The Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle at the 2026 Winter Olympics is one of the most thrilling and highly anticipated freestyle events at the Milano Cortina Games. Set against the stunning alpine backdrop of Livigno Snow Park in Italy, this event showcases the world’s best snowboarders performing gravity-defying tricks, massive jumps, and creative rail combinations. Known for its blend of technical precision and artistic expression, slopestyle pushes athletes to deliver their most innovative runs under intense Olympic pressure.
With top contenders from around the globe competing for gold, unpredictable weather conditions affecting schedules, and fans eagerly awaiting unforgettable performances, the 2026 Olympic slopestyle competition promises to deliver high-energy action, dramatic moments, and historic achievements that will define the future of Olympic snowboarding.
What Is Snowboarding Slopestyle? Rules, Format, and How It Works
Snowboarding slopestyle is a freestyle snowboarding event where athletes perform a series of tricks while descending a specially designed course filled with rails, boxes, and large jumps. The goal is to complete the course while executing the most difficult, creative, and clean tricks possible.
First introduced to the Olympic program in 2014, slopestyle has quickly become one of the most exciting and popular events, including at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics held at Livigno Snow Park.
Competition Format
According to the International Olympic Committee, the men’s slopestyle competition is divided into two main rounds:
- Qualification Round:
All riders perform two runs, and their best score counts. The top 12 snowboarders advance to the final. - Final Round:
Finalists get three runs, and only their highest score determines their final ranking and medal position.
Course Structure
The slopestyle course typically includes:
- Rail Section: Riders perform tricks on metal rails and boxes, showing balance and creativity.
- Jump Section: Riders launch off large jumps to perform aerial tricks such as spins and flips.
- Multiple Lines: Athletes can choose different paths, allowing for unique and creative runs.
Judging and Scoring Criteria
Judges evaluate each run based on several key factors:
- Difficulty: Complexity and risk level of tricks
- Execution: Clean landings and control
- Amplitude: Height and distance of jumps
- Variety: Different types of tricks throughout the run
- Creativity: Unique and original trick combinations
- Flow: Smoothness and rhythm of the overall run
Scores typically range from 0 to 100, with higher scores awarded for more technical and flawless performances.
Venue Details: Livigno Snow Park and Course Design at Milano Cortina 2026
The Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle event at the 2026 Winter Olympics is being held at the world-class Livigno Snow Park, located in the alpine resort town of Livigno, Italy. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,816 meters above sea level, this snow park is one of Europe’s most prestigious freestyle venues and has hosted numerous international competitions, including World Cup and European freestyle events.
The Olympic slopestyle course stretches across an impressive 800-meter area and features more than 60 structures designed to challenge the world’s best snowboarders. These include multiple rail sections, technical boxes, and several large jump lines, including the advanced XL jump line created specifically for professional-level Olympic competition. The course allows riders to perform a wide range of tricks, spins, and creative combinations, making every run unique and exciting for spectators.
One of the standout features of Livigno Snow Park is its modern design, which includes multiple competition zones that converge into a single finishing area. This layout enhances the viewing experience for fans and allows judges to evaluate athletes more efficiently. The venue can accommodate around 10,000 spectators, creating an energetic Olympic atmosphere as fans watch snowboarders compete for gold.
Livigno’s advanced infrastructure, reliable snow conditions, and Olympic-level course design make it the perfect location for the snowboarding slopestyle competition. With its challenging features and scenic alpine setting, the venue plays a crucial role in delivering one of the most exciting freestyle events of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Competition Schedule and Key Dates for Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle at Milano Cortina 2026
The Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics took place over several days in February 2026 at Livigno Snow Park, Italy. This event included qualification rounds followed by the medal-deciding final, with the world’s top snowboarders competing for Olympic glory. According to the official Olympic schedule, the snowboarding slopestyle discipline ran from February 16 to February 18, 2026.
Key Dates and Event Timeline
- Qualification Round: February 15, 2026 (rescheduled due to weather)
The men’s slopestyle qualification began at approximately 10:15 CET, with all athletes performing two runs. The best score determined which riders advanced to the final. Weather concerns forced organizers to move the qualification round earlier to ensure fair and safe conditions. - Final Round (Medal Event): February 18, 2026
The men’s slopestyle final was held at Livigno Snow Park, where the top 12 riders competed in three runs each. The highest score from these runs determined the final rankings and Olympic medal winners.
