As the Olympic torch winds through Italy and global anticipation builds, California is once again proving it’s far more than a summer‑sports state.
From Tahoe’s ski corridors to the rinks of Southern California, the Golden State is sending one of its most diverse and accomplished groups of winter athletes in years.
Their paths to Milano Cortina stretch from Mammoth snowboarding pipes to San Jose ice rinks—and even to China and Chinese Taipei for a few who will compete under different flags but remain California originals.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to begin, here’s what Californians need to know about the Games—and the California hometown athletes who will be representing, inspiring and chasing history this February, as well as how to watch all the events taking place as part of the Milano Cortina Games:
California athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics
California is sending a deep roster of homegrown talent across nearly every discipline. Here’s a look at the athletes with direct ties to the Golden State competing for Team USA — plus several California‑connected Olympians representing other nations.
(And a note: This list isn’t comprehensive and will be updated as more information about California athletes are released)
Figure Skating
(Note: Some partnerships include non‑California teammates, such as Evan Bates skating with Chock.)
Ice Hockey
Alpine Skiing
Freestyle Skiing
Snowboarding
Bobsled
Biathlon
Cross‑Country Skiing
Athletes with California Connections (Competing for other nations or listing other hometowns)
When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start? When is the Opening Ceremony?
Though the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina are officially set to begin on Friday, Feb. 6, with the opening ceremony, the first events actually occur a couple of days earlier. The 2026 Winter Games will begin with the start of the curling competition on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Milano Cortina Olympics will then run until Sunday, Feb. 22. The Winter Paralympic Games will begin on March 6 and run until March 15.
Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics be held?
Italy will be hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics for the third time, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the official hosts.
How to watch 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics will be broadcast nationally in the United States by NBC and its partners. Events will be televised on NBC, USA, CNBC. All of the events at the 2026 Winter Games will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.
Watch 2026 Olympics with Peacock
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to watch California athletes in 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Reporting by Mark Giannotto and James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
