The countdown is officially on. The next Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6–15 March 2026, marking the 14th edition of the Games and the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics held in Sweden in 1976. Hosted jointly by Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, these Games promise to be a landmark event, blending northern Italy’s alpine heritage with modern accessibility, innovation, and sustainability.
Whether you’re a long-time Paralympic fan, a first-time viewer, or searching for up-to-date details on schedules, venues, and future hosts, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Milano Cortina 2026 and beyond.
Key Dates: When Are the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
The official dates for the next Winter Paralympics are:
6–15 March 2026
However, some competitions begin two days earlier:
- Wheelchair curling starts on 4 March 2026, due to its round-robin tournament structure
These extended competition dates ensure athletes have the opportunity to complete all preliminary matches before the Opening Ceremony, a scheduling approach used in recent Games to optimise athlete experience and global broadcast coverage.
Source: International Paralympic Committee – Milano Cortina 2026 overview
Opening Ceremony: Verona Arena (6 March 2026)
For the first time in Paralympic history, the Opening Ceremony will be held in an ancient Roman amphitheatre. The Verona Arena, built in 30 AD and famous for world-class opera performances, will transform into a spectacular stage for athletes from around the world.
Why Verona Arena is historic
- It marks the first time a Paralympic Winter Opening Ceremony takes place outside a traditional stadium environment
- The venue is fully adapted to meet accessibility standards set by the IPC, demonstrating Italy’s commitment to inclusive cultural heritage
- Its central location makes it highly accessible for spectators and teams arriving from Milan
The ceremony will introduce athletes from more than 45 nations (based on Beijing 2022 participation levels), showcase Italy’s cultural identity, and officially open the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.
Closing Ceremony: Cortina d’Ampezzo (15 March 2026)
The Games will end in one of the world’s most iconic alpine destinations. The Closing Ceremony will be held in Cortina, home of Olympic and Paralympic snow sports and a host venue of the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Expect a celebration steeped in winter alpine tradition, recognising medal-winning performances, honouring volunteers, and symbolically passing the Paralympic flag to the next Paralympic Winter Games host city.
Key Milestones Throughout the Games
Milano Cortina 2026 is structured around several major moments that fans, athletes, and media will be watching closely.
4 March 2026 – Wheelchair Curling Opens
- Wheelchair curling matches begin before the Opening Ceremony
- Round-robin scheduling requires additional competition days
- Venue: PalaItalia Santa Giulia, Milan
6 March 2026 – Opening Ceremony
- Host: Verona Arena
- Athlete parade, torch lighting, and cultural showcase
7–15 March 2026 – Full Competition Period
All six Winter Paralympic sports will be contested:
- Para alpine skiing
- Para cross-country skiing
- Para biathlon
- Para snowboard
- Para ice hockey
- Wheelchair curling
15 March 2026 – Closing Ceremony
- Host: Cortina
- Celebration of athletes and the Paralympic Movement
Where Will the Events Take Place?
Milano Cortina 2026 will use a multi-cluster venue model, giving each sport access to optimal terrain and facilities.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Para alpine skiing (speed & technical)
- Para snowboard
- Closing Ceremony
Val di Fiemme (Tesero)
- Para cross-country skiing
- Para biathlon
Milan
- Para ice hockey (PalaItalia)
- Wheelchair curling (PalaItalia Santa Giulia)
Verona
- Opening Ceremony only
This dual-city and multi-mountain approach allows Italy to maximise existing infrastructure, a key element of the IPC’s sustainability strategy.
Why These Games Are Significant
50 Years of Winter Paralympic History
Milano Cortina marks half a century since the inaugural Paralympic Winter Games of 1976, offering symbolic significance for athletes and nations alike.
A Record Push for Sustainability
Italy is targeting:
- maximising existing venues
- low-emission transport links
- climate-resilient alpine planning
Technological Innovation and Accessibility
Milano Cortina 2026 is expected to introduce enhanced:
- live-data athlete tracking
- real-time accessibility navigation apps
- upgraded adaptive equipment displays for fans
Growth in Athlete Participation
Beijing 2022 welcomed 564 athletes from 46 nations, the highest to date for a Paralympic Winter Games. Milano Cortina 2026 is expected to meet or exceed this figure, driven by global development programmes and expanding investment in winter Para sport.
Source: Beijing 2022 Participation Statistics
Future Winter Paralympic Hosts: 2030 and 2034 Confirmed
The Winter Paralympics operate on a four-year cycle. Beyond Milano Cortina 2026, the next two hosts are already confirmed.
2030 Winter Paralympics – French Alps
Awarded in 2024, the French Alps 2030 Games will use venues in:
- Nice
- Southeastern France mountain regions
- Existing 1992 Albertville legacy venues
Source: IOC & IPC Joint Announcement (2024)
2034 Winter Paralympics – Salt Lake City, USA
Salt Lake City will make history as:
- A Games expected to demonstrate the highest levels of accessibility integration ever achieved in the United States.
The city boasts long-standing adaptive sport programmes and some of the world’s most accessible snow sport facilities.
Source: IOC Host City Allocation
How Can Fans Follow Milano Cortina 2026?
Broadcasting
Official broadcast partners differ by region, but coverage typically includes:
- Livestreams of all sports
- Daily highlights
- Behind-the-scenes athlete features
Digital and Social Media
Expect expanded:
- real-time results dashboards
- athlete GPS tracking for alpine events
- 360° venue visuals
- and dedicated para-sport explainers
Following New Zealand Paralympians
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) will provide:
- daily updates on social media
- medal summaries
- and behind-the-scenes insights on https://paralympics.org.nz
New Zealand has strong potential in Para alpine skiing with athletes:
- Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM (five-time Paralympic medallist)
- Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM (four-time Paralympic medallist)
Additional Para athletes could yet be selected as part of the NZ Paralympic Team in February.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the next Winter Paralympics?
The next Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6–15 March 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Do any sports begin before the Opening Ceremony?
Yes. Wheelchair curling begins on 4 March 2026 due to its extended competition format.
Where is the Opening Ceremony being held?
The Opening Ceremony will take place at the Verona Arena on 6 March 2026.
Where is the Closing Ceremony held?
The Closing Ceremony will be staged in Cortina d’Ampezzo on 15 March 2026.
Where will the future Paralympic Winter Games be held?
- 2030 – French Alps
- 2034 – Salt Lake City, USA
How many sports are in the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
Six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para snowboard, Para cross-country skiing, Para biathlon, Para ice hockey, and Wheelchair curling.
How can I follow the New Zealand team?
Updates will be available on the PNZ website, social channels, and through official international broadcast partners.
