Milano Cortina 2026 tickets: how to buy, resell, and use the official app

The cauldron has been lit. With the Opening Ceremony archived and competitions currently underway across the snowy peaks and urban arenas of Italy, the focus has shifted entirely to the athletes. As the schedule intensifies and the first medals are awarded, the opportunity to witness history firsthand is the priority for travelers in Lombardy and Veneto.

However, whether you are aiming to catch a downhill run in Cortina or a high-stakes hockey match in Milan, securing access requires navigating a specific digital infrastructure. The organization has implemented a mandatory "fully digital" ecosystem designed to eliminate paper waste and strictly eradicate unauthorized scalping.

For the spectator, understanding the mechanics of the official app, the nuances of the resale market, and the strict security protocols regarding digital access is not just helpful—it is essential. This guide provides a detailed technical breakdown of the ticketing landscape for the ongoing Games, ensuring your focus remains on the performance rather than administrative hurdles.

The official app: your only way into the venues

The era of physical ticket stubs and print-at-home PDFs has officially ended. For the 2026 Winter Games, the entire ticketing process is centralized exclusively within the official mobile application: "Tickets MilanoCortina2026" (available for free download on iOS and Android).

Travelers must be aware of a critical rule: email confirmations, screenshots of receipts, or proof of purchase documents constitute invalid entry titles.

Access to the Olympic venues is granted exclusively through a dynamic QR code generated within the app. To ensure a smooth entry process, you must familiarize yourself with the following security protocols:

• Mandatory app download: you cannot enter the stadium without the app installed on your smartphone.
• Dynamic security: to prevent fraud and the circulation of duplicates, the QR code is not static. The system activates the code and makes it visible only 24 hours prior to the start of the specific session.
• No screenshots allowed: because the digital key refreshes periodically to prevent theft, screenshots of the QR code are rendered useless by the turnstiles. The only valid method of entry is presenting a smartphone with the active app open at the gates.

The official resale platform: how to buy and sell tickets safely

Travel plans in Italy can change abruptly, especially when navigating complex winter itineraries between Milan and the Dolomites. Whether you are a ticket holder unable to attend an event or a spectator hunting for seats to a sold-out competition, the organization has established a mandatory solution: the official "Fan-to-Fan" resale platform.

It is vital to understand that this digital ecosystem is the only authorized channel for exchanging tickets.

Warning: avoid third-party websites. Travelers are strongly advised against using general ticket marketplaces or social media exchanges. The Milano Cortina 2026 organization employs strict anti-scalping technology; tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties carries a near-certain risk of being voided or identified as counterfeit at the turnstiles.

To ensure fairness and safety, the official resale ecosystem operates under strict parameters designed to protect both buyers and sellers:

• Fixed "face value" prices: price speculation is technically impossible. Tickets can only be listed for resale at their original nominal price, effectively eliminating the risk of inflated black-market costs.
• Transparent transaction fees: while the base price remains fixed, the platform applies a standard service fee to facilitate the secure transfer. Sellers are charged a 5% commission on the ticket value, while buyers pay the face value plus a 10% administrative fee.
• Last-minute flexibility: the platform is designed for real-time travel needs. You can list a ticket for sale or purchase a new seat up until 30 minutes before the competition begins. If a ticket is not sold by this deadline, it remains the property of the original owner.

Transferring vs. reselling: managing your digital tickets

Distinguishing between the "transfer" function and the "resale" function is vital for the effective management of group entries. As the "main buyer" (the account holder who made the purchase), you are the only person with the authority to manage these assets.

It is essential to choose the correct option to avoid losing your seat or your funds:

1. The "transfer" function (assigning names): this feature is designed exclusively for gifting tickets or assigning them to family members and travel companions. It involves no exchange of money.

• How it works: the main buyer retains the right to "rename" a ticket and send it directly to the email address of the actual attendee.
• The recipient's role: the transfer is not complete until the recipient takes action. They must download the official app, create their own verified account, and accept the transfer to view their secure QR code.

2. The "resale" function: this feature is strictly for recouping costs when a ticket will not be used by anyone in your party. Do not use this function if you simply intend to give the ticket to a friend, as it places the ticket back on the public market.

Venue security and logistics: prohibited items and battery rules

In a fully digital environment where your entry depends entirely on a screen, the smartphone becomes the most critical piece of equipment in your travel kit. However, travelers must navigate a specific logistical challenge: strict venue security protocols.

The power bank restriction: it is a common instinct to carry an external battery pack for a long day of Olympic events. However, security regulations at major Italian stadiums (such as San Siro in Milan or the Verona Arena) frequently classify power banks as prohibited items, grouping them alongside rigid flasks and professional camera gear.

Warning: bringing an external battery pack carries a high risk of confiscation at security checkpoints. Ensure that the venue you are interested in allows it. To ensure a smooth entry, follow these guidelines:

• Arrive fully charged: ensure your device is at 100% battery before leaving your accommodation.
• Conserve power: activate "low power mode" early in the day and lower your screen brightness while queuing.
• Emergency assistance: every venue is equipped with a Ticket Box Office or Resolution Center near the entrance. Here, staff can assist verified ticket holders upon presentation of a valid ID and the original order number, though queues should be expected.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about digital tickets

Navigating the rules of a fully digital Olympics can be complex. Below are the definitive answers to the most common issues spectators are facing right now at the entry gates of Milano Cortina 2026.

Is internet access required at the stadium entrance?

Technically, no. While a data connection is mandatory to download the app and log in initially, the system is designed to function offline at the turnstiles. To ensure this works, you must follow this specific protocol:

1. Open the app while you still have a stable Wi-Fi or data connection (e.g., at your hotel).
2. View your tickets to ensure the secure QR code has loaded.
3. Once the 24-hour activation window has opened and the code is cached, the app will display the ticket even without a signal at the venue.

Can a transferred ticket be resold by the recipient?

No. The "transfer" function does not transfer ownership rights, only access rights. Only the original purchaser, known as the "main buyer," holds the exclusive right to list tickets on the official resale platform. If a friend or family member (the recipient) can no longer attend:

• They must transfer the ticket back to the main mbyer's account via the app.
• The main buyer can then place the ticket on the resale market.

Are tickets for children (Under 14) resalable individually?

No, strict restrictions apply. To prevent safety issues, a reduced-price "Under 14" ticket cannot be sold or utilized in isolation.

• On the resale platform: you cannot list a child's ticket unless it is paired with a full-price adult ticket.
• At the venue: a minor holding a concession ticket will be denied entry if they are not accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket at the physical entry point.

When are resale funds credited to my account?

Sellers should be aware that the payout is not immediate. According to the official terms of sale for Milano Cortina 2026, the financial settlement is processed only after the event cycle concludes. You can expect the funds (the resale price minus the 5% administrative fee) to be credited back to your original payment method approximately 30 days after the conclusion of the Games. Do not rely on these funds for immediate travel expenses during your trip.

Practical resources for the spectator

Before heading to the turnstiles, ensure you have direct access to the official channels. With the competitions currently active and security protocols strictly enforced, relying on verified information is the only way to guarantee a seamless experience.

• Official ticketing website: this is your primary destination for all transaction-related needs. Whether you need to download the "Tickets MilanoCortina2026" app, access the "Fan-to-Fan" resale platform to sell a spare seat, or check the status of a refund, always start here.
• Official hospitality provider: for travelers seeking an elevated experience, the official hospitality program offers premium packages that combine prime viewing seats with exclusive lounge access and world-class Italian cuisine. Explore these options to enjoy the Games in maximum comfort and style.

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