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2026 Winter Olympics to Bring Rule Changes to Freestyle Sports

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-to-bring-rule-changes-to-freestyle-sports.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 11:42 GMT by reuters.com
      Locales: ITALY, FRANCE

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - January 26th, 2026 - As the world looks ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics, jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the excitement extends beyond the stunning Alpine scenery. A significant shift is underway in the world of freestyle skiing and snowboarding, promising a more dynamic and innovative spectacle than ever before. The International Ski Federation (FIS) has recently unveiled substantial rule changes designed to push the boundaries of these sports, captivating audiences and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

The 2026 Games mark a pivotal moment for freestyle disciplines. While always known for their adrenaline-pumping action, halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events are poised to enter a "new era," as described by Norwegian freestyle skier and Olympic hopeful, Kai Nardelli. These changes aren't merely cosmetic; they represent a concerted effort to elevate the level of athleticism and artistry within these sports, addressing calls for increased innovation and broader appeal.

Halfpipe: Embracing Switch and Creativity

The halfpipe competition, a long-standing Olympic staple, will now reward athletes for incorporating "switch" elements - performing tricks in the opposite stance than their dominant side. This seemingly small change has the potential to radically alter strategy and execution, demanding a higher level of ambidexterity and control. Beyond simply performing tricks switch, athletes will also be evaluated on their creative and varied use of the pipe's walls. This encourages riders to explore unconventional approaches and utilize the entire structure in their routines, moving beyond traditional patterns.

Slopestyle: Introducing a Dynamic Scoring Element

Slopestyle, characterized by its diverse course of rails, jumps, and other obstacles, is undergoing a more comprehensive scoring overhaul. The traditional scoring system, which focused on technical execution and difficulty, will now incorporate a "dynamic score." This new element will assess the overall flow, progression, and creativity of a run, recognizing athletes who seamlessly link challenging elements into a compelling performance. This acknowledges that the best slopestyle runs aren't just about individual tricks, but about the narrative and artistry of the entire routine.

Big Air: Amplifying Originality and Amplitude

Big air, already synonymous with breathtaking height and technical complexity, is being primed for even greater heights--both literally and figuratively. While amplitude (height) remains a crucial factor, the FIS is placing a greater emphasis on originality and unique approaches. This signals a move away from simply replicating established tricks and towards encouraging athletes to develop and showcase their individual styles. The aim is to reward risk-taking and innovation, creating a more unpredictable and visually stunning competition.

Athlete Perspectives and Concerns

The reaction from athletes has been largely positive. American snowboarder and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic bronze medalist, Chris Corning, believes the new scoring system will "definitely push riders to be more progressive." However, concerns regarding potential subjectivity in judging have also been voiced. To mitigate these concerns, the FIS has engaged in extensive consultations with athletes to ensure the new criteria are transparent and consistently applied.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Games

The 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a defining moment for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. These new rules and scoring systems aren't just about changing the way athletes compete; they're about reshaping the perception and future of these sports. The games are anticipated to draw significant crowds and generate substantial media attention, and with these innovative changes, the freestyle events are poised to be among the most thrilling and memorable of the entire competition. The world will be watching as athletes from around the globe push the boundaries of what's possible on the snow, redefining the landscape of freestyle sports for years to come.