331 days before the opening of the XIV Paralympic Winter Games MILANO CORTINA 2026, the Austrian Paralympic Committee (ÖPC) presents a new outfitter: AlphaTauri will equip the Paralympic Team Austria in Italy with thermal clothing. Para-skiers and Paralympic Champions Veronika Aigner and Markus Salcher are delighted with the new look and, like those responsible on both sides, are already enthusiastic about the partnership and the Paralympic Games.

"The partnership with AlphaTauri is a strong sign of shared values: Inclusion, innovation and tireless commitment. Our athletes and AlphaTauri share the aspiration to push boundaries and always give their best - whether in sport or fashion. Together, we want to set new standards and represent Austria at the MILANO CORTINA 2026 Paralympic Games with pride and style,” say ÖPC President Maria Rauch-Kallat and ÖPC Secretary General Petra Huber. AlphaTauri equips the entire Paralympic Team Austria with an exclusive collection. It was specially developed for one of the biggest sporting events in the world and optimally tailored to the requirements of the athletes: functional, suitable for travel and versatile. It also impresses with its innovative materials, sophisticated cuts and high functionality.

“Austria is one of the most successful nations at the Paralympic Winter Games. We look forward to accompanying the Austrian Paralympic Committee and the Austrian Olympic Committee on the road to MILANO CORTINA 2026. This partnership embodies the conviction that extraordinary achievements are possible for everyone,” says Karl-Heinz Lauterbach, CEO at AlphaTauri GmbH.

The first athletes were able to get a first impression during a joint appointment. Para-skier Veronika Aigner, double gold medal winner at her Paralympics-premiere in BEIJING 2022, traveled to Salzburg with her guide and sister Elisabeth to test the first items at Hangar-7. “The garments already felt very good. I am convinced that we will attract a lot of attention at the opening ceremony. In any case, it's a good feeling when the outfit fits and you can present a unified and visually impressive image as Paralympic Team Austria,” say the sisters, who once again celebrated numerous successes in the past World Cup season. “After our Paralympics premiere in China, it will certainly be a special experience to compete for the most important medals in Italy. We are hoping for many Austrian fans.”

This will be the fifth Paralympics for para-skier Markus Salcher. The Carinthian has won seven medals (2x gold, 2x silver, 3x bronze) at the last three editions, and his hunger for success is as great as ever. “The Paralympics „on my doorstep“ are a great motivation, it will be my first Games in the heart of Europe. I am convinced that I will be able to compete for the medals next year. Being able to test the equipment from AlphaTauri is an extra dose of motivation - the items felt good from the very first second. I'm really looking forward to the final collection for MILANO CORTINA,” says the 33-year-old.

On March 6, 2026, the XIV Paralympic Winter Games MILANO CORTINA 2026 will open in the ancient Arena of Verona. More than 650 of the world's best para-athletes are expected in Italy to compete for medals and top rankings in six sports.