Forty minutes later, that same teenager stood atop the podium, gold medal around her neck, having just denied the legendary Chloe Kim a historic third consecutive title.

This wasn’t just another competition; it was a changing of the guard. The Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe 2026 final delivered the highest drama of the Milano Cortina Games so far. If you missed the live broadcast on the BBC or Discovery+, this guide breaks down exactly how the upset happened, the technical nuances that swayed the judges, and what you need to know for the upcoming Freeski events.

Milano Cortina 2026: Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final Results

The atmosphere in Valtellina was electric despite the heavy snowfall that plagued the qualification rounds. The final, held on 12 February, saw the world’s top 12 riders battle for Olympic glory. While the narrative entering the night focused on Chloe Kim’s potential “three-peat”, the result was a historic first for South Korea.

Here is the official podium standing from the Livigno Snow Park:

Recovering from a heavy crash requires immense psychological resilience, especially on the world’s biggest stage. After scoring a dismal 10.00 in Run 1 due to her fall, Choi Ga-on had two attempts left to post a score.

[Olympics.com Official Results]

Most riders would play it safe in Run 2 to secure a score on the board. Choi did the opposite. She dropped in with more speed than any other competitor, landing a clean 84.00 to move into podium contention. But it was her third and final run that silenced the doubters. She stomped a technical masterpiece that the judges rewarded with a 90.25, barely edging out Kim’s 88.00.

My Experience at the Venue: Having watched halfpipe competitions for years, you can usually sense when a rider is “safety-running.” Choi showed zero hesitation. Watching from the press zone at the bottom of the pipe, the sound of her landing was distinct, a sharp crack rather than a scratchy slide. That clean connection with the icy wall is exactly what judges listen for to determine control.

Chloe Kim’s Battle Through Injury

The silver medal for Chloe Kim is arguably as impressive as her previous golds. Reports from Team USA confirmed earlier in the week that Kim had sustained a grade-1 shoulder separation during training in January.

Throughout the final, Kim was visibly favouring her left arm. She opted out of her signature “back-to-back 1080s” in the first run, a combination that has historically made her unbeatable. By the time she attempted them in Run 3 to answer Choi’s score, the physical toll was evident. She landed the Cab 1080 but washed out on the landing of the second hit, ending her hopes for gold.

Technical Analysis: Why the Judges Picked Choi Over Kim

For the casual viewer, snowboarding scoring can feel subjective. However, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) uses specific criteria: Amplitude, Difficulty, Execution, Variety, and Progression.

In 2026, the judges sent a clear message: Technical variety now outweighs pure rotation.

Trick Variety vs. Rotation

Chloe Kim is the queen of rotation. Her Cab Double Cork 1080 (three full rotations while flipping twice) is one of the hardest tricks in women’s snowboarding. Historically, landing this trick guaranteed a win.

However, Choi Ga-on brought something different: Switch riding.

“Switch” means riding the snowboard backward (unnatural stance). It is significantly harder to approach a 22-foot ice wall riding backward than it is forward.

• Choi’s Winning Combo: Switch Backside 900 → Cab 1080 → Frontside 900.
• Kim’s Strategy: Frontside 1080 → Cab 1080 (attempted) → Frontside 540.

The judges rewarded Choi for performing high-difficulty rotations (900 degrees) from a switch takeoff. This demonstrates a higher level of board mastery than spinning from a forward stance, even if the total rotation is slightly less.

The Judge’s Eye: What They Saw

• Amplitude: Kim went higher (approx. 14 feet out of the pipe). Choi was consistently around 12 feet.
• Landing: Choi held her grabs until the very last millisecond before landing. Kim released her grabs early on her second hit to brace for impact due to her shoulder.
• Progression: Choi’s “Switch Backside” rotation is a modern progression that moves away from “spin-to-win” and refocuses on technical difficulty.

The “Sticky Wall” Factor

Weather played a massive role in the Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe 2026 results. Light snow began falling during the second run. Fresh snow on an icy pipe creates friction, making the walls feel “sticky.”

This kills speed. Heavier riders or those with more aggressive edge control often struggle in these conditions. Choi, being lighter and riding with a “finesse” style, maintained her speed better between hits. Kim, who powers through the pipe with deep carves, lost critical momentum in the flat bottom during her final run, leaving her with insufficient speed to land her final 1080 cleanly.

Milano Cortina 2026 Schedule: Women’s Freeski Halfpipe

The snowboarding drama has concluded, but the halfpipe isn’t closing yet. The skiers are up next. If you enjoyed the snowboarding, the Women’s Freeski Halfpipe 2026 offers even more height and different technical grabs.

Mark these dates in your calendar. The UK is one hour behind Livigno (CET), so these times are adjusted for GMT.

