This February, the Winter Olympics return to Europe with the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games – a celebration of snow, sport, endurance, and artistry that has captured the world’s imagination. From the vibrant Opening Ceremony in historic Milan to action-packed competition in Cortina d’Ampezzo, athletes from more than 90 countries are vying for Olympic glory across alpine slopes, frozen arenas, and bobsled tracks, set against the dramatic Dolomites and Lombardy mountains.

Fans tuning in mid Games have already witnessed unforgettable moments: Italy’s thrilling victory in the men’s speed skating team pursuit, where the home nation outpaced the United States and China on the ice; Norway’s Jens Luraas Oftebro doubling down on gold in Nordic combined, showcasing stamina and grace; and France’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s biathlon relay delivered in a dramatic comeback finish. 

Across the arenas, athletes soar and spin: Japan made history with its first Olympic pairs figure skating gold, while freeski big air competitors push the outer limits of creativity and courage in aerial snow tricks that feel almost sculptural.

For fans in the United States, watching Team USA’s largest ever Winter Olympic delegation compete is a source of pride and excitement. The American squad includes over 230 athletes, one of the biggest U.S. teams in Winter Olympic history, representing strength across disciplines from alpine skiing and hockey to freestyle skiing and curling. 

These stories are not just about medals, records, or national pride, they are narratives of motion, atmosphere, and environment. That blend of human effort in spectacular natural settings is something we know intimately here in Park City.

If the Olympics have reminded us of anything this winter, it’s that snow-covered mountains and ice arenas are stages for drama, precision, and natural beauty. In Park City, we live within that world year after year. With more than 360 inches of annual snowfall and elevation near 7,000 feet, our Wasatch Front offers both challenge and serenity for skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor lovers alike. Park City may not be hosting the Winter Olympics this time, but the spirit of competition and outdoor passion lives here every season. 

That energy is evident on our Park City ski slopes, where cruisers and powder chasers alike find trails that test technique and reward presence. For cross-country enthusiasts, the winding tracks at White Pine Touring invite mindful glides through pristine forests, echoing the endurance showcased by Olympic Nordic skiers. And for those drawn to winter’s broader palette, off-slope activities, from snowmobiling tours through forested backcountry to exploring historic Main Street, nod to the wide range of pursuits that make winter living so rich.

Here in Park City, winter is not just a season, it’s a part of our cultural identity. It shapes how we move, how we connect, and how we define beauty. So as the athletes continue to compete in Europe, we extend an invitation to join us in Park City and experience the same winter magic that makes the Olympics unforgettable. And when you’re ready to slow down and look inward, Gallery MAR awaits with artwork that pays beautiful tribute to all the things you love about winter.

Here at Gallery MAR, we’re proud to host a collection that amplifies that connection and offers the emotional echo of winter experiences: the quiet glow of sunrise on a snowy ridge, the rush of carving a fresh line at first light, or the contrast of warm cozy evenings after a day outdoors. These themes resonate with visitors who cherish the same sensations that make the Olympics so compelling – the interplay of technique and terrain, effort and elevation.

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Written by Veronica Vale