Milano Cortina 2026: Five things you should know about the Paralympic Winter Games

Milano Cortina 2026 is set to be the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games in history, with the Dolomites providing a stunning backdrop for thrilling action. From 6-15 March, athletes will take the spotlight on snow and ice. 

To celebrate 50 days to go until the Opening Ceremony at the iconic Arena di Verona, here are five things you should know about the winter spectacle.

❄️ 50 Days Until The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games 💫

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1. Celebrating 50 years of Paralympic Winter Games

Milano Cortina 2026 marks a major milestone: 50 years since the very first Paralympic Winter Games were held in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, in 1976. The inaugural edition brought together 198 Para athletes from 16 countries competing in Para alpine skiing and Para cross-country skiing.

Since then, the programme has grown to include six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling. As many as 665 athletes from 50 National Paralympic Committees are expected to compete at Milano Cortina 2026.

2. Twenty years of wheelchair curling

Wheelchair curling is returning to Italy, where it made its Paralympic debut exactly 20 years ago, at Torino 2006. The mixed team event was introduced.  

At Milano Cortina 2026, the excitement is doubled, with the mixed doubles tournament making its debut. Who will make history is the first champions? 

3. Paralympic rivalry to reach new heights

One of the most anticipated storylines is the Para ice hockey rivalry between Canada and the United States. The two powerhouses have met in back-to-back Paralympic finals. Team USA has won four consecutive gold medals while Canada claimed their maiden title at Torino 2006.

Led by captain Tyler McGregor, Canada is aiming to write a new chapter and follow the legends of Torino 2006.

4. Teamwork at the highest level

Teamwork is not only the key to success in team sports, but it is also the key to success in athletes with vision impairment in Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing.

Para athletes with vision impairment compete alongside a sighted guide, who provides verbal instructions to navigate the course. Because of that, both the Para athlete and the guide receive Paralympic medals.

5. Adaptive equipment and sit-skis

Para athletes use adapted equipment to compete at the highest level. In Para alpine skiing, athletes race down steep slopes, reaching speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour. In the sitting category, they compete in a mono-ski, a specially designed seat mounted on one ski, paired with outriggers, which resemble forearm crutches with small ski tips at the bottom, for balance and turning. 

In Para cross-country skiing, athletes in the sitting category use sit-skis, a specially designed chair mounted on a pair of skis, that allow them to propel forward with poles across demanding courses. 

Read more about 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