Whether you’re a sports fan or not, you’ve certainly seen highlights from the Olympics. This worldwide sporting event has something for everyone, and the next iteration is coming in 2026! The best way to get excited for the upcoming Winter Olympics? Visit some of the cities that have hosted the games in years past. Here are some of my favorite European host cities to visit this spring or summer.
Where It All Started: Chamonix, France
Chamonix, a French alpine town, was the site of the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924. This destination is absolutely wonderful for outdoor adventurers, but is also perfect for the over 60 year old traveler who simply wants to enjoy the views and walkable streets. Some ideas for your Chamonix getaway include:
- Taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car for jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc
- Skiing or snowboarding the Vallée Blanche
- Explore the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, and its ice cave
- Enjoy a delicious wine while lounging in a mountain lodge
A Classic Olympics Host: Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is a quintessential Winter Olympics destination! The Austrian town has hosted the Games twice (1964 and 1976) and remains one of the top destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. Surrounded by stunning alpine peaks, Innsbruck perfectly blends historic charm with world-class skiing and snowboarding. Consider putting these activities on your solo travel itinerary:
- Ski the famous Patscherkofel and Nordkette slope
- Visit the Bergisel Ski Jump and check out panoramic city views
- Wander through Innsbruck’s Old Town, with its medieval buildings and the iconic Golden Roof
- Get tickets for the Alpenzoo, one of the highest elevation zoos in Europe
Olympics Past and Present: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, is Italy’s crown jewel of winter sports. It first hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and is set to do it again in 2026. Known for its stunning landscapes and ski scene, Cortina is the ideal place for a day trip or several days if possible. Besides checking out the wonderful views, visitors can also:
- Hit the slopes at Tofana Ski Area
- Drive (or hike) through the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most recognizable mountain ranges in the world
- Go ice skating in the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, the original Olympic ice rink from 1956
See All These Cities in One Go
Booking separate trips to Chamonix, Innsbruck, and Cortina d’Ampezzo might be tough—these destinations are spread out, and even adventurous international travelers could have trouble getting all their bookings in order. Instead of hassling through travel planning, simply go with Collette! Collette Travel has an amazing itinerary that visits all three of these Winter Olympics host cities. The package Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites begins in Chamonix and passes through both Innsbruck and Cortina. I took this trip not too long ago and absolutely loved the scenery and built-in activities. I highly recommend saving yourself the struggle of self-booking and signing up for this amazing itinerary!
The Perfect Spring Vacation in Europe
If you’re still hoping to book international travel for this spring or early summer, it’s time to make the final decision! Visiting Winter Olympic host cities might seem like a trip for later in the year, but seeing these destinations in the spring will mean warmer weather without the high summer prices. What other Winter Olympics sites do you dream of visiting?
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