Inside Winter House USA: What to Expect at Milano-Cortina 2026

Editor's Note: since this blog post was published, organizers have made the decision to rename this Hospitality House from "ICE House" to "Winter House".

After the egregious actions and fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and mass protests in Milan, officials from U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating released the following joint statement, just days before the Opening Ceremonies:

"Our hospitality concept was designed to be a private space free of distractions where athletes, their families, and friends can come together to celebrate the unique experience of the Winter Games. This [Winter House] name captures that vision and connects to the season and the event."

The United States is taking a new Hospitality House approach for Milano-Cortina 2026. Instead of the typical “Team USA House,” U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating are launching Winter House — a private Hospitality House experience in Milan, intended as a home base for US athletes, families, media and VIPs.

Ice House Lounge. Courtesy of U.S. Figuring Skating.

The Concept

Winter House is truly a first-of-its-kind collaboration among three major U.S. national governing bodies. In the absence of the USOPC opening a Team USA House like at Paris 2024, U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating are pooling resources to create a shared, athlete-first environment in the heart of Milan.

Their vision: a place where athletes can mingle with family, media, and partners — a retreat that is as much about community and comfort as it is about celebration The programming is flexible: nightly celebrations, “Centre Ice” sessions for panels and fireside chats, and a media hub designed for content creators to broadcast directly from the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

The Location, Dates and Tickets

At Milano-Cortina, Winter House will take over Aethos Milan, a boutique-style hotel in central Milan, for the full duration of the Winter Games, from February 6 to February 22.

Importantly, Winter House is not open to the general public — it’s reserved for athletes, their families, partners, sponsors, and select media. Ticketing will not be available to the average fan. For those who wish to peek inside, NBC's TV coverage will give a "behind-the-scenes" look into the space.

The Bar at ICE House Milan. Courtesy of U.S. Figuring Skating.

The Experience

According to the three USA organizing bodies, athletes and families can look forward to:

• Watch parties for competitions, making it a real gathering spot to cheer on Team USA

• Medal celebrations and victory events to congratulate Milan-based athletes, almost in real time

• Observing media creation, where content creators, podcasters, radio hosts, and digital media teams can push content to the massive US market

• Historical exhibits from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, with memorabilia rotating throughout the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games

The Food & Drink

While specific menus haven’t been publicly detailed, the model and venue suggest that Winter House will provide premium, private dining at Aethos Milan. According to reporting, there are multiple private dining spaces built into the venue.

Dining Room at Aethos Milan. Courtesy of Aethos Milan.

The Overall Vibe

The vibe of Winter House USA is “home away from home” meets “exclusive clubhouse.” Sadly not a tourist attraction — it’s built for the Team USA ecosystem. But unlike some private Hospitality Houses that can feel stiff, this one emphasizes connection first: athletes, families, and partners coming together under one roof.

At the same time, it’s intended to be a premium space, meant to appeal to sponsors and media. The ice-based governing bodies are clearly targeting tailored, high-level brand involvement — title sponsorships, content opportunities, and programming access.

If Winter House USA were a public Hospitality House, would you plan a visit?

• 0%Yes! I wouldn't miss it.
• 0%I haven't decided.

We'll continue to update the House Party Blog as more information about Winter House USA's Hospitality House becomes available.