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Para-Alpine Skiing at Milano Cortina 2026 Guide
Para-alpine skiing is one of the most exciting sports at the Winter Paralympics. It combines speed, technical precision and remarkable athletic ability, set against some of the most iconic mountain venues in the world.
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, alpine skiing will once again take centre stage in Cortina d’Ampezzo. If you’ve never watched para-alpine skiing before, this guide explains how the sport works, the events involved, the athlete categories, and who to watch from Team GB.
What is Para-Alpine Skiing?
Para-alpine skiing is the Paralympic equivalent of Olympic alpine skiing. Athletes compete on downhill ski courses in events that mirror the Olympic programme, adapted for skiers with physical or visual impairments.
To ensure fair competition, athletes are grouped into classifications and race using a factoring system, allowing skiers with different impairments to compete together in the same event.
Paralympic Alpine Skiing Events Explained
The Paralympic alpine programme features five disciplines, each testing different skiing skills.
Downhill
The fastest event on the programme. Long courses, wide turns and high speeds reward confidence and clean technique.
Super-G
A blend of speed and precision. Faster than Giant Slalom but more technical than Downhill.
Giant Slalom
A technical discipline with wider turns and rhythm-based skiing across two runs.
Slalom
The most technical event, with tightly spaced gates demanding fast reactions and agility.
Super Combined
One speed run (usually Super-G) combined with one Slalom run. The athlete with the lowest combined time wins.
Paralympic Alpine Skiing Categories
Athletes compete in one of three categories based on how they ski.
Visually Impaired
Athletes race with a sighted guide, who skis ahead and communicates directions via headset. Athlete and guide compete as a team and both receive medals.
Standing
Athletes ski standing but may have limb loss, limb difference or coordination impairments. Some use outriggers for balance and stability.
Sitting
Athletes race in a sit-ski, using upper-body strength and precision to control the ski at speed.
How the Factoring System Works
Because impairments affect skiing performance differently, para-alpine skiing uses a factoring system to ensure fair results.
How results are calculated
- Each classification is given a numerical factor
- The athlete’s raw race time is multiplied by that factor
- The resulting adjusted time determines the final standings
Athletes with greater physical impact from their impairment receive a factor that compensates accordingly. Medals are awarded based on adjusted times, not finishing order on the slope.
This system allows inclusive competition while ensuring results are decided by skill, speed and technique.
British Athletes to Watch at Milano Cortina 2026
Great Britain has a strong record in Paralympic alpine skiing and will once again field medal contenders.
Millie Knight – Visually Impaired
One of Britain’s most successful Paralympic skiers, Millie Knight is known for her consistency and technical excellence.
Menna Fitzpatrick – Visually Impaired
A Paralympic trailblazer for Team GB, Menna Fitzpatrick has already made history and remains a leading figure in the sport.
Oli Jefferies – Standing
Oli Jefferies is an exciting British para-alpine skier who has impressed on the international stage and continues to progress.
British Sit-Ski Athletes
British sit-skiing is developing rapidly, with athletes pushing standards higher each season. Final selections will be confirmed closer to the Games.
Para-Alpine Skiing Schedule (GMT)
Saturday 7 March
Downhill — 09:30–13:15
Sunday 8 March
Super-G — 09:30–13:15
Monday 9 March
Super Combined
Super-G: 09:00–11:30
Slalom: 13:00–15:40
Tuesday 10 March
Giant Slalom (two runs)
Morning and early afternoon
Wednesday 11 March
Slalom (two runs)
Morning and early afternoon
Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 March
Reserve days, weather contingency and medal events
Sunday 15 March
Final alpine events and conclusion of competition
(All times GMT. Schedules may adjust due to weather conditions.)
What to Watch For
If you’re new to para-alpine skiing, look out for:
- The speed of Downhill and Super-G
- Technical mastery in Slalom and Giant Slalom
- The teamwork between visually impaired athletes and guides
- The variety of adaptive equipment
- How close races become after factoring is applied
Where to Watch and Follow
In the UK, the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will be broadcast live on Channel 4, with coverage available on TV and online throughout the Games.
Follow the Ski Club of Great Britain for race previews, British athlete updates and expert insight, helping you get more from watching world-class skiing on the biggest stage.
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