Italy Prepares for Historic Paralympic Winter Games

The 2026 Winter Paralympics, officially known as the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games, are set to take place from March 6th to March 15th, 2026, across Lombardy and Northeast Italy. This event promises to be the largest in the history of the Winter Paralympics, with a projected 665 Para athletes competing for a record 79 sets of medals.

A Return to Italy and a First for Multiple Host Cities

This will be the third time Italy has hosted the Paralympic Games, following the 1960 Summer Paralympics in Rome and the 2006 Winter Paralympics in Turin. The 2026 Games will also mark a historic moment as the first Winter Paralympics since 1992 to officially feature multiple host cities – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

it will be the first Winter Paralympics since Vancouver 2010 where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held in different venues.

Key Dates and Ceremonies

• Opening Ceremony: March 6, 2026, Verona Arena
• Closing Ceremony: March 15, 2026, Cortina Olympic Ice Stadium
• First Medals Awarded: March 7, 2026, in Para Alpine skiing and Para biathlon events.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Winter Paralympics

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games also hold special significance as they mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympic Games.

“IT’s Your Vibe”

Milano Cortina 2026 Motto

FAQ

When and where will the 2026 Winter Paralympics be held?

The games will be held from March 6th to March 15th, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

How many athletes are expected to participate?

Approximately 665 Para athletes are expected to compete.

How many medals will be awarded?

A record 79 sets of medals will be awarded.