THE wait is finally over as the world’s most elite para-athletes descend upon the Italian Alps for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics.
The nation was gripped by the Winter Olympics, and now it’s time to see the Paralympians in action.
Channel 4 is once again leading the charge with over 60 hours of live coverage, ensuring that every high-speed turn and precision shot is captured for the UK audience.
Broadcasting from a stunning mountain-top studio 1,778 meters high in the Dolomites, the line-up of presenters includes Billy Monger, Ed Jackson, and Ade Adepitan.
They will be your guides through ten days of elite competition.
With the Games held in a UK-friendly time zone for the first time in 20 years, fans can expect a wall-to-wall schedule that brings the magic of Italy directly into their living rooms.
When does the Winter Paralympics start?
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics officially kick off on Friday, March 6, 2026, with a spectacular Opening Ceremony held at the historic Verona Arena.
This marks the first time a UNESCO World Heritage site has hosted a Paralympic opening event, setting a grand stage for the 665 athletes ready to compete.
UK viewers can catch the full Opening Ceremony live on Channel 4 starting at 6.30pm GMT.
The flame’s arrival in Verona signifies the beginning of ten days of high-octane sport, with the first medals set to be awarded the very next morning.
What is Channel 4’s Winter Olympics schedule?
Channel 4 has committed to an extensive broadcast plan, starting with a daily breakfast show and continuing through to live daytime action and evening highlights.
Every televised moment will also be available via Channel 4 Streaming and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel for fans on the go.
- Friday 6 March: 18:30 – 21:00 (Opening Ceremony Live)
- Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 March: 08:00 – 13:00 (Live Coverage); 18:30 – 19:00
- Monday 9 – Wednesday 11 March: 08:00 – 15:40 (Live Coverage); 18:30 – 19:00 (Paralympics Today Highlights)
- Thursday 12 March: 07:50 – 13:35 (Live Coverage); 18:30 – 19:00 (Paralympics Today Highlights)
- Friday 13 March: 07:50 – 14:30 (Live Coverage); 18:30 – 19:00 (Paralympics Today Highlights)
- Saturday 14 March: 07:50 – 14:00 (Live Coverage); 18:30 – 19:00 (Paralympics Today Highlights)
- Sunday 15 March: 07:50 – 13:00 (Final Live Events); 19:30 – 21:30 (Closing Ceremony Live)
