The Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics bring elite winter sport to some of northern Italy’s most iconic cities and mountain areas, with competitions spread across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val di Fiemme, and an Opening Ceremony staged in Verona. This guide is designed for travelers who want clarity, not hype. It focuses on accessibility, first-timer friendly events, and the smartest places to stay so you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the Games. If you are planning your first Paralympic experience, or traveling with mobility needs, this is where to start. For broader Italy travel planning and curated itineraries, you can also explore resources available at Italy on Foot Travel Guides.
What makes these Paralympics different is not just the level of sport, but the geography. Unlike single-city Games, events are organized in clusters. That means where you sleep matters as much as which ticket you buy. Trying to see everything from one base is possible, but not always smart, especially for travelers who need step-free access, predictable transport, and shorter travel days. This article breaks the Games into manageable pieces and explains how to choose events, bases, and routes that actually work on the ground.
Understanding the Event Clusters
Milan: The Easiest Starting Point
Milan is the most straightforward city for Paralympic visitors, especially first-timers and travelers with accessibility needs. It hosts Para ice hockey, one of the most exciting and easiest sports to follow, even if you have never watched a Paralympic event before. Milan’s advantages go beyond the sport itself. The city has the largest stock of accessible hotels, the best public transport network in northern Italy, and major train stations with step-free access and staff assistance.
From a travel planning perspective, Milan works well as a single-base trip. You can attend multiple Para ice hockey matches without changing hotels, enjoy museums and restaurants between events, and move around without relying on cars. The city’s metro and tram systems make it easier to return to your accommodation after evening matches, something that becomes far more complicated in mountain venues. If you want the least stressful Paralympics experience, Milan is the safest choice.
Verona: Ceremony City and Smart Short Stay
Verona hosts the Opening Ceremony, held in the historic Arena, and serves as a natural bridge between city and mountain clusters. While Verona does not host competition events, it plays an important role in smart itineraries. The city is compact, walkable, and well connected by rail to Milan, Trento, and Venice. For many visitors, a two or three night stay in Verona makes sense, especially if attending the Opening Ceremony.
Accessibility in Verona is generally good in the historic center, though some older hotels may have limitations. Staying close to the main train station or within flat areas of the city reduces complications. Verona works best as a short stop rather than a long base, but it adds cultural depth to the trip without creating transport stress.
Val di Fiemme and Trentino: Nordic Sports and Calm Bases
Val di Fiemme, with competition venues in Tesero, hosts Para cross-country skiing and Para biathlon. These sports are excellent for spectators because venues are designed with loops, meaning you can see athletes pass multiple times without moving long distances. The atmosphere is calmer and more traditional than city venues, making it appealing for travelers who prefer nature and quieter evenings.
For logistics, Trento is often the best base. It offers more hotel options, better train access, and flatter terrain than small alpine villages. Staying in Trento allows you to attend events during the day while returning to a city environment in the evening. For travelers with mobility needs, this balance can make a big difference in comfort and energy levels.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: Alpine Drama with Extra Planning
Cortina hosts Para alpine skiing, Para snowboard, wheelchair curling, and the Closing Ceremony. These are visually spectacular events and often the highlight for fans, but Cortina is also the most complex destination. Road access is limited, traffic controls are common during major events, and weather can affect travel times. Accessibility exists, but it requires planning and patience.
If you plan to attend events in Cortina, staying overnight in or near the town is strongly recommended. Day trips from distant bases are tiring and risky, especially in winter conditions. Choose accommodations that clearly confirm step-free access, elevator dimensions, and shuttle availability to venues. Cortina rewards those who plan carefully and punishes those who assume it will work like a city.
Accessibility-First Travel Planning
Accessibility is not only about ramps and elevators. It is about reducing friction throughout the day. The smartest Paralympics itineraries are built around access-first routing, meaning you choose destinations based on ease of movement rather than prestige alone. Milan ranks highest, followed by Verona and Trento, with Cortina requiring the most preparation.
Key principles include booking accommodation close to transport hubs, minimizing daily transfers, and allowing buffer time for weather and crowds. Accessible taxis and venue shuttles may operate, but availability can vary. Always confirm details directly with hotels and local services rather than assuming standard facilities.
- Choose one event cluster per base whenever possible
- Book accessible rooms early and confirm details in writing
- Prioritize flat routes and short distances over scenic shortcuts
- Allow extra time for security and winter conditions
Best Events for First-Time Paralympics Visitors
Para Ice Hockey
Para ice hockey is the most beginner-friendly event at the Games. The rules are easy to understand, the pace is fast, and the atmosphere is electric. Matches are usually held in modern arenas with good seating visibility and accessibility. Because games are shorter and intense, they work well for families and travelers who want a high-impact experience without long exposure to cold weather.
Para Alpine Skiing and Para Snowboard
These events deliver instant visual impact. Speed, steep slopes, and dramatic finishes make them compelling even for spectators unfamiliar with the sport. They are ideal for visitors who want iconic winter imagery and emotional moments. The trade-off is logistics. Mountain transport, weather dependency, and venue access require more planning than city events.
Para Cross-Country Skiing and Para Biathlon
Nordic events are underrated for first-timers. Stadium-style venues mean you can stay in one place while watching athletes multiple times. Para biathlon adds the tension of shooting stages, making it easy to follow and exciting. These events are also more social, with space to move, warm up, and take breaks between races.
Wheelchair Curling
Wheelchair curling surprises many first-time viewers. It is strategic, social, and easy to understand. Venues are usually indoors and climate-controlled, making them comfortable options for longer viewing sessions. It pairs well with alpine events if you are based in Cortina.
Where to Base Yourself: Smart Strategies
| Travel Style | Best Base | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| First-time, access-focused | Milan | Best transport, hotels, and easiest venues |
| Ceremony plus sport | Verona + Milan or Trento | Easy rail connections and cultural balance |
| Multi-sport fan | Milan + Cortina | City comfort plus alpine highlights |
The biggest mistake visitors make is underestimating distances and overestimating daily mobility. Two bases usually work better than one if you want to see different sports. Three bases are possible, but only for travelers comfortable with frequent hotel changes and longer transit days.
Tickets and Official Booking
Tickets should always be purchased through the official Milano Cortina ticketing platform. This ensures valid entry, accessible seating options where available, and updates on venue access rules. Avoid unofficial sellers and resale platforms, as entry requirements may change and unofficial tickets may not be honored.
You can find official tickets at tickets.milanocortina2026.org. When booking, look for information on accessible seating, companion tickets, and venue services. These details are usually provided during the ticket selection process.
Getting Between Cities and Venues
Rail travel is the backbone of movement between Milan, Verona, and Trento. These routes are frequent, reliable, and generally accessible. From Trento or Verona, transfers to mountain areas may involve buses or private transport. In Cortina, expect controlled traffic zones and dedicated shuttles during event days.
Plan transfers with margin. Winter weather, crowds, and security checks can add time. If an event starts in the morning, staying nearby the night before is often worth the cost for peace of mind.
Planning Tips That Make the Difference
Successful Paralympics trips are built on realistic expectations. Choose fewer events and enjoy them fully rather than rushing between venues. Schedule rest time, especially if traveling with mobility needs. Winter travel is demanding, and fatigue affects enjoyment more than missing one extra competition.
Think of your itinerary as flexible. Weather changes, transport adjustments, and spontaneous discoveries are part of the experience. With the right base and smart planning, the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics can be inspiring, manageable, and deeply rewarding for travelers of all abilities.