As the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games are set to commence in the picturesque Italian Dolomites of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the United States para alpine ski contingent arrives with a formidable blend of seasoned champions and ambitious newcomers, all poised to etch their names into the annals of winter sports history. This year’s team represents a compelling narrative of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence, featuring athletes who have overcome significant adversity to compete at the highest level. From multi-medaled veterans to emerging talents making their Paralympic debut, these American skiers are strategically positioned to contend for medals across a spectrum of speed and technical disciplines.
The stage is set for an exhilarating display of athletic prowess, with the U.S. team carrying the hopes of a nation and the inspiring stories of individual journeys. The upcoming competitions in Cortina promise to be a testament to the human spirit, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of para athletes. Beyond the thrill of competition, the Games serve as a powerful platform for raising awareness and promoting inclusivity within adaptive sports. The anticipation is palpable as the world watches to see which American athletes will rise to the occasion and deliver performances that resonate for years to come. This article delves into the profiles of key American athletes to watch, alongside essential information on how to follow the action.
A Legacy of Excellence: Veterans Leading the Charge
At the forefront of the U.S. para alpine charge is Laurie Stephens, a name synonymous with Paralympic success. Stephens is set to compete in her sixth Winter Paralympic Games, a remarkable feat that underscores her enduring presence and dominance in the sport. With an impressive collection of seven Paralympic medals, including multiple golds, she has consistently demonstrated her mastery across various events. Born with spina bifida, Stephens discovered her passion for skiing at the age of 12 and transitioned to competitive racing at 15. Her Paralympic journey began in 2006 at the Turin Games, and she has since graced the slopes of Vancouver, Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing. Beyond her alpine achievements, Stephens is a formidable athlete in para swimming, having held national records in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, further highlighting her exceptional athletic versatility. Her extensive experience and proven track record make her a significant contender and a guiding force for her teammates.
Another veteran making a strong return is Jasmin Bambur. This will be Bambur’s fifth Paralympic appearance, having previously competed in the Sitting disciplines at the Vancouver, Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing Games. His dedication and skill have yielded impressive results, with notable finishes including 7th in the Super-G at Sochi, 8th in the Slalom at Beijing, and 9th in the Downhill at Vancouver. These performances speak volumes about his adaptability and perseverance across different disciplines. Bambur’s journey is one of profound resilience. A war refugee from Bosnia, he and his family immigrated to the United States when he was 12. In 2000, a car accident resulted in a spinal cord injury, leading to paraplegia. Despite this life-altering event, Bambur channeled his determination into para skiing, establishing himself as a respected competitor. He is once again expected to be a strong force in the sitting events in Cortina, with medal aspirations.
Patrick Halgren is another athlete bringing valuable experience to the Cortina Games, marking his second Paralympic appearance. Halgren’s journey into para skiing is a relatively recent but impactful one, having first competed in the sport in 2018. His path to the slopes was forged through immense personal challenge. In 2013, a motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee and a coma lasting over a month. It was his twin brother, Lucas, who encouraged him to try para skiing. Tragically, Lucas passed away in a motorcycle crash in 2016. Halgren’s participation in the Paralympics is a profound tribute to his brother’s memory and his own indomitable spirit. While his previous Paralympic outing in Beijing saw finishes of 24th in slalom and 26th in giant slalom, Halgren has been steadily improving and will be aiming to significantly better these results in Cortina. His progression since his debut showcases his commitment to pushing his boundaries and achieving new heights.
Emerging Stars: New Faces Ready to Make Their Mark
The U.S. team also boasts a promising contingent of emerging athletes who are set to make their mark on the Paralympic stage. Tyler McKenzie, a first-time Paralympian, embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity. McKenzie grew up skiing with his family in the Northeast. In his early twenties, a severe biking accident resulted in a brachial plexus injury, significantly impacting the use of his left arm. Following a series of nerve transfers and a left shoulder fusion, McKenzie embarked on a challenging rehabilitation process. He not only relearned to ski but also discovered a passion for para racing. His dedication has been evident in his success at the U.S. Championships, where he has stood on the podium three times. McKenzie is now in prime position to challenge for a medal in the demanding technical and speed events in Cortina, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.
