Dropping In: Meet Canada’s Para Snowboarders for Milano Cortina

You know them. You love them. And now they’re heading to Milano Cortina 2026 to represent Canada AT the PARALYMPICS! 

Canada’s Para snowboarders are heading to Milano Cortina 2026, ready to chase podiums, push limits, and carry the maple leaf on the world stage. The team’s momentum was built at Welcome to Paradise, Big White, Canada, where podium finishes highlighted their form, and refined at a training camp in Bromont, Quebec. Now, they’re off to Italy to compete at the highest level.

Leading the way is Tyler Turner, co-captain of the Canadian Paralympic Team and winner of Canada’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in snowboard cross. Turner also added bronze in banked slalom in Beijing 2022 and brings experience, leadership, and determination to this Paralympic campaign.

Veteran teammates Sandrine Hamel and Alex Massie are also on the roster, each competing in their third consecutive Paralympics. Hamel has been one of Canada’s most consistent Para snowboarders, with multiple podiums in World Cups, including recent success at Big White, while Massie posted his best Paralympic result with a sixth-place finish in snowboard cross in 2022.

Making their Paralympic debuts are Philippe Nadreau and Chase Nicklin. Nadreau impressed at his first world championships in 2025 with a fifth-place finish in men’s SB-LL2 snowboard cross, and Nicklin, the youngest member of the team at 21, posted two Top 10 finishes in SB-LL1 events.

“From a small town in Canada to the big stage in Italy, I’m proud to wear the maple leaf,” said Nicklin. “I can’t wait to make my family and friends back home proud.”

Nadreau added, “Representing Canada for the first time is an honour — it means resilience, discipline, and hard work. I will push it to the limits!”

The full team heading to Milano Cortina 2026 is:

• Tyler Turner – Campbell River, BC | SB-LL1
• Sandrine Hamel – St-Sauveur, QC | SB-LL2
• Alex Massie – Barrie, ON | SB-LL2
• Philippe Nadreau – Terrebonne, QC | SB-LL2
• Chase Nicklin – Port Alberni, BC | SB-LL1
  
   

 

 

 

 

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Supporting them is an experienced coaching and support team led by head coach Greg Picard, with Mark Fawcett, Kim Krahulec, Frank Germann, Stephanie Peppler, and Christie Gialloreto, ensuring the athletes can perform at their best.

“This team is a powerful mix of veterans who have paved the way and first-time Paralympians ready to make their mark,” said Dustin Heise, CEO, Canada Snowboard. “Leaders like Tyler, Sandrine, and Alex have set the standard, and the next generation is ready to carry that legacy forward.”

Milano Cortina 2026 Para Snowboard Schedule (PST):

• March 7: Snowboard Cross Qualifications – 01:20 PST
• March 8: Snowboard Cross Finals – 04:35 PST
• March 14: Banked Slalom – 03:50 PST

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