Though the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will draw to a close this Sunday, it doesn’t mean the action in northern Italy is over. Just five days after the Olympic cauldron is extinguished, the Paralympic flame will burn bright for another 10 days of competition.
Over 650 athletes will vie for 79 gold medals across six sports in a global showcase of athleticism, fortitude, and adaptability. The Games mark the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics.
When are the 2026 Paralympics?
The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics officially open March 6 and conclude with the Closing Ceremony March 15. (Wheelchair curling round-robin play gets underway a couple days early, beginning March 4).
Where will the 2026 Paralympics take place?
Just like the Winter Olympics, the Paralympics will take place in Milan, Cortina, and other venues in the Alpine regions of northern Italy.
The Paralympic Opening Ceremony, however, will emanate from the nearby city of Verona in the Verona Olympic Arena. The striking Roman amphitheater, built in 30 AD to host gladiator battles, will host more than 12,000 spectators to kick off the Games.
Other Paralympic venues include:
- Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
- Cortina Para Snowboard Park
- Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
- Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium
- Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre (Cortina)
What sports are included in the 2026 Paralympics?
Six sports make up the Milan Cortina Paralympic program:
Who are the athletes to watch at the 2026 Paralympics?
Multisport athlete Oksana Masters, snowboarder Brenna Huckaby, and the United States sled hockey team will be worth watching in Italy, but they are just the tip of the talent iceberg. Read our full list of Paralympic athletes to watch below...