The wait is finally over for one of the most beloved figures in freestyle skiing. On a crisp, star-filled night at the Livigno Snow Park, American star Alex Ferreira soared into the history books. By landing a near-perfect final run, he captured the elusive gold medal in the Men’s Freeski Halfpipe at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Ferreira, the 31-year-old native of Aspen, Colorado, delivered a breathtaking performance that earned him a massive score of 93.75. This victory doesn't just add a gold to his trophy case; it completes a legendary "Olympic Rainbow." After winning silver in PyeongChang (2018) and bronze in Beijing (2022), Ferreira now has the one medal he dreamed of most.
The Winning Moment: How Alex Ