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Olympic Freestyle Skiing: A Multi-Venue Showcase

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 21:10 GMT by NBC Washington
      Locales: Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy, Piedmont, ITALY

A Multi-Venue Showcase

The Olympic freestyle skiing events will be distributed across three distinct venues, each uniquely suited to highlight a specific discipline. Val di Fassa will play host to the traditional events of Moguls and Aerials, demanding precision and explosive power. Livigno, a renowned freestyle mecca, will be the stage for the modern, progressive disciplines of Slopestyle, Big Air, and Halfpipe. Finally, the picturesque Cortina d'Ampezzo will witness the raw speed and competitive spirit of Ski Cross. This geographically diverse approach ensures optimal conditions and a fantastic viewing experience for fans both at the venues and around the world.

Decoding the Disciplines

Freestyle skiing isn't a single event, but rather a collection of diverse disciplines, each requiring a unique skillset. Moguls is arguably the most technically demanding, requiring athletes to navigate a challenging course of snow bumps (moguls) with speed, agility, and precise technique. Judges evaluate both time and the quality of the skier's turns and aerial maneuvers. Aerials take that aerial component to the extreme. Skiers launch off a ramp, executing complex and gravity-defying flips and twists before landing gracefully. The difficulty and execution of these tricks are paramount in scoring.

The newer disciplines lean heavily into creativity and style. Slopestyle showcases skiers performing tricks across a course filled with rails, boxes, and various jumps. Big Air focuses solely on maximizing amplitude and style on a single, massive jump. Halfpipe sees athletes riding back and forth within a U-shaped snow structure, performing tricks on the walls (copings) and transitions. Finally, Ski Cross stands apart as a head-to-head race down a winding, obstacle-filled course, testing both speed and tactical maneuvering. It's a chaotic and exciting event often described as "snowboard cross" for skiers.

Understanding the Scoring

The scoring systems vary between the disciplines, reflecting their distinct nature. Moguls and Aerials combine speed and technical scores, with judges assessing the quality of turns, air control, and landings. Slopestyle, Big Air, and Halfpipe are judged subjectively, with athletes performing multiple 'runs' and receiving scores based on trick difficulty, execution, style, and overall impression. A panel of judges evaluates each run, and the highest score typically determines the winner. Ski Cross utilizes a bracketed, elimination-style format, with the fastest skiers advancing through each round until a final showdown determines the gold medalist.

Ones to Watch: Potential Medal Contenders

While it's still early to definitively predict medal winners, several athletes are poised to make a significant impact at the 2026 Olympics. Sweden's Walter Wallberg, a consistent performer on the Moguls circuit, is expected to be a strong contender. Ashley Caldwell of the USA, a veteran Aerialist known for her innovative tricks, will undoubtedly be a threat. In the park and pipe disciplines, Alex Hall of the USA is a rising star in Slopestyle, known for his progressive and stylish approach. Keep an eye on emerging talent as well; the freestyle scene is constantly evolving, and new stars are always breaking through. The competitive landscape is fierce, with athletes from countries like Canada, Switzerland, and China also demonstrating strong capabilities.

How to Tune In

For viewers in the United States, NBC and its affiliated networks will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, including all the freestyle skiing action. Streaming options will also be available through Peacock and other digital platforms, allowing fans to follow their favorite athletes and events from anywhere in the world. The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics promises to be a captivating showcase of athleticism, innovation, and the enduring spirit of winter sports, and freestyle skiing will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Games.