ROME, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Italy might bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and Winter Paralympic Games but has yet to decide where, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) said Tuesday.

The candidate cities are Cortina d'Ampezzo, Milan and Turin, and CONI will decide between them at its next national council meeting.

According to the ANSA news agency, the decision could be taken on August 1 or September 10.

CONI President Giovanni Malago was quoted by ANSA as saying that the best option was a joint candidature comprising Cortina, Milan and Turin.

"A union of the three cities would be a real candidature, 100 per cent Italian and it is an option not to be ruled out," Malago said.

Turin hosted the Winter Games in 2006 while Cortina d'Ampezzo hosted the 1956 event.

The Canadian city of Calgary, Swedish capital Stockholm, Sapporo in Japan and Erzurum in Turkey are also considering bids for 2026.