The 14th Paralympic Winter Games are here — and they're making history in the heart of Italy.
Introduction: A Historic Moment for Paralympic Sport
The 2026 Winter Paralympics have officially arrived, and the world is watching. Running from March 6 to March 15, 2026, the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games bring together the most extraordinary para-athletes on the planet to compete across the stunning landscapes of northern Italy. From the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites to the iconic ice arenas of Milan, this edition of the Games is shaping up to be the biggest, most ambitious Winter Paralympics in history.
This is not just another international sporting event. The 2026 Winter Paralympics mark the 50th anniversary of the very first Winter Paralympics, held in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, in 1976, when fewer than 200 athletes from just 18 countries took part. Half a century later, over 665 athletes from more than 50 nations are competing for glory in 79 medal events across six thrilling sports. The scale, the drama, and the sheer human spirit on display make Milano Cortina 2026 a milestone worth every bit of attention.
Whether you're a devoted Paralympic fan, a casual sports enthusiast, or someone discovering adaptive winter sports for the first time, this complete guide covers everything you need to know — from the venues and sports to the athletes to watch and the storylines shaping these extraordinary Games.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games |
| Edition | 14th Winter Paralympic Games |
| Dates | March 6–15, 2026 (wheelchair curling from March 4) |
| Host Country | Italy |
| Host Cities | Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Val di Fiemme |
| Opening Ceremony Venue | Arena di Verona, Verona |
| Closing Ceremony Venue | Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium |
| Athletes | ~665 |
| Medal Events | 79 across 6 sports |
| Mascot | Milo (a brown stoat) |
| Theme | Life in Motion |
Where Are the 2026 Winter Paralympics Being Held?
The Games are spread across three main clusters in northern Italy, each hosting specific sports in world-class venues.
Milan
Milan serves as the base for Para Ice Hockey, with matches being played at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena — a brand-new 14,000-seat venue built specifically for these Games. After the Paralympics, the arena will be converted into a multi-purpose sports and entertainment center, leaving a lasting legacy for the city.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
The legendary mountain resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled deep in the Dolomites, hosts Para Alpine Skiing, Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling. The Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre provides breathtaking backdrops for the alpine events, while the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium — a venue that staged the Opening Ceremony of the 1956 Olympic Winter Games — hosts wheelchair curling and the Games' Closing Ceremony.
Val di Fiemme
The Val di Fiemme cluster, home to the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, hosts both Para Biathlon and Para Cross-Country Skiing. This region has a rich Nordic skiing heritage and has hosted multiple World Ski Championships, making it a natural fit for the endurance disciplines.
Verona
Though not a competition venue, Verona plays a significant ceremonial role. The Opening Ceremony takes place on March 6 at the iconic Arena di Verona — a first-century Roman amphitheater that underwent extensive accessibility upgrades ahead of the Games. The same amphitheater hosted the Closing Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics just weeks earlier.
This multi-city approach is a defining feature of Milano Cortina 2026 — it is, in fact, the first Winter Paralympics since Vancouver 2010 to have the opening and closing ceremonies in different venues, and the first since Tignes-Albertville 1992 to officially feature multiple host cities.
Sports at the 2026 Winter Paralympics
Six sports feature at the Milano Cortina Games, each offering a unique blend of speed, strategy, skill, and stamina.
1. Para Alpine Skiing
The flagship discipline of any Winter Paralympics, Para Alpine Skiing features a staggering 30 medal events — the most of any sport at these Games. Athletes race downhill at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour across five disciplines: downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and super combined. Competitors are classified into three categories — visually impaired (VI), sitting, and standing — reflecting the remarkable diversity of athletes in the sport.
Para Alpine Skiing has been part of every Winter Paralympics since the inaugural 1976 Games, making it one of the sport's founding pillars.
2. Para Biathlon
Para Biathlon is a test of dual mastery — combining the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle shooting. Athletes ski multiple laps on a course before stopping at a shooting range to fire at small targets. Missed shots result in penalty laps or added time, making the mental composure required to shoot under physical exhaustion one of the sport's most fascinating elements.
At Milano Cortina 2026, athletes compete in various distances and race formats across sitting, standing, and visually impaired categories. The sport takes place at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Val di Fiemme.
3. Para Cross-Country Skiing
One of the original Paralympic winter sports from 1976, Para Cross-Country Skiing is the discipline of pure endurance. Athletes race across varied terrain covering distances from 1km sprints to longer-distance events, pushing through fatigue and the elements with nothing but technique and willpower.
At these Games, 20 medal events are on offer, spread across sitting, standing, and visually impaired classifications.
