Winter Paralympic Games 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Milano Cortina
Published: March 6, 2026 | Location: Verona / Milan / Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games are set to be the biggest in history as the world turns its attention to Milano Cortina. More than 600 athletes from 56 countries are expected to compete, making this edition one of the most inclusive and competitive Paralympic events ever staged.
Golden Jubilee:
The 2026 Winter Paralympics mark the 50th anniversary of the very first Winter Paralympic Games, making this event both historic and symbolic for global para-sport.
🌍 More Nations Joining the Games
This year's Games will welcome several countries competing in the Winter Paralympics for the first time.
New Nations Debuting:
- ✔️ El Salvador
- ✔️ Haiti
- ✔️ Montenegro
- ✔️ North Macedonia
- ✔️ Portugal
In total, athletes will compete across 79 medal events in six winter sports, with the exciting addition of mixed doubles wheelchair curling introduced after the Beijing 2022 Games.
🏔️ Venues Across Northern Italy
Just like the Winter Olympics held earlier this year, the Paralympic Games will be hosted across multiple cities and venues throughout northern Italy.
Main Event Locations:
- 📍 Verona – Opening Ceremony
- 📍 Cortina d’Ampezzo – Para-alpine skiing, wheelchair curling, para-snowboard
- 📍 Tesero Stadium (near Predazzo) – Para-biathlon and cross-country skiing
- 📍 Milan – Para Ice Hockey at Santagiulia Stadium
Competition officially begins in Cortina d’Ampezzo following the opening ceremony in Verona.
🏅 Six Sports, Many Classifications
Although only six sports are included in the Games, each sport features multiple classifications to ensure fair competition among athletes with different disabilities.
Sports Featured in Milano Cortina 2026:
- ⛷️ Para-Alpine Skiing
- 🎿 Para Cross-Country Skiing
- 🎯 Para-Biathlon
- 🏂 Para Snowboard
- 🏒 Para Ice Hockey
- 🥌 Wheelchair Curling
For example, para-alpine skiing includes events such as slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill, and super combined. These are then divided into categories for athletes who compete standing, sitting, or with visual impairments.
⭐ Athletes to Watch
With a record number of competitors, the 2026 Games will feature many established champions and rising stars.
Top Paralympic Stars:
- 🇮🇹 Giacomo Bertagnolli – Italy’s alpine skiing champion with 8 Paralympic medals (4 gold)
- 🇺🇸 Oksana Masters – Multi-sport Paralympian competing in biathlon and cross-country skiing
- 🇺🇸 Brenna Huckaby – Three-time snowboarding champion and disability rights advocate
Host nation Italy will be hoping for strong performances from Bertagnolli, who will compete in all five alpine skiing disciplines.
🌏 Global Participation
Several nations are bringing strong teams to the Games. Ukraine will send a team of 25 athletes, while Iran will be represented by a single competitor.
Iran’s Representative:
Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei will compete in two para cross-country skiing events, representing his nation at the Games.
🏁 A Historic Paralympic Celebration
The president of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, believes the Games will showcase world-class competition while inspiring audiences around the globe.
“World-class sport that is highly competitive — sport that will surprise you and have a life-changing impact on everyone who witnesses it.”
With record participation, new nations joining the competition, and elite athletes ready to shine, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games promise to deliver unforgettable moments on snow and ice.
More Sports News:
Stay updated with the latest Olympic and Paralympic stories, athlete profiles, and global sports headlines.