Full Slopestyle Event Window
- Slopestyle competition period: February 16–18, 2026
- Qualification: February 15, 2026 (weather-adjusted)
- Final: February 18, 2026 (medal event)
- Venue: Livigno Snow Park, Italy
Top Riders and Medal Favorites in Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle at Milano Cortina 2026
The Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle field at the 2026 Winter Olympics featured a thrilling mix of established champions and rising stars, each bringing unique styles and signature tricks to the Olympic stage. With unpredictable course conditions and fierce competition, several riders emerged as top medal contenders based on their consistency, technical difficulty, and recent World Cup performances.
Top Medal Favorites
Marcus Kleveland (NOR)
Known for his unmatched creativity and technical prowess, Marcus Kleveland entered the 2026 Olympics as one of the most feared competitors in slopestyle. A veteran of multiple X Games and World Cup podiums, Kleveland’s ability to link difficult spins and rails with fluid style made him a fan favorite and a strong gold medal prospect.
Red Gerard (USA)
The 2018 Olympic slopestyle champion, Red Gerard returned to the Olympic spotlight in 2026 with renewed focus and consistency. Gerard’s strength lies in his controlled execution and smooth run flow, giving him the edge in conditions where precision matters as much as trick difficulty.
Mark McMorris (CAN)
A legendary figure in snowboarding, McMorris has consistently pushed the progression of the sport. Although injuries have occasionally sidelined him, his experience and adaptability make him a serious contender whenever he’s on form. McMorris’ stylish spins and technical rail lines make him dangerous in any slopestyle field.
Su Yiming (CHN)
The young Chinese phenom continued to rise through the ranks, capturing attention with his dynamic amplitude and fearless aerials. Su’s combination of innovative jump tricks and strong rail performance earned him multiple podiums leading up to the Games, positioning him as an under-the-radar threat for the podium.
Dusty Henricksen (USA)
Representing the next generation of American snowboarders, Dusty Henricksen impressed on the World Cup circuit with his blend of speed and technicality. His ability to adapt run strategy to course setup made him one to watch in both qualifiers and finals.
Dark Horses and Rising Stars
Rene Rinnekangas (FIN) – A show-stealing competitor with unique style and big trick potential.
Birk Irving (USA) – Known for smooth execution and consistency in high-pressure qualifiers.
Seppe Smits (BEL) – Veteran presence with strong rail skills and competitive consistency.
Medal Prediction Snapshot (Based on Recent Form)
| Predicted Gold | Predicted Silver | Predicted Bronze |
| Marcus Kleveland | Red Gerard | Mark McMorris |
Results and Medal Winners of Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle at Winter Olympics 2026
The Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered an electrifying showdown at Livigno Snow Park, as the world’s top freestyle snowboarders battled for Olympic glory. After three intense final runs, the medals were decided based on each rider’s highest score, with judges rewarding technical difficulty, clean execution, creativity, and overall flow.
Gold Medal
Su Yiming (China) – Delivered a near-flawless final run packed with high-amplitude spins and technical rail combinations. His composure under pressure and innovative trick selection earned him the highest score of the competition.
Silver Medal
Marcus Kleveland (Norway) – Showcased exceptional creativity and complex trick sequences throughout his runs. A minor landing adjustment kept him just behind gold, but his performance reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s elite riders.
Bronze Medal
Red Gerard (USA) – The former Olympic champion impressed with consistent execution and smooth course flow, securing a podium finish with a strong third run.
Final Standings Snapshot
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Best Score |
| 1 | Su Yiming | China | 93.50 |
| 2 | Marcus Kleveland | Norway | 91.20 |
| 3 | Red Gerard | USA | 88.75 |
The final was marked by high technical progression, with multiple riders attempting backside 1800s, switch 1620s, and advanced rail transfers. Despite challenging weather earlier in the week, the final day offered improved conditions, allowing athletes to perform at their highest level.
The 2026 Olympic slopestyle competition once again demonstrated how quickly the sport continues to evolve, with bigger tricks, cleaner landings, and higher overall scores than previous Olympic editions.
Conclusion
The Men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics proved once again why it is one of the most exciting and progressive competitions in winter sports. Held at the world-class Livigno Snow Park, the event brought together the best snowboarders on the planet, each pushing the limits with innovative tricks, massive jumps, and flawless execution. From intense qualification rounds to the high-pressure final, athletes demonstrated incredible skill, creativity, and determination in their pursuit of Olympic glory.
The competition not only showcased elite performances and deserving medal winners but also highlighted the rapid evolution of snowboarding as a global sport. With rising young talents and experienced champions competing at the highest level, the future of Olympic slopestyle looks brighter than ever. As fans witnessed historic moments and groundbreaking tricks, the 2026 Winter Olympics reaffirmed slopestyle’s place as a must-watch event that continues to inspire the next generation of snowboarders worldwide.
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