Cortina in the spotlight: After the Olympic Games, preparations begin for the Paralympic Games. © APA/afp / STEFANO RELLANDINI

Paralympics in Italy: Everything you need to know

Italy, including the Trentino region, will be the focus of international disability sports for ten days. Fifty years after the inaugural Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, the Games will be held here. Find out which competitions are on the schedule, which South Tyrolean athletes are participating, and who the big stars are.

March 03, 2026

From: fop/dpa

When and where will the 2026 Paralympics take place?

The 14th Paralympic Winter Games will open on March 6th in the Roman amphitheater in Verona. This will be followed by nine days of competition in Milan, Cortina, and Tesero. The closing ceremony will take place on March 15th in Cortina.

Mascots Milo (left) and Tina are also participating in the Paralympics. © APA/afp / ODD ANDERSEN

How extensive is the sports program?

A total of 79 medal events will be held. Over 660 athletes with physical disabilities from around 50 nations will compete in six sports: Para Alpine Skiing, Para Snowboarding, Wheelchair Curling (in Cortina), Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing (in Tesero), and Para Ice Hockey (in Milan).

Who is competing for South Tyrol?

Among the 40 nominated Italians (a new record for participation) are seven from South Tyrol. Apart from snowboarder Emanuel Perathoner (Lajen), all the others are para-hockey players: goalkeeper Julian Kasslatter (43 years old, Santa Cristina), defender Alex Enderle (27, Appiano); forwards Christoph Depaoli (28, Caldaro), Stephan Kafmann (39, Caldaro), Nils Larch (28, Vipiteno), and Matteo Remotti Marnini (26, Bolzano).

Emanuel Perathoner is South Tyrol's medal hope.

Which international superstars are participating?

American Oksana Masters, a seven-time Paralympian, is one of the most recognizable faces, having won 19 medals in four sports: para cross-country skiing, para biathlon, para cycling, and para rowing. Her fiancé, Aaron Pike, is also competing in Italy. The Italian flag bearers are skiers René De Silvestro and Chiara Mazzel.

Also competing for the USA is monoskier Laurie Stephens, who boasts five Paralympic appearances and seven medals. New Zealand's alpine skier Adam Hall will also be making his sixth appearance at the Games, having previously won five medals. Representing the host nation is the visually impaired Italian Giacomo Bertagnolli, who has already celebrated eight Paralympic victories.