Source: Radio New Zealand
Paralympian skier Adam Hall during practice at the Skicenter Rienz – Toblach, South Tyrol Italy on Friday 27 February 2026. Photosport / Jeff Crowe
The Winter Paralympics kick off in Milano Cortina on Saturday (NZT) and all eyes will be on Kiwis Adam Hall and Corey Peters.
Hall and Peters are New Zealand’s only two para athletes in Italy, competing in alpine skiing.
So when is the Opening Ceremony? And how can you watch the events? Here’s everything you need to know.
When do the Winter Paralympics start?
The Winter Paralympics officially start on Saturday, 7 March, with the Opening Ceremony at the Arena di Verona, where the Olympics had its Closing Ceremony.
Competition did begin a couple of days beforehand, on Thursday, 5 March, with preliminary rounds in wheelchair curling, which New Zealand is not competing in.
The Games run for nine days and will finish on 16 March.
What time does the opening ceremony start in New Zealand?
The Opening Ceremony will get underway at 8am NZT on Saturday.
What is the Winter Paralympics schedule?
The official schedule can be found at the official Olympics website.
Find out when the Kiwis are in action at the NZ Paralympics website.
Corey Peters. PHOTOSPORT
Where are the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics, which have been held in the same host cities as the Winter Olympics since 1992.
It is also the second time the Winter Games have been held in Italy, with Torino hosting the Paralympics in 2006.
Like the Olympics, the Paralympics are being hosted by two cities, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Competition will be spread across five venues around north-east Italy, from Para Ice Hockey in Milan to Para Snowboarding in Cortina.
What sports are there?
There are six sports taking place at the Paralympics this year, with a mixed doubles event making its debut in Para Curling.
- Para alpine skiing
- Para biathlon
- Para cross-country
- Para ice hockey
- Para snowboard
- Wheelchair curling
How many New Zealanders are competing?
Two Kiwis will be representing New Zealand at this year’s Winter Paralympics. They are skiiers Hall and Peters.
How can I watch the Winter Paralympics
TVNZ will broadcast the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in New Zealand on Duke and TVNZ+.
-RNZ with ABC
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