4. Para Ice Hockey (Sled Hockey)
Played on specially designed sleds fitted with two blades, Para Ice Hockey is one of the most physically intense and crowd-pleasing sports in the entire Paralympic program. Athletes use two short sticks — each with a pick end and a blade end — to propel themselves across the ice and shoot on goal.
The sport is played at the brand-new Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and continues to be dominated by the United States, which has won the gold medal at four consecutive Winter Paralympics.
5. Para Snowboard
A relative newcomer to the Paralympic program (debuting at Sochi 2014), Para Snowboard has quickly become one of the most exciting events to watch. Athletes race down mountain courses filled with banked turns, jumps, and technical obstacles. Events include banked slalom and snowboard cross for both lower-limb and upper-limb impairment classifications.
The Cortina Para Snowboard Park, set in the heart of the Dolomites, provides the perfect high-altitude backdrop for the discipline.
6. Wheelchair Curling
Wheelchair Curling requires athletes to deliver stones toward a circular target on ice without the use of sweeping — a key tactical difference from the Olympic version of the sport. Teams of up to five athletes compete in a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to a knockout phase.
New for 2026: A mixed doubles event makes its Paralympic debut at these Games, adding to the existing mixed team format. This means wheelchair curling now offers two medal events, and the sport was the first to kick off competition — starting on March 4, two days before the Opening Ceremony, due to its lengthy round-robin format.
Opening Ceremony: Life in Motion
The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics took place on March 6, 2026, at the Arena di Verona — one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, built in the first century AD and renovated ahead of the Games to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The ceremony, themed "Life in Motion," was produced by Filmmaster Group and celebrated Italian culture, the spirit of the Paralympic movement, and the stories of athletes who have overcome incredible odds. Musical highlights included a performance by the world's first DJ with a bionic hand, bringing a message of innovation and inclusion to the thousands of spectators gathered in Verona's historic arena.
A number of delegations chose to skip the ceremony — some due to logistical challenges (Verona sits roughly 250 kilometers from Cortina d'Ampezzo), while others did so in protest of the International Paralympic Committee's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Despite this controversy, organizers ensured all participating National Paralympic Committees were represented in the parade of nations through volunteer flag bearers.
The Closing Ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium — a venue steeped in history as the site of the Opening Ceremony of the 1956 Olympic Winter Games. At that ceremony, the Paralympic flag will be handed over to the next host nation, France, ahead of the French Alps 2030 Winter Paralympics.
The Mascot: Meet Milo
Every great Games needs a mascot, and Milano Cortina 2026 has a truly special one. Milo is a playful, warm-hearted brown stoat — a small, agile mammal from the weasel family known for its speed and its remarkable ability to adapt by changing the color of its fur with the seasons.
Milo was born without one paw. Rather than being defined by that absence, he uses his tail as a leg — a symbol of ingenuity, resilience, and creativity that speaks directly to the Paralympic values. The character was designed as part of a public vote held in early 2023, with the winning concept inspired by stoats native to the Italian mountains.
Milo's name is drawn from the host city of Milan (Mi-lo), while his sister and Olympic counterpart, Tina, takes her name from Cortina (Tina). Together, they represent the sibling cities at the heart of these Games — young, playful, and described by organizers as likely the first Gen Z mascots to represent the Olympics and Paralympics.
The mascots were designed in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Education by students from the Istituto Comprensivo of Taverna in Calabria — a heartwarming reminder that these Games belong to all of Italy.
The Paralympic Torch Relay
The 2026 Paralympic Torch Relay began on February 24, 2026, with 501 torchbearers covering 2,000 kilometers across Italy before the flame was lit at the Opening Ceremony on March 6.
In a deeply symbolic tradition, the Paralympic flame was originally lit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the United Kingdom — the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, where Sir Ludwig Guttmann first organized sporting competitions for injured World War II veterans in 1948. From there, the flame was sent to five Italian cities for unification ceremonies in Turin, Milan, Bolzano, Trento, and Trieste before the combined flame traveled to Verona.
The torch itself is bronze in color (compared to the light blue of the Olympic torch) and is named "Essential." Developed by Eni and designed by Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, the torch is made from recycled aluminum and bronze and runs on bio-LPG fuel — a commitment to sustainability that reflects the broader environmental ambitions of the Games.
Athletes to Watch at Milano Cortina 2026
Oksana Masters (USA) — Para Biathlon & Para Cross-Country Skiing
The undisputed queen of American Paralympic sport, Oksana Masters is the most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian with 14 Winter Paralympic medals and five more from summer Games. Born in Ukraine with radiation-induced birth defects, Masters made history at Beijing 2022 by becoming the first American to win seven medals in seven events at a single Winter Paralympics. At Milano Cortina 2026, she is chasing her 20th career Paralympic medal — a milestone that would cement her legacy as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time.