Audrey Crowley, another debutant at the Winter Paralympics, is one of the youngest members of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team. Despite her youth, Crowley has already proven her mettle on the international circuit. At just 19 years old, she secured a bronze medal in the Standing Giant Slalom at the 2025 Para Alpine World Ski Championships, demonstrating her exceptional speed and technical finesse. Born without her lower left arm, Crowley began skiing at the tender age of two at a small ski hill in Wisconsin. Recognizing her burgeoning talent and passion, her family relocated to Colorado to provide her with access to more competitive ski racing opportunities. Her participation in the Standing Alpine disciplines in Cortina is highly anticipated, with many expecting her to be a strong contender for podium finishes. Her early success suggests a bright future in the sport.
Kelsey O’Driscoll represents another compelling story of perseverance and a burgeoning talent within the U.S. Paralympic movement. O’Driscoll, a native of New York, began skiing at the age of two, honing her skills on the slopes of Gore Mountain, where her father served as a whitewater guide. Her life took an unexpected turn in her late twenties when a sledding accident resulted in a spinal fracture. This incident necessitated a challenging recovery, during which she had to relearn how to walk. It was during this period of rehabilitation that she rediscovered her love for skiing and found a new passion for competitive ski racing. As a new addition to the U.S. Paralympic Alpine Team, O’Driscoll will be competing in her first Winter Games. Her strong performances at the 2025 FIS Para Alpine World Ski Championships, where she achieved Top 10 finishes in Slalom and Giant Slalom, position her as a promising athlete to watch in Cortina. Her background as a ski patroller also speaks to her deep understanding and comfort on the mountain.
The Road to Cortina: Preparation and Expectations
The athletes have been diligently preparing for the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, with a rigorous schedule of training camps and international competitions leading up to the event. The Para Alpine Ski World Cup circuit has served as a crucial testing ground, allowing athletes to fine-tune their techniques, adapt to varying snow conditions, and gauge their competition. The recent success at the 2025 Para Alpine World Ski Championships, where American athletes secured several medals and strong finishes, has fueled optimism within the team.
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association, in collaboration with the U.S. Paralympics, has provided extensive support, including access to top-tier coaching, sports science expertise, and performance analytics. The focus has been on optimizing each athlete’s individual training plans, addressing specific technical challenges, and ensuring peak physical and mental conditioning for the demanding Paralympic schedule.
How to Witness the Paralympic Action
For fans eager to follow the U.S. para alpine team’s journey in Cortina, comprehensive broadcast and streaming options are available. NBCUniversal holds the broadcast rights for the Milan-Cortina Games, extending through 2036, ensuring extensive coverage across its platforms.
Television Broadcasts: Cable and satellite subscribers can tune into events on NBC’s extensive network of channels, including NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. These channels will feature a mix of live coverage and replays of various disciplines, offering viewers a front-row seat to the thrilling alpine competitions.
Streaming Options: For cord-cutters and those who prefer on-demand viewing, the Peacock streaming service is the primary destination for Olympic and Paralympic content. A Peacock subscription is required to access live streams of the events. Subscription plans start at $10.99 per month, providing access to a wealth of sports programming.
Additional Streaming Services: Hulu + Live TV also offers coverage of the Paralympic Games, though at a higher price point of $89.99 per month. For individuals solely seeking Paralympic coverage during the Games, Peacock presents a more cost-effective alternative.
Online Viewing: NBCOlympics.com serves as a dedicated portal for Olympic and Paralympic enthusiasts. Users with existing cable or satellite service can log in to stream most events live or catch up on replays at their convenience. This platform offers a centralized hub for all official Olympic broadcast content.
Paralympic Alpine Skiing Schedule (Cortina 2026):
The full schedule for the para alpine competitions in Cortina promises a week of intense racing:
- Saturday, March 7: Men’s and Women’s Downhill
- Monday, March 9: Men’s and Women’s Super-G
- Tuesday, March 10: Men’s and Women’s Combined Super-G
- Wednesday, March 11: Men’s and Women’s Combined Slalom
- Thursday, March 12: Women’s Giant Slalom
- Friday, March 13: Men’s Giant Slalom and Men’s Slalom
- Saturday, March 14: Women’s Slalom
- Sunday, March 15: Men’s Slalom
This detailed schedule will allow fans to track their favorite athletes and anticipate key medal races across all disciplines. The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo are poised to be a landmark event, celebrating athletic achievement, showcasing remarkable resilience, and inspiring a global audience with the extraordinary capabilities of para athletes. The U.S. team, with its potent mix of experience and fresh talent, is ready to seize this moment and deliver performances that will be remembered for years to come.