a minimum and maximum price, and the system does the rest automatically.

Open your calendar in advance

Many international travelers will start booking well in advance, especially those traveling to attend specific events or working with delegations. If your calendar is not yet open for February 2026, you are losing visibility just when searches begin.

Open your dates now and set a recommended minimum stay of at least 4-5 nights to reduce frequent check-ins and check-outs and simplify operational management. Even better if you can accommodate the same group for the entire duration of the Games: less turnover, less stress.

What travelers are looking for during the Olympic Games

During an event like Milano Cortina 2026, travelers aren't just looking for a place to sleep: they want comfort, convenience, and flexibility. Offering what they really need can help you stand out from the competition.

Strategic location and mobility

Proximity to sports facilities is a key advantage, but it's not the only one. Even if your accommodation isn't right next to the competition venues, you can promote it by highlighting nearby public transport links, Olympic shuttles, or convenient parking.

Add this information directly to your listing description or guest guide: travelers want to know in advance how to get around, especially if they are unfamiliar with the area.

Winter comforts and extra services

Winter needs are different, but thermal comfort is essential. Be sure to offer:

• Efficient, controllable heating (specify whether independent).
• Additional blankets, rugs, or insulated flooring.
• Storage for skis, snowboards, or sports equipment.
• Convenient parking, preferably covered or close to the accommodation.

Even small details, such as a drying rack for wet gloves or a welcome kit with hot chocolate, can make a difference to the guest experience.

Offer a complete experience with a digital guest guide+

Welcoming a guest is not just about handing over the keys: during an event such as Milano Cortina 2026, a good host makes all the difference by offering practical information, local tips, and support, even before arrival. The best way to do this? Use the Smoobu guest guide!

What to include in your Olympic guest guide

With Smoobu, you can create a personalized digital guide in minutes to share with your guests. An interactive tool accessible on a smartphone that brings together everything they need to make the most of their stay and the Olympics.

Make sure your guide explains:

• How to get to the accommodation from stations or airports.
• Information about public transport, Olympic shuttles, and parking (essential, considering the traffic there will be during the most anticipated competitions!).
• Tourist tax, where applicable.
• Map of the area with key locations: sports facilities, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies.
• Local tips on where to eat, what to visit, or where to rent sports equipment.
• House rules and contacts for any eventuality.

Including a list of local events related to the 2026 Winter Games or ceremonies can make the experience even more interesting for your guests.

Communicate in multiple languages

Most travelers to Milano Cortina 2026 will be coming from abroad. For this reason, it is essential that your guide is available in at least English.

Smoobu's digital guest guide can be automatically translated into multiple languages, so you can easily communicate with an international clientele without any extra effort.

An informed guest is a more satisfied guest, and more likely to leave a 5-star review.

To learn more, check out our comprehensive guide “Prepare your vacation rentals for international tourists.”

Conclusion: turn Milan Cortina 2026 into an opportunity for growth

The 2026 Winter Olympics are not just a sporting event, but a real opportunity for growth in the short-term rental market. Hosts will see increased visibility for the locations involved and demand for accommodation, and those who are ready will be able to achieve very positive financial results.

Here is a quick summary of the key actions to put into practice:

• Optimize your listing: description, photos, amenities.
• Define a dynamic pricing strategy.
• Open your calendar and set a minimum stay.
• Enhance the guest experience with your digital guide.
• Communicate in multiple languages, including English.
• Ensure professional management of your properties with Smoobu.

📆 Don't wait until the last minute: start preparing your accommodation now to welcome guests from all over the world. Milan Cortina 2026 can become