Key Dates & UK Times (GMT)

• Qualification: Thursday, 19 February – 09:30 GMT
• Finals: Saturday, 21 February – 09:30 GMT

[Official Milano Cortina Schedule]

Ones to Watch: Eileen Gu’s Quest for Dominance

While the snowboard podium saw an upset, the Freeski event has a clear favourite.

1. Eileen Gu (China): The defending champion remains the dominant force. She has not lost a major event since 2024. Her amplitude is usually 2-3 feet higher than the rest of the field.
2. Kelly Sildaru (Estonia): Known for robotic precision. She rarely crashes and scores highly on execution and grab variety.
3. Zoe Atkin (Great Britain): The UK’s best hope for a medal. Atkin has been training specifically on the Livigno pipe setup and took Bronze at the recent World Championships.

Where to Watch the Winter Olympics 2026 in the UK

Broadcasting rights for the Olympics in the UK are split, which can be confusing. Here is how to ensure you don’t miss the Freeski finals.

BBC Sport (Free-to-Air)

The BBC offers extensive coverage, but they do not show every sport live simultaneously due to channel limitations.

• Best For: Casual viewing and major finals.
• Platform: BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer.
• Limitation: If a Team GB curling match is happening at the same time as the Freeski final, the BBC will likely prioritise the British athletes in the curling.

Discovery+ / Eurosport (Premium)

Warner Bros. Discovery holds the full rights for Europe.

• Best For: Hardcore fans who want to choose their specific sport.
• Platform: Discovery+ app and Eurosport channels on Sky/Virgin.
• Feature: They offer dedicated “pop-up” channels for every event. You can watch the full halfpipe qualification without interruption, even if it clashes with other popular sports.

Pro-Tip: If you have a Sky Q or Sky Glass box, you likely have Discovery+ included in your package for free. Check your subscription status before paying for a new monthly pass.

Livigno Snow Park: A Spectator’s Guide to the 22-Foot Pipe

Having spent time at the Mottolino ski area where the event is hosted, I can confirm it is one of the most visually stunning venues on the circuit. Unlike the industrial feel of Beijing 2022, Livigno offers a classic Alpine atmosphere.

The Mottolino Area Experience

The halfpipe is cut directly into the mountain base, allowing spectators to walk up the sides. This proximity creates an intimate atmosphere.

• The “Sound” of the Pipe: On TV, you hear the commentary. In person, the most striking sound is the wind “whooshing” as riders fly 15 feet above the lip.
• Night Finals: The Freeski final will be held under floodlights. This improves visibility for the athletes (flat light is dangerous in a pipe) and creates a festival vibe for the crowd.
• Local Flavour: Livigno is in the Valtellina valley, famous for its wines and Pizzoccheri pasta. The spectator village is less about hot dogs and more about local Italian cuisine.

Conclusion

The Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe 2026 will be remembered as the moment the torch passed from Chloe Kim to Choi Ga-on. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that the future of snowboarding lies in technical switch riding and complex progression.

As we pivot to the Freeski events on February 19th, all eyes will be on Team GB’s Zoe Atkin to see if she can replicate the drama. Whether you are watching on the BBC or streaming via Discovery+, the Livigno pipe still has plenty of stories left to tell.

Next Step: Don’t miss the Freeski qualifiers. Bookmark this page or sign up for our daily Milano Cortina newsletter to get the start lists sent directly to your inbox on the morning of the 19th.

FAQs

Who won the women’s snowboard halfpipe 2026?

hoi Ga-on of South Korea won the gold medal with a score of 90.25. Chloe Kim (USA) took silver, and Mitsuki Ono (Japan) took bronze.

Did Chloe Kim win gold in 2026?

No. Chloe Kim finished in second place (Silver). She was attempting to win her third consecutive gold medal but was beaten by Choi Ga-on.

How old is Choi Ga-on?

Choi Ga-on is 17 years old. She turned 17 just months before the 2026 Winter Games.

What time is the Olympic halfpipe on UK TV?

The upcoming Women’s Freeski Halfpipe final is on Saturday, 21 February at 09:30 GMT. Coverage will be available on BBC and Discovery+.

Where is the snowboarding being held in 2026?

All snowboard and freestyle skiing events are being held at the Livigno Snow Park (Mottolino ski area) in the Valtellina region of Italy.

Did Choi Ga-on get injured in the final?

Choi had a heavy crash on her first run, scoring only 10.00. However, she was cleared by medics and returned to win gold on her third run.

Is Eileen Gu competing in the 2026 halfpipe?

Yes, Eileen Gu is the defending champion and the heavy favourite for the Women’s Freeski Halfpipe, which begins qualification on 19 February.