Winter Paralympics 2026 in Milan-Cortina: Everything you need to know ahead of the fight for gold
With preparations in full swing and excitement building, it's nearly time. From March 6th to 15th, 2026, Italy takes centre stage as the host of the world's best in winter para sports. The 14th Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo promise not only thrilling competition but a spectacular backdrop that blends ancient history with a modern edge. If you're wondering what's in store for these 2026 Winter Paralympics, consider this your ultimate guide.
Five Venues, One Goal: The Settings for the Games
For the first time, two cities officially share the hosting duties, but the events themselves will unfold across five distinct locations—each with its own unique atmosphere. The journey begins with the Opening Ceremony in truly historic surroundings: the Arena di Verona, a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, where athletes will receive a grand welcome. A site once home to gladiator battles now becomes the stage for a peaceful contest for Paralympic glory.
Athletes will then compete for medals across these venues:
- Milan (Santa Giulia Arena): Inside this brand-new hall, holding up to 14,000 spectators, the Para ice hockey action takes place. High-octane, fast, and emotional.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo (Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio): A historic venue for the wheelchair curlers. Built for the 1956 Olympics, the arena has been modernised and now shines for the Paralympics. It will also host the Closing Ceremony.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo (Parasnowboard Park & Tofane): Right beneath the striking Tofane mountain range, you'll find the slopes for the alpine skiers and snowboarders. The famous "Olimpia delle Tofane" downhill run stretches 2,560 metres with a punishing 750-metre vertical drop – a serious test of skill.
- Tesero (Val di Fiemme): About 100 kilometres from Cortina, in the heart of the Fiemme Valley, the cross-country skiers and biathletes find their domain. Here, endurance champions will be crowned, following in the tracks of legends.
The Hardware: Medals with Meaning
What's a podium finish without the coveted prize? The Milan-Cortina medals are small works of art. Measuring 8cm in diameter and 1cm thick, a total of 1,146 have been struck, with 411 (137 of each colour) destined for the Paralympians. They closely resemble their Olympic counterparts, but with one key difference: the front features not the Olympic Rings, but the Agitos, the symbol of the Paralympic Movement. And on the reverse side—a powerful nod to inclusion—the name of the discipline is also inscribed in Braille.
Spotlight on the Red and White: Poland's Gold Mission
For the Polish delegation, these Games carry special weight. It's a mission to end a 20-year gold drought. The last time Poland struck gold at the Winter Paralympics was back in 2006 in Turin, where Katarzyna Rogowiec triumphed twice in cross-country skiing (5km freestyle and 15km classical). Since then, the team has had to settle for silver and bronze, with Igor Sikorski being the most recent medallist, taking bronze in the giant slalom in PyeongChang in 2018.
This year, they're hoping to change that. The Polish squad for these 2026 Winter Paralympics is all but finalised. Nine athletes (plus six guides) will carry the red and white flag. There's a particularly happy ending to the selection story for Paweł Gil. The parabiathlete met the qualification standard but initially missed out due to quota allocations. However, a lucky break in the form of a wildcard means he and his guide, Radosław Koszyk, can now make the trip to Italy. Hopes are pinned on experienced competitors like Piotr Garbowski (cross-country) and the strong biathlete Błażej Bieńko, who finished fourth in the World Cup this winter. They're all united by the dream of echoing Rogowiec's golden era.
The stage is set: spectacular venues, medals of deep significance, and the fierce determination of athletes from across the globe to cap a lifetime of effort with some silverware. It's time to tune in on TV or follow the buzz on social media—the 2026 Winter Paralympics are set to capture our imagination. If you're wondering how to get the most out of these Games, just watch and let the pure excitement take over.