The Para Alpine skiing season is just around the corner, and the world’s most elite athletes are absolutely chomping at the bit. With the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games looming, this isn’t just another season.

It’s a full-throttle charge toward glory. While most of us were squeezing in the last days of summer, these incredible skiers were already chasing winter down in the Southern Hemisphere.

They flocked to the snowy peaks of the Chilean Andes and the southernmost city on Earth, Ushuaia, Argentina, to carve out their path to the podium. They’re not just training; they’re sending a message: they are ready to dominate.

What’s the Big Deal About Pre-Season Training?

For Para Alpine athletes, getting on the snow early is everything. It’s about reconnecting with the mountain, dialing in their gear, and pushing their limits long before the first starting gate drops. It’s a grind, but it’s a necessary one. This intense preparation is what separates the contenders from the champions.

Take it from Arthur Bauchet, the French powerhouse who has a staggering seven consecutive overall Crystal Globes to his name. He and his team, including his fierce rival Jordan Broisin, set up camp in Chile to get a jump on the season.

“This preparation is really important for us,” Bauchet said, his excitement palpable. “We return to skiing in Chile for three years now, and this allows us to have a big ski camp to be ready to train on the glacier in Europe during autumn.”

The Candid Take On Training

He described a raw, back-to-basics camp where the team cooked their own meals, building a bond that’s just as important as their time on the slopes. “It’s not perfect in terms of facilities, the lifts are pretty old, but what’s important is that we can have some really good training. Going to Chile allows us to have true winter conditions… We can also do speed training, which is great.”

With his eyes locked on Milano Cortina 2026, Bauchet isn’t shy about his ambitions. “I have pretty high goals this season. I’ll try to win five medals at the Paralympic Games and do my best to win as many titles as I can.” Talk about putting it all on the line!

Who are the Para Alpine Skiers to Watch?

The upcoming season is stacked with talent, and rivalries are heating up. Here are just a few of the names you need to know: Spain’s Audrey Pascual Seco, the reigning women’s sitting super-G World Cup champ, was tearing it up in Ushuaia. “I really enjoyed Ushuaia,” she shared.

“The main advantage is being able to train in real winter conditions with consistent snow and demanding courses, which helps me arrive at the first competitions better prepared and more confident.” After finishing second overall last season, she’s hungry for more, with her sights set firmly on her first Paralympic medal.

The Men’s Sitting Category

Meanwhile, the men’s sitting category is an absolute pressure cooker. Jeroen Kampschreur from the Netherlands is coming off an epic battle where he narrowly edged out Norway’s Jesper Pedersen for the overall World Cup crown. Kampschreur and his team trained at a breathtaking 3,000 meters in Valle Nevado, Chile, alongside skiers from Japan, New Zealand, and Great Britain.

“We slept at an altitude of 3,000 metres, which is quite a shock for the body,” he admitted. But the payoff is huge. “The preparation in the Southern Hemisphere is the best way for us to start training as early as possible.”

Kampschreur knows the pressure is on, especially with the Paralympics on the horizon. “My goal this season is to show the best version of myself, especially at the Paralympic Games,” he stated. “Being able to withstand the pressure in March, and ski there as I’d approach any other race, is a real skill. I hope I’m able to show that!”

What Can We Expect from the Upcoming Season?

Get ready for some serious speed! New Zealand’s Corey Peters, the reigning Paralympic downhill champion, is stoked about the race calendar. “It’s nice to see there’s a lot more opportunity to race speed this upcoming season,” he said.“My focus is definitely going to be the downhill and super-G in Cortina.

The competition continues to get stronger, and the level rises every year, so it’s not going to be an easy feat.”The action kicks off on December 10 in Steinach am Brenner, Austria, with an Alpine Combined race followed by two nail-biting Super-Gs. From there, it’s a whirlwind tour of speed and skill, all leading up to the ultimate showdown at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Final Thoughts

These Para Alpine skiers are more than just athletes. They are warriors on snow, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So, wax your skis, tune in, and get ready to witness a season of pure, unadulterated adrenaline. It’s going to be one heck of a ride.