The 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Snowboarding Halfpipe final promises to be one of the most electrifying events at the Olympic Winter Games. Set under the lights at Livigno Snow Park on 12 February 2026, the competition could deliver a historic moment as Chloe Kim aims for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold medal in women’s halfpipe.
At the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the world’s best riders will compete for glory in what is widely regarded as snowboarding’s most technically demanding and visually spectacular discipline. Here’s everything you need to know — schedule, key contenders, and how to watch live.
Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final – Event Schedule (CET)
All times are Central European Time (UTC+1).
12 February 2026 (Thursday)
- 19:30 – Final Run 1
- 19:59 – Final Run 2
- 20:28 – Final Run 3
Each finalist will have three runs, with the highest score counting toward the final standings. Expect massive amplitude, technical trick combinations, and high-pressure drama.
Chloe Kim Headlines the Final
Two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim enters the final as the favorite after dominating qualification. Despite concerns over a shoulder injury sustained in January, the American star looked sharp and composed, securing top spot in qualifying.
If Kim claims gold in 2026, she will become the first snowboarder in history to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in women’s halfpipe — a feat that would cement her legacy as one of the greatest Winter Olympians of all time.
Her runs typically include:
- Massive frontside and backside 1080s
- Technical switch tricks
- Clean landings with exceptional amplitude
- Strong execution scores
Kim’s ability to deliver under pressure makes her the rider to beat at Livigno.
Shimizu Sara: Japan’s Golden Hope
Japan’s Shimizu Sara is expected to provide the strongest challenge. She delivered a brilliant second run in qualification, scoring 87.50 to secure second place.
Shimizu will be motivated to reverse last season’s result at the World Championships, where she narrowly missed gold to Kim. Her technical precision and fluidity in linking tricks make her a serious contender for Olympic gold.
Japan has consistently been a powerhouse in snowboarding, and Shimizu represents the nation’s next generation of halfpipe excellence.
Maddie Mastro: Searching for First Olympic Medal
American rider Maddie Mastro qualified in third place, continuing her impressive recent form. Mastro is known for pushing technical boundaries, including her trademark double crippler.
Although she has yet to win an Olympic medal, this final could be her breakthrough moment. If she lands a clean, high-difficulty run, she could challenge both Kim and Shimizu for the top spot.
Rising Star: Choi Gaon
Seventeen-year-old Choi Gaon from the Republic of Korea has already claimed three World Cup victories this season. Her rapid rise signals a shift in the competitive landscape.
Choi’s combination of fearless amplitude and consistency has made her one of the most exciting young talents in snowboarding. At Milano Cortina 2026, she could become one of the youngest Olympic medalists in halfpipe history.
Veteran Presence: Queralt Castellet
Spain’s Queralt Castellet brings experience and resilience into her sixth Olympic Games appearance. Castellet remains a strong competitor, capable of delivering podium-worthy performances when it matters most.
Her longevity in the sport is remarkable, and she continues to inspire European snowboarding fans.
China’s Podium Threat: Cai Xuetong
Representing the People’s Republic of China, Cai Xuetong remains a podium contender after securing two World Cup podium finishes this season.
Cai’s technical strength and competitive composure make her a dangerous rival. If she lands her top-difficulty run cleanly, she could shake up the medal standings.
Livigno Snow Park: The Olympic Stage
The women’s halfpipe final will take place at Livigno Snow Park, one of Europe’s premier freestyle snowboarding venues.
Known for:
- High-quality snow conditions
- Olympic-standard halfpipe dimensions
- Stunning Alpine scenery
- Night-time competition atmosphere
The venue promises dramatic visuals and ideal performance conditions for the world’s best riders.
How the Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Works
In Olympic halfpipe competition:
- Riders perform tricks while traveling from wall to wall inside a U-shaped snow structure.
- Judges score based on:
- Difficulty
- Amplitude (height above pipe)
- Execution
- Variety
- Progression
Each rider gets three runs, and only the highest score counts.
Given the tight margins at the elite level, a single fall can end medal hopes — while one perfect run can define Olympic history.
How to Watch Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Live – Milano Cortina 2026
Fans worldwide can watch the action through official media rights holders (MRHs). Coverage includes traditional television broadcasts and streaming platforms.
Major Broadcasters by Region:
- USA – NBC Olympics, Peacock
- United Kingdom – Discovery+, TNT Sports, BBC Sport
- Canada – CBC, Bell Media, Rogers Media
- Australia – Nine
- Japan – NHK, Fuji TV, Nippon TV, TBS, TV Asahi, TV Tokyo
- Italy – RAI
- Germany – ARD, ZDF
- France – France TV
- People’s Republic of China – CCTV
- Republic of Korea – JTBC, Naver
- Pan-Europe – Warner Bros Discovery (HBO Max, Eurosport)
In selected regions, fans can also stream via the Olympic Channel on Olympics.com (subject to restrictions).
What’s at Stake in 2026?
The women’s snowboard halfpipe final at Milano Cortina 2026 is more than just another Olympic event. It represents:
- A chance for Chloe Kim to make history
- The rise of Asia’s new snowboarding stars
- A generational clash between veterans and teenagers
- The continued progression of women’s freestyle snowboarding
The sport has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with increased technical difficulty and higher amplitude becoming standard. The 2026 final may well produce the highest-scoring Olympic runs ever seen.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Snowboarding Halfpipe final at Livigno Snow Park is set to be one of the defining highlights of the Milano Cortina Games.
With Chloe Kim chasing a historic third gold, Shimizu Sara aiming for redemption, rising talents like Choi Gaon pushing boundaries, and veterans such as Queralt Castellet adding experience, the stage is perfectly set for a thrilling Olympic showdown.
Mark your calendar for 12 February 2026 at 19:30 CET — because history could be made under the Alpine lights.
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