Livigno, Italy – Despite openly stating, “No, I have no real use for it,” defending Olympic champion Colby Stevenson is preparing to compete in the considerable air event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The event, known for its high-flying maneuvers, sees athletes launched from a 50-meter (165 feet) high scaffolding.
A Dangerous Pursuit
The inherent danger of big air was underscored during training Wednesday night when Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris was carried off the mountain on a stretcher following a fall. Officials indicated McMorris was not seriously injured and his participation in Thursday night’s qualifying round remained uncertain. McMorris has previously earned three Olympic bronze medals in slopestyle, considered a less risky discipline.
The Appeal of Big Air
Whereas some athletes, like Stevenson, express reservations, the event draws crowds with its spectacular displays. As Mark McMorris described it, big air is an event that makes viewers say, “Wow!” The event’s popularity has led organizers to automatically include slopestyle qualifiers in the big air competition due to the growing number of athletes participating.
Freeskier Alex Hall emphasized the importance of appreciating the individuality and creativity athletes bring to the sport, noting that slopestyle provides a greater opportunity to showcase these qualities. Hall’s own innovative run at the 2022 Olympics in China is remembered for its originality.
The 2026 Winter Olympics’ big air event requires athletes to perform spins in different directions on at least two of their three jumps. Seventeen-year-old Ollie Martin, who has successfully landed jumps with 2,160 degrees of spin in both directions, is a potential contender in Saturday’s final. Still, Martin expressed a preference for the slopestyle course, where he has also achieved success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is big air?
Big air is a freestyle skiing and snowboarding event where athletes perform tricks after launching off a large jump, typically up to 20 meters (65 feet) in the air.
Why do some athletes dislike big air?
Colby Stevenson stated he has “no real use for it,” and many athletes reportedly prefer slopestyle, which they feel better embodies the essence of the sport.
When did big air become an Olympic event?
Big air was added to the Olympic snowboard program in 2018 and to the freestyle skiing schedule in 2022.
As athletes prepare to compete, it remains to be seen whether the spectacle of big air will overshadow the concerns about its inherent risks and the preferences of those who identify greater artistic expression in other disciplines.
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