Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics: dates, venues, sports, and tickets
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Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games: What you need to know
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games arrive at a particularly significant moment: they celebrate half a century of the Paralympic Winter Games' history.
The first edition, in 1976 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, paved the way for a journey that, over fifty years, has changed the way we understand sport, disability, and participation.
As we approach this event, we have noticed that, even today, the Paralympics do not always receive the same attention and consideration as the Olympics.
And it is precisely this that has prompted us to learn more and to tell their story: because beyond sporting competitions, these Games carry significant social and cultural value, inviting us to reflect on inclusion, accessibility, and the very meaning of "performance."
In this guide, you will find key information on dates, venues, sports, and tickets, to help you understand and experience this historic event more consciously.
Where the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics will be held
The 2026 Paralympic Games will be spread across multiple locations in Northern Italy, following a widespread model that will involve both cities and mountain areas. The main venues will be Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, along with other alpine resorts already equipped to host high-level winter competitions.
This organizational choice allows for the utilization of existing infrastructure, limiting new constructions and reducing environmental impact, as well as enhancing various territories.
Where the Milan Cortina Paralympic Village will be located
The Olympic and Paralympic Village in Milan will be built in the Porta Romana railway yard area.
Designed to accommodate athletes and staff during the Games, after the event it will be converted into university residences, becoming a permanent structure serving the city.
In addition to accommodation, the village will include health services, common areas, recreational spaces, and canteens, establishing itself as a true operational and social hub for the event.
Where the opening ceremony of the 2026 Paralympics will be held
It will be held in Verona, within the Arena, which for the occasion will be renamed the Verona Olympic Arena.
As is tradition, the ceremony will include the parade of delegations, artistic performances, and the lighting of the cauldron, in a highly symbolic moment.
When are the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics
The Paralympic Winter Games will take place from March 6 to 15, 2026, immediately after the conclusion of the Winter Olympics. This temporal continuity allows for the reuse of facilities, structures, and personnel, optimizing overall organization.
How long do the 2026 Paralympics last
The event will last approximately 9–10 days, including competitions, official ceremonies, and parallel cultural events. In addition to sporting competitions, there will be meetings, exhibitions, and initiatives related to inclusion, disability, and accessibility.
What is the schedule and key milestones
The main milestones include:
- Opening Ceremony
- Qualification days
- Finals and medal ceremonies
- Closing Ceremony
The central days will feature the highest number of competitions and attract the largest audiences.
View the full program here.
What sports will be at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics
The Paralympic Winter Games feature sports adapted to the different abilities of athletes, ensuring fair and highly spectacular competitions.
In the Milan-Cortina 2026 edition, Paralympic disciplines include:
- Para Alpine Skiing
- Para Cross-Country Skiing
- Para Snowboard
- Para Ice Hockey
- Para Biathlon
- Wheelchair Curling
Each discipline uses specific classification systems to ensure equal competitive conditions.
How the classification system works
There is no single classification valid for all Paralympic sports: each discipline adopts its own criteria. Teams of classifiers, composed of doctors and technical experts, evaluate the athlete's functional level and assign a sports class, identified by an alphanumeric code.
Generally, the letter indicates the discipline, while the number represents the degree of functionality: lower values correspond to greater physical limitation.
Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics Tickets: Costs and useful information
The 2026 Paralympic tickets will have variable prices based on the discipline, competition phase, and seat location. Generally, qualifications are cheaper than finals and official ceremonies.
How to participate as a spectator or volunteer
You can participate by purchasing official tickets, applying as a volunteer, or taking part in related city events. Volunteer applications are usually opened months before the start of the Games.
How much do tickets cost
Half of the tickets start from €25, and tickets for the finals cost between €20 and €100. Ticket prices vary depending on the category chosen, the sport, and the session.
You can purchase tickets on the official website from here
Where to watch the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic competitions
To follow the competitions live and on-demand, you can connect via Web and App through HBO Max and via TV, Web, and App through RAI.