Milano Cortina 2026: Paralympic Village vibes
Para athletes are swapping collectible pins and soaking up the sunshine between training runs and physio appointments at the Paralympic Village in Cortina 07 Mar 2026
While her school mates are stuck in maths and science classes, Belgian Para alpine sit-skier Marte Goossen, 16, is busy exploring the Paralympic Village ahead of the start of competition.
“I’ll have to do some maths, chemistry, biology and history homework while I’m here,” she said. “I haven’t started yet. But I have a good excuse.”
She has been enjoying exploring the village’s offerings, including some of the novelty exhibits.
“I’ve made my own Coca Cola can with my face,” she said.
Collectable pins, breakfast
American Para alpine skier Mikey O'Hearn, 24, has had a busy training and physio schedule ahead of his first Paralympic race.
“We had some gate training today,” he said. “I’ve been doing a lot of physiotherapy, massage therapy, and dry needling. We also have muscle and strength conditioning.”
But it hasn’t been all work and no play.
He has enjoyed swapping collectable pins with athletes from all over the world, which they wear on their accreditation lanyards.
“It’s really neat, it forces you to have conversations with people you haven’t met before,” he said.
O’Hern said breakfast at the Paralympic Village dining hall was top notch.
“The omelettes are delicious. The bacon is always tender and crispy and then there are pancakes and smoothies,” he said.
He’s also loved tucking into Italian food.
“I’ve been eating a lot of lasagna and tiramisu. It’s so good. The food is delicious.”
In the evenings, the vibe is lowkey; he’s been watching movies and hanging out.
“Today we’re going to explore Cortina, do some sightseeing and shopping,” he said.
Karaoke in evenings
The Paralympic Village in Cortina hosted its first karaoke on 5 March to find out which athletes have other secret talents beyond their winter sports.
Norwegian Wheelchair curler Ole Frederik Syversen, who was a silver medalist at PyeongChang 2018, has been getting in some gym sessions since he arrived.
“I’ve been relaxing in the morning,” he said.
He and teammate Jostein Stordahl have cruised round the village taking photos against the stunning majestic backdrop of the Dolomite mountains.
Stordahl is a veteran Paralympian and is making his ninth appearance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. He made his debut at Seoul 1988 in powerlifting before moving into sailing from Atlanta 1996 to Beijing 2008. Since Sochi 2014, he has been representing his country in wheelchair curling.
“We are so lucky with the sun,” Stordahl said. “We are living outside almost.”
Sunshine and Mountains
Slovenian guide Maria Zatovicova, who skis with visually impaired Para alpine skier Marek Kubacka, has found a perfect spot on a deckchair to enjoying the sunshine and mountain vistas.
"We have been training every day and after the training we try to relax and enjoy the warm weather,” she said, as the temperature hits a mild seven degrees.
Haiti’s first and only Winter Paralympian Ralf Etienne, who lost his leg in the 2010 earthquake, says he’s loved the social side of the Paralympic Village.
“Make some good friends... make some deeper relationships, get to know people,” he said.
Where to watch and listen to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
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
