The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games provided a treasure trove of outstanding memories. We identify seven reasons why the 50thanniversary edition of the Paralympic Winter Games rocked.
Historic venues
From the Opening Ceremony at the 2,000-year-old Verona Arena to the slopes of Olimpia delle Tofane – host of the Para alpine skiing and Para snowboard events –organisers struck the perfect balance in showcasing Italy’s remarkable history and stunning landscape. The Roman amphitheatre offered a spectacular yet intimate stage to officially open Milano Cortina 2026, while Cortina d’Ampezzo, home of Para alpine skiing, also famously hosted the 1956 Olympic Winter Games.
Broadcast coverage
TVNZ delivered unprecedented coverage of a Paralympic Winter Games. Led by experienced broadcaster Jenny-May Clarkson, Milano Cortina 2026 was available daily, with extensive live coverage on TVNZ Duke. Backed by a strong line-up of studio guests –including Snow Sports NZ Competitive Pathways Manager Scott Palmer, Paralympian #45 Viv Gapes, and Paralympian #115 Steven Bayley – viewers enjoyed expert analysis of the top moments from across the Games.
With total reach on TVNZ Duke surpassing 395,000, the Games gained impressive traction in Aotearoa New Zealand. Meanwhile, more than 96,000 viewers engaged on TVNZ+, where five dedicated pop-up channels brought live action, replays, and highlights from all 79 medal events across six winter Para sports.
The mailman always delivers
Throughout his remarkable career, Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM has consistently delivered on the biggest stage—so it was no surprise to see the Para alpine skiing legend rise to the occasion once again, claiming a superb silver medal in the Men’s Slalom Standing.
Sitting fourth after the first run, Hall – competing at his sixth Paralympic Winter Games –produced a scintillating second run. Charging through the lower section, his combined time of 1:31.38 propelled him into silver, securing a sixth Paralympic medal for the Wānaka-based skier and adding another chapter to his glittering career.
“I knew waking up to all that snow that I had to bring out that Taieri attitude – that it was just an ordinary winter day,” he said. “I just had to attack it and let it rip. It was years and years of experience and leaving nothing behind. I love to thrive on that pressure.”
Peters delivers world-class Games
Paralympian #158 Corey Peters MNZM may not have secured the medal he craved, but the four-time Paralympian can be immensely proud of his efforts as he claimed three top-six finishes. Competing in challenging conditions throughout his programme, the 42-year-old placed fifth in the Men’s Downhill Sitting and Men’s Giant Slalom Sitting and was sixth in the Men’s Super-G Sitting, as the four-time Paralympic medallist reinforced his status as one of the world’s pre-eminent sit skiers.
Following the conclusion of the giant slalom he said: “I’m stoked to get down and get another finish under my belt, and another top five.”
The Digital Games
With a dedicated Digital Content Creator on the ground at Milano Cortina 2026, PNZ’s social media channels attracted more than 1.2 million views across Facebook and Instagram during the Games. Bringing the action to life through the lens of the NZ Paralympic Team proved a major success, and this Para athlete-centred storytelling approach will remain a priority as we build towards LA28, and beyond.
Overseas stars
Beyond the NZ Paralympic Team, Milano Cortina 2026 saw a host of international stars light up the Games. Oksana Masters (USA) delivered a remarkable performance, claiming four gold and one bronze across Para cross-country skiing and Para biathlon to take her total Paralympic medal haul to 24 – adding to podium finishes she has also achieved in Para cycling and Para rowing.
Austria’s Veronika Aigner and Johannes Aigner dominated the vision-impaired Para alpine skiing events, combining for nine medals, including seven gold. Meanwhile, Italian Para snowboard star Emanuel Perathoner – a two-time Olympian before serious injury – thrilled home fans by completing a golden double in the Snowboard Cross SB-LL2 and Banked Slalom SB-LL2.
The most beautiful Games
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons promised Milano Cortina would be “the most beautiful Paralympic Games yet” – and it more than delivered. From the iconic Verona Arena hosting the Opening Ceremony, to Para ice hockey staged in the global fashion capital of Milan, and the stunning Val di Fiemme –venue for Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing – the 50th anniversary Paralympic Winter Games consistently impressed.
Yet the crowning glory was undoubtedly the Para alpine skiing and Para snowboard events, held in the heart of the Dolomites, where breathtaking mountain backdrops created some of the most iconic imagery of the Games.
