Freestyle Skiing Big Air at the 2026 Winter Olympics: A Comprehensive Guide

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, will feature the exciting freestyle skiing Big Air competition. This discipline, which made its Olympic debut in 2022, showcases athletes performing incredible tricks off a large jump. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect, including the schedule, rules, scoring, and potential contenders.

What is Freestyle Skiing Big Air?

Big Air involves skiers launching off a large ramp and performing tricks even as in the air. Points are awarded based on the amplitude, difficulty, and execution of the trick. NBC Olympics provides a comprehensive overview of the event.

2026 Olympic Schedule

The freestyle skiing Big Air competition will take place on the following dates:

• Saturday, February 14 (Day 8): Women’s qualifying
• Sunday, February 15 (Day 9): Men’s qualifying
• Monday, February 16 (Day 10): Women’s final
• Tuesday, February 17 (Day 11): Men’s final

Olympics.com provides the full schedule.

Rules and Scoring

Each competitor performs a single trick after dropping into the ramp. A panel of judges evaluates the trick and assigns a score. In rounds using a “best two out of three runs” format, the scores from the two best runs are combined for the final result. Though, athletes must perform different tricks – varying either the rotation or direction – during those two runs. NBC Olympics details the scoring criteria.

Quota Limits

There are 30 quota spots available for both men and women in freeski big air. Qualification for slopestyle and big air are treated as a combined event, allowing athletes who qualify for the Milan Cortina 2026 Games to compete in both disciplines.

Course Specifications

According to FIS specifications, the drop-in ramp for the big air course must be at least 30 meters high.

Potential Contenders

The women’s competition is expected to be highly competitive, with established veterans facing challenges from rising stars. Great Britain’s Kirsty Muir, who competed in the Big Air final at Beijing 2022, is now 21 and a strong contender. Olympics.com highlights the open nature of the competition.

Eileen Gu of Team People’s Republic of China won silver in freeski big air at the Milan Cortina Games on Monday night, with Canada’s Megan Oldham winning the gold medal. CBS News reported on the results.

What to Expect at Livigno Snow Park

The Big Air competition will be held at Livigno Snow Park, known for its challenging terrain and spectacular jumps.

Key Takeaways

• Freestyle Skiing Big Air is a dynamic and visually stunning Olympic event.
• The competition involves athletes performing tricks off a large jump, judged on amplitude, difficulty, and execution.
• The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature both men’s and women’s Big Air competitions.
• Kirsty Muir and Eileen Gu are athletes to watch in the upcoming games.