Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games 2026 Start 6 March

The Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, running from 6–15 March, are set to be the largest in history, with a record 54 nations expected to compete.

Five countries, El Salvador, Haiti, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Portugal, will make their Winter Paralympic debut, reflecting the rapid global expansion of Para snowsport. International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) governed disciplines will dominate the programme, accounting for 80% of all medals awarded across Para Alpine, Para Snowboard and Para Nordic events.

The opening ceremony in Verona’s Arena is unfortunately drawing international scrutiny for the wrong reasons. For the first time since 2014, Russian athletes will compete under the Russian flag with their national anthem reinstated, following an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decision that has triggered widespread criticism. Ukraine has confirmed it will boycott the ceremony, calling the move unacceptable, while Italy have urged the IPC to reconsider, warning that the decision risks overshadowing the Games as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.

For ParalympicsGB, Milano Cortina brings a blend of experience and landmark firsts. Nina Sparks will become Britain’s first female Para snowboarder, arriving in Italy fresh from winning Banked Slalom bronze at the Steamboat World Cup.

“I’ve been working hard to be the best snowboarder I can be, and to make history for Great Britain is pretty cool,” she said.

Six‑time Paralympic medallist Menna Fitzpatrick, guided by Katie Guest, returns for her third Games to contest the visually impaired Para Alpine events in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The team also includes Davy Zyw, believed to be the first snowsport athlete with Motor Neurone Disease to compete at a Paralympic Games.

A trio of teenage athletes complete a youthful British contingent making their debuts: Dom Allen (16) in Slalom and Giant Slalom, and Hester Poole (18) and Sam Cozens (19) will compete in the visually impaired Alpine events.

The Team GB Ski & Snowboard Paralympics Squad

Para Alpine

Visually Impaired Skiers (with Guides)
• Menna Fitzpatrick — Guide: Katie Guest
• Sam Cozens — Guide: Adam Hall
• Fred Warburton — Guide: James Hannan
• Hester Poole — Guide: Ali Hall
• Neil Simpson — Guides: Andrew Simpson and Rob Poth

Standing / Other Classifications
• Dom Allen

Para Snowboard
Nina Sparks, Matt Hamilton, Davy Zyw, Ollie Hill, James Barnes-Miller

Para Nordic
Scott Meenagh

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