Milano Cortina 2026: New Zealand’s Adam Hall set to come full circle at sixth Games

For New Zealand’s Para alpine skiing star Adam Hall, the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will mark something of a significant milestone in his career.  

The five-time Paralympic medallist, who has twice claimed gold at the Games, is now competing in his 22nd season and is set to embark on his sixth Winter Paralympics, 20 years on from his debut at Torino 2006. 

Speaking ahead of his return to Italy, the 38-year-old athlete discussed the key ingredients behind his success and longevity in the sport, his expectations for the Games, and his pride in representing New Zealand as the flagbearer for his country. 

The beginning of a two-decade career 

Situated around and hour and a half southwest from New Zealand’s capital of Wellington by plane, and with a population of just over 13,000, the town of Wānaka in South Island is where Hall and his team are based. Bordered by the Southern Alps the slopes there are considered to be world class - a haven for skiers and snowboarders alike.  

Hall’s relationship with snow sports took root at an early age. He started to ski aged six and then began snowboarding at nine. He has since gone on to chart his way to the top of the alpine skiing world over the last 20 years all the while living with the congenital condition spina bifida. 

“When I first started skiing, I wasn't very good, so I moved on to a snowboard, and then changed back to skiing,” Hall recounted. “I never thought I would be here 20 years plus down the track. 

“Early on, I didn't know what impact training would have on my body, and whether it would be negative. Sure, the majority of athletes have little niggles, but despite that it has been pretty positive for me, and I can't imagine what my body would be like without the training.” 

Now into his third decade of competing at the elite level, Hall cuts a relaxed figure when chatting about his career in the early days.  

“I started in 2004, right between the cycles of the Games in Salt Lake City (2002) and Torino (2006), so from a World Cup perspective this is my 22nd season. I guess it is impressive. I jokingly said after my first campaign, I would change to using a sit ski that I had in my garage as a back-up plan, but I am still here as a stand-up skier! 

“I have a world class team around me, and there are a lot of metrics that we are able to use now to monitor things, which has evolved over the years. Early on in my career, it was all about having 10,000 hours of training under my belt and double sessions in the gym. Whereas now it’s more on training smarter than harder, focussing on recovery, and making sure me and my team are on the same page.” 

Returning to Italy for the Paralympics 

Hall marked his Paralympic Winter Games debut by finishing in 41st place in the men’s downhill standing event, 43rd in the giant slalom standing, and 50th in the Super-G standing at Torino 2006.  

Just four years later, though, he was on the top of the world as he secured the gold medal in men’s slalom standing at Vancouver 2010, marking a meteoric rise for him in just one cycle between the Games. 

After narrowly missing the podium at Sochi 2014, where he earned fourth place in the men’s super combined standing event, the New Zealander achieved his second gold medal seeing off the challenge of French rival Arthur Bauchet in the slalom at PyeongChang 2018.  

The Games in the Republic of Korea also brought reward for Hall in the super combined standing where he scooped a bronze. He went on to replicate that achievement four years later in Beijing in the same event alongside winning another bronze. 

“It has been quite intriguing how the journey has gone, when you do have a moment to reflect on it,” Hall says. “From competing in Sestriere up in the mountains in Italy in 2006, to Vancouver, then Sochi, Pyeongchang in South Korea, and then Beijing. 

“I haven't actually drawn it on a globe, but it would be pretty cool to see what it would look like, it has been pretty remarkable. There won't be many other athletes who were also in Italy all those years ago, who will be coming back again this year to what is a unique world heritage place in the Dolomites. 

Counting down to Milano Cortina 2026 

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics, which open on 6 March, will be Hall’s sixth Games.  

Addressing his ambitions, he said: “Even though you are trying to be on top of the podium, in this day and age it is so competitive that any colour of medal is just as rewarding and special. 

“All I can focus on is what I am doing. Having been in the game for more than 20 years, I never got into this to be the best athlete in the world, but knowing I could excel at it, gave me the independence and freedom that I was looking for. It planted a seed for me to think how far I could go.” 

Representing New Zealand 

Hall will proudly represent his nation along with teammate Corey Peters in Italy. Ahead of the action on the slopes, however, he will lead New Zealand out at the Games as his country’s flagbearer. 

“It is a huge honour and privilege,” he said. 

“In our team there is no hierarchy. Anyone could have carried the flag. It is an opportunity to represent our communities, our families, and everyone who has supported us. 

“It not so much for ourselves but about representing our country on a global stage to the highest possible standards.” 

With his wife and daughter set to be in Italy to cheer him on and many more rooting for him back home, who would bet against Hall writing another memorable chapter in his illustrious Winter Paralympics story at Milano Cortina 2026. 

Secure your tickets for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games  

Milano Cortina 2026, which takes place from 6-15 March 2026, is set to be the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet. Ticket prices start at EUR 10 for children under 14, with approximately 89 per cent of the tickets available for EUR 35 or less.

For more information, please visit tickets.milanocortina2026.org