The 2026 Winter Olympics men’s freestyle skiing big air results are in after a thrilling final held at Livigno Snow Park in Milan-Cortina, Italy, where top freeski stars battled high winds, huge jumps and elite competition for Olympic glory.
This marquee event showcased massive aerial tricks, near-perfect landings and intense scoring runs that kept fans around the world glued to the competition. The men’s Big Air final included some of the top freeski athletes on the planet, with outstanding performances across the field.
Olympic Big Air Medal Winners Shake Up Skiing Scene
Norway’s Birk Ruud secured the gold medal in the men’s freestyle skiing Big Air final with a spectacular performance that combined technical mastery and bold aerial execution. Ruud, already a slopestyle champion earlier at these Games, scored the highest total in the Big Air final, cementing his place as one of the most dominant freestyle skiers in winter sport.
American Mac Forehand earned silver for the United States, posting explosive jumps and highly competitive scores throughout the final rounds. His performance confirmed the U.S. team’s depth in freestyle skiing and delighted fans who had followed his rise through World Cup events.
Austria’s Matěj Švancer rounded out the podium with a strong bronze medal performance. His consistent execution and flair under pressure earned him a place among the Olympic medal winners and marked a milestone in Austria’s freestyle skiing program.
How the Big Air Competition Unfolded
Held on February 17, 2026, at the iconic Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina, the men’s Big Air competition saw athletes perform multiple massive jumps, with judges scoring based on difficulty, execution, amplitude and landing quality. Competitors faced shifting wind conditions that briefly challenged event officials and athletes alike, but the show went on with spectacular results.
Athletes came off the qualifying rounds with momentum, but only those in top form delivered in the finals. Ruud’s near-perfect runs featured a combination of triple cork variations and switch landings that impressed judges and fans alike. Forehand’s runs were high-amplitude and technically sharp, keeping pressure on the eventual gold medalist until the final jump.
Venue and Olympic Atmosphere
The Big Air final took place in front of a lively crowd at Livigno Snow Park, known for its steep ramps and challenging course design that pushes freestyle skiers to their limits. The 2026 Winter Olympics have seen strong global viewership, with Big Air emerging as one of the most watched and talked about disciplines in the freestyle skiing category.
Milano Cortina’s Winter Olympics has been marked by unpredictable weather, thrilling finishes and historic moments across venues — but the men’s Big Air final stood out for its blend of athleticism and drama. Athletes took on massive jumps with ski gear designed for max control in cold alpine conditions, impressing Olympic spectators and winter sports fans worldwide.
Top Performances and Scoring Breakdown
In the final scoring, Ruud’s combined total of 189.50 points was enough to take gold ahead of Forehand, who finished with 186.75. Švancer scored 183.25 to secure bronze. These scores reflect the extremely high level of talent and execution in the top tier of men’s freestyle skiing at Milan-Cortina 2026.
Several other competitors delivered exciting moments, though they fell just short of medal positions. Their efforts contributed to what many commentators called one of the most technically advanced finals in Winter Olympics Big Air history.
What This Means for Freestyle Skiing
The 2026 Winter Olympics men’s freestyle skiing big air results signal a deepening talent pool in the sport. Ruud’s double medal performance further enhances his legacy, while Forehand and Švancer continue to build their reputations on the Olympic stage.
With the Winter Games still unfolding across multiple disciplines, the Big Air results will play into overall medal table dynamics and freestyle skiing standings, showcasing a blend of experience and emerging youth talent.