2026 Winter Paralympics Milan-Cortina: Your must-know guide to the gold rush
Final preparations are in full swing, and the anticipation is building: in just a few days, the wait will be over. From March 6 to 15, 2026, Italy will become the heart of the Paralympic winter sports world. The 14th Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo promise not only thrilling competition but also a spectacular backdrop that uniquely blends history and modernity. If you're wondering what's in store at the 2026 Winter Paralympics this year, here's your ultimate 2026 Winter Paralympics guide.
Five venues, one goal: The stages of the Games
For the first time, two cities officially share the name, but the competitions will actually be spread across five different locations – each with its own distinct character. The journey kicks off with the Opening Ceremony in a truly historic setting: the Arena in Verona, an almost 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, where athletes will receive a grand welcome. A place where gladiators once fought will become the stage for a peaceful contest for Paralympic medals.
Athletes will then compete for glory across various venues:
- Milan (Santa Giulia Arena): Here, in a brand-new hall seating up to 14,000 spectators, the para ice hockey action will unfold. It's tough, fast, and emotional.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo (Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio): Historic ground for the wheelchair curlers. The arena was built for the 1956 Olympics and now shines, modernised, for the Paralympics. It will also host the Closing Ceremony.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo (Parasnowboard Park & Tofane): Right below the striking Tofane massif lie the slopes for the alpine skiers and snowboarders. The famous "Olimpia delle Tofane" downhill run stretches 2,560 metres with a hefty 750-metre vertical drop – a true challenge.
- Tesero (Val di Fiemme): About 100 kilometres from Cortina, in the heart of the Fiemme Valley, the cross-country skiers and biathletes will find their terrain. Here, in the tracks of legends, endurance champions will be crowned.
The trophies: Medals with depth
What would the podium battle be without the coveted prizes? The Milan-Cortina medals are miniature works of art. They measure 8 cm in diameter and are 1 cm thick. A total of 1,146 have been minted, with 411 (137 per colour) going to Paralympians. Visually, they closely resemble their Olympic counterparts, with one key difference: the obverse features not the Olympic Rings, but the Agitos, the symbol of the Paralympic Movement. And on the reverse – a powerful sign of inclusion – the name of the discipline is also inscribed in Braille.
Focus on White and Red: Poland's mission for gold
For the Polish delegation, these Games hold special significance. It's a mission to end a 20-year dry spell. The last time there was gold-medal reason to celebrate for Poland at the Winter Paralympics was back in 2006 in Turin, where Katarzyna Rogowiec triumphed twice in cross-country skiing (5km freestyle and 15km classic). Since then, the team has had to settle for silver and bronze; the last medallist was Igor Sikorski in 2018 in PyeongChang with bronze in the giant slalom.
This year, that's set to change. Poland's squad for this 2026 Winter Paralympics is all but confirmed. Nine athletes (plus six guides) will carry the white and red colours. There was a particularly happy ending for Paweł Gil. The parabiathlete had met the qualifying standard but, due to the quota allocation, initially wasn't selected. Thanks to a wildcard, a stroke of luck, he can now travel to Italy with his guide, Radosław Koszyk. Hopes rest on experienced hands like Piotr Garbowski (cross-country) and strong biathlete Błażej Bieńko, who finished fourth in the World Cup this winter. They are all united by the dream of matching that golden Rogowiec era.
The stage is set: spectacular venues, precious medals, and the unyielding will of athletes from around the world to cap a lifetime of achievement with glory. It's time to tune in on TV or follow the buzz on social media – the 2026 Winter Paralympics are set to captivate us all. If you want to know how to experience the 2026 Winter Paralympics, just tune in and feel the pure excitement.