Milano Cortina 2026: Paralympic Winter Games Set to Begin with Alpine Skiing and More
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are poised to commence in Milano Cortina, Italy, on March 6th, marking a significant moment for para-athletes worldwide. The opening day promises a thrilling start with competitions across multiple disciplines, including Para-Alpine skiing, Para-snowboard, Para-biathlon, wheelchair curling, and Para-ice hockey. The Games will showcase incredible athleticism and determination, with athletes overcoming challenges to compete at the highest level. This year’s event is particularly notable for the participation of athletes from Russia, competing under their national flag following a decision by the International Paralympic Committee to lift a previous ban. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has been actively preparing for the Games, ensuring inclusivity and fair play.
The first medals will be awarded in Para-Alpine skiing, with downhill events across all three categories – visually impaired, standing, and sitting – taking place at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre. The competition will be fierce, with established stars and rising talents vying for gold. Several athletes have been preparing intensely, with recent World Cup performances providing a glimpse of the form to expect in Italy. The Games represent a culmination of years of dedication and training for these athletes, and the atmosphere in Cortina is expected to be electric.
Para-Alpine Skiing: Simpson Brothers and More Grab to the Slopes
In the men’s visually impaired downhill competition, scheduled for 09:50 local time, Neil Simpson and his brother and guide Andrew are aiming for a strong start. While the downhill may not be their strongest event, the Simpson brothers have demonstrated their capabilities with multiple World Cup podium finishes this season. Neil Simpson recently earned a World Cup podium finish, signaling good form heading into the Paralympics. Joining them will be Fred Warburton and James Hannan, both making their Paralympic debuts. Warburton’s journey to the Paralympics is particularly inspiring; a former decathlete, he was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition six years ago and began racing in February 2025.
The women’s visually impaired race, starting at 08:30, will feature Menna Fitzpatrick and her guide Katie Guest. While this event isn’t Fitzpatrick’s strongest, she remains a formidable competitor, having secured a world title in 2019. Fitzpatrick is Britain’s most decorated Winter Paralympian, boasting six medals, and has overcome a broken leg and knee injury sustained over the past 18 months to compete in Italy. Guest, meanwhile, will be making her Games debut after being sidelined from the Beijing Paralympics due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Para-Snowboard and Beyond: A Diverse Range of Events
The Para-snowboard program kicks off at 10:00 with snowboard cross qualifying. Athletes will navigate a specially designed course featuring banks, rollers, and jumps, with the top 16 men and 8 women advancing to Sunday’s head-to-head elimination rounds. This event promises high-octane action and spectacular displays of skill. Also making history will be Scotland’s Davy Zyw, believed to be the first snowsport athlete with motor neurone disease (MND) to compete at the Paralympic Games. Zyw will compete in the men’s upper limb (UL) event at 10:21, alongside James Barnes-Miller, appearing in his third Games, and Ollie Hill in the men’s lower limb (LL2) event at 11:03.
The Para-biathlon events begin with the seated sprint over 7.5km at 09:35, where Scott Meenagh is hoping to achieve a top-five finish in what is considered his strongest event. Wheelchair curling will also be underway, with Great Britain facing the world champions from Japan in mixed doubles at 13:35, and the mixed team event commencing on the same day. GB’s team includes Hugh Nibloe, Karen Aspey, Austin McKenzie, Graeme Stewart, and Stewart Pimblett, who will first face Slovakia at 08:35 and then the USA at 17:35.
Russian Athletes Compete Under National Flag
A significant development surrounding the Games is the participation of six Russian athletes, who will compete under their national flag. This follows the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to lift a ban previously imposed on athletes from Russia and Belarus. InTheSnow reports on the start of the Paralympic Winter Games, highlighting this controversial decision. The IPC’s move has sparked debate, but allows these athletes to participate on the world stage.
Para-Ice Hockey: USA and Canada to Clash
The Para-ice hockey tournament also gets underway, with the United States and Canada, traditionally the dominant forces in the sport, facing Italy at 16:05 and Slovakia at 19:35, respectively. These opening matches will set the tone for the tournament and provide an early indication of which teams are in contention for a medal. Para-ice hockey is a physically demanding and highly strategic sport, captivating audiences with its intensity and skill.
Key Takeaways
- The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games begin on March 6th with competitions in Para-Alpine skiing, Para-snowboard, Para-biathlon, wheelchair curling, and Para-ice hockey.
- Neil Simpson, Menna Fitzpatrick, and Scott Meenagh are among the British athletes to watch in the opening days of competition.
- Six Russian athletes will compete under their national flag following the IPC’s decision to lift a previous ban.
- Scotland’s Davy Zyw will make history as the first snowsport athlete with MND to compete at the Paralympic Games.
As the Games progress, fans can expect thrilling competition, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the human spirit. Stay tuned for further updates and results from Milano Cortina 2026. The next major event on the schedule is the Para-snowboard cross finals on Sunday, March 8th. We encourage you to share your thoughts and support for the athletes in the comments below.