Declan Farmer (USA) — Para Ice Hockey
The most celebrated name in Para Ice Hockey, Declan Farmer is a five-time Paralympic gold medalist with seven World Para Ice Hockey Championship titles to his name. He leads a Team USA sled hockey squad aiming for a remarkable fifth consecutive gold medal at these Games, continuing a dynasty that has made the United States virtually untouchable in the sport.
Giacomo Bertagnolli (Italy) — Para Alpine Skiing
The Italian crowd will have a home hero to cheer loudly for. Giacomo Bertagnolli — visually impaired and competing with a guide — has won four Paralympic gold medals and ten world championship titles. Competing in all five Para Alpine Skiing events on the slopes of his homeland, Bertagnolli is one of the most complete alpine skiers in Paralympic history and enters these Games as both a flagbearer and the heavy favorite for multiple medals.
Brenna Huckaby (USA) — Para Snowboard
A three-time Paralympic gold medalist and bronze medalist, Brenna Huckaby had her right leg amputated at age 14 following a bone cancer diagnosis. She went on to become one of the most dominant forces in Paralympic snowboarding, and at Milano Cortina she is targeting her fifth and sixth career Paralympic medals. Her story — of resilience, comeback, and athletic brilliance — embodies the spirit of these Games.
Menna Fitzpatrick (Great Britain) — Para Alpine Skiing
Great Britain's most decorated Winter Paralympian, Menna Fitzpatrick competes in Para Alpine Skiing alongside her guide Katie Guest. She has won six Paralympic medals, including a gold in the slalom at Pyeongchang 2018. The fact that she is competing just three months after suffering a serious knee injury makes her participation at these Games all the more remarkable — and all the more inspiring.
Jesper Pedersen (Norway) — Para Alpine Skiing
Born with spina bifida, Norway's Jesper Pedersen is one of the most consistent alpine skiing performers in the Paralympic circuit. At Beijing 2022, he won four of the five possible medals in Para Alpine Skiing events. He enters the Cortina slopes as a major contender for a full medal sweep once again.
Davy Zyw (Great Britain) — Para Snowboard
In one of the most moving stories of these Games, Davy Zyw will become the first person with Motor Neurone Disease to compete in the Winter Paralympics. A snowboarder who has placed highly in European Cup competitions, Zyw's presence at Milano Cortina represents the expanding definition of what is possible in Paralympic sport.
50 Years of Winter Paralympic History
The 2026 Games carry special significance as they mark the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics in 1976. Looking back, the contrast is staggering.
At Örnsköldsvik 1976, roughly 200 athletes from 18 countries competed in just a handful of events. The sports were limited, the global audience was minimal, and Paralympic sport was still searching for its identity on the world stage. Today, Milano Cortina 2026 welcomes over 665 athletes from more than 50 nations competing across 79 events in six sports — with coverage on major broadcasters including NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and Eurovision Sport.
The transformation reflects a broader cultural shift: Paralympic athletes are no longer seen as an afterthought to their Olympic counterparts. They are elite competitors, global stars, and ambassadors for a movement that continues to reshape how the world thinks about disability, ability, and human potential.
Italy itself has a special connection to Paralympic history. Rome hosted the first-ever Paralympic Games in 1960 — a fact that gives these Milano Cortina 2026 Games a poetic sense of full circle. Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Paralympics, and now two decades later, the country once again steps forward to welcome the world.
The Controversy: Russia, Belarus, and the Boycott
The 2026 Winter Paralympics have not been without controversy. The decision by the International Paralympic Committee to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags — a reversal of earlier restrictions put in place following Russia's invasion of Ukraine — drew immediate and fierce criticism from several nations.
Ukrainian Paralympic officials publicly protested the decision, and Ukraine's Paralympic Committee President reported that athletes were also barred from wearing uniforms featuring a map of Ukraine. Some delegations announced plans to boycott the Opening Ceremony in Verona in protest, though all confirmed they would still compete in their events.
The IPC defended its position by citing its mandate to provide athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level, but the controversy has sparked wider debate about the role of politics in sport, the IPC's authority, and what neutrality actually means in the context of an active international conflict.
Despite the tension, the athletes at the center of the Games have continued to focus on competition — a testament to the resilience and professionalism that defines Paralympic sport.
Venues at a Glance
| Sport | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Para Alpine Skiing | Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre | Cortina d'Ampezzo |
| Para Biathlon | Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium | Val di Fiemme |
| Para Cross-Country Skiing | Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium | Val di Fiemme |
| Para Ice Hockey | Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena | Milan |
| Para Snowboard | Cortina Para Snowboard Park | Cortina d'Ampezzo |
| Wheelchair Curling | Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium | Cortina d'Ampezzo |
| Opening Ceremony | Arena di Verona | Verona |
| Closing Ceremony | Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium | Cortina d'Ampezzo |
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Paralympics
Global coverage of the Games is the most extensive in Winter Paralympic history. Here is where to tune in:
- USA: NBC, USA Network, CNBC (live coverage); Peacock (live & on-demand streaming). Prime-time highlight shows air at 8 p.m. ET on March 7 and March 14.
- Europe: Eurovision Sport offers free live streaming of all six sports.
- Official Website: paralympic.org/milano-cortina-2026 for schedules, results, and live updates.
- Tickets: Available at the official ticketing website. Prices start from €15 for adults, with 89% of tickets under €35. Children under 14 can attend from €10.
Paralympic Records Heading Into 2026
- Most Winter Paralympic medals all-time: Ragnhild Myklebust (Norway) — 27 medals (22 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), earned between 1988 and 2002.
- Most Winter Paralympic medals by a country: Austria leads with 345 total medals.
- Most Winter Paralympic gold medals by a country: Norway leads with 140 gold medals (334 total).
- USA Team USA total: 335 Winter Paralympic medals through Beijing 2022, with 68 athletes competing at Milano Cortina 2026.
Legacy: What These Games Mean Beyond the Medals
The impact of the Paralympic Games extends far beyond the podium. Research consistently shows that Paralympic years drive significant increases in participation in adaptive sports, as young people with disabilities see world-class athletes who look like them competing at the highest level.
Milano Cortina 2026 is specifically designed with legacy in mind. The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, built for these Games, will become a permanent multi-use venue for sports and entertainment. The accessibility upgrades to the Arena di Verona mean one of Italy's most beloved historic monuments is now more welcoming to people with disabilities than ever before. And the story of Davy Zyw — competing with Motor Neurone Disease — opens new conversations about inclusion and classification in Paralympic sport.
The five NPCs making their Winter Paralympic debut at these Games are another marker of growth — the movement continues to reach new nations, new athletes, and new stories.
As the Paralympic flag prepares to travel to France for the French Alps 2030 Winter Paralympics, and eventually to Salt Lake City for 2034, the trajectory is unmistakable. Paralympic sport is not just growing. It is transforming global culture.
Conclusion: The World Is Watching
The 2026 Winter Paralympics at Milano Cortina represent the Games in their most evolved, most ambitious, and most meaningful form. Fifty years after a small group of determined athletes carved the first tracks in Swedish snow, the Paralympic Winter Games have become a global phenomenon — a celebration of the human spirit that resonates far beyond disability sport.
For ten extraordinary days in March 2026, the slopes of Cortina, the ice of Milan, and the trails of Val di Fiemme will be the stage for feats that challenge every assumption about what the human body can achieve. From Oksana Masters chasing medal number 20 to Giacomo Bertagnolli racing on his home mountain to Davy Zyw making history simply by being there — every story is worth following.
The 2026 Winter Paralympics are not just a sports event. They are a reminder of everything sport can be when it is at its absolute best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
The Games run from March 6 to March 15, 2026. Wheelchair curling begins on March 4.
Where are the 2026 Winter Paralympics held?
Across three clusters in northern Italy: Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Val di Fiemme. The Opening Ceremony takes place at the Arena di Verona in Verona.
What sports are in the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey (Sled Hockey), Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling.
How many athletes are competing in the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
Approximately 665 athletes from over 50 countries.
How many medal events are there?
79 medal events across the six sports.
Who is the mascot of the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
Milo, a playful brown stoat born without one paw, who uses his tail as a leg — symbolizing resilience, creativity, and adaptability.
Which country has won the most Winter Paralympic medals in history?
Austria leads in total medals with 345, while Norway leads in gold medals with 140.
Is this Italy's first time hosting the Winter Paralympics?
No — Italy previously hosted the 2006 Winter Paralympics in Turin. This is Italy's second time hosting the Winter Games, and its third time hosting the Paralympics overall (Rome held the first-ever Paralympic Games in 1960).
Who is the most decorated athlete at the 2026 Winter Paralympics to watch?
Oksana Masters (USA) is the most decorated American Winter Paralympian heading in, while Giacomo Bertagnolli (Italy) is the standout home favorite.
What comes after the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
The next Winter Paralympics will be the French Alps 2030 Games in France, followed by Salt Lake City 2034 in the United States.
Article last updated: March 6, 2026. Information reflects the opening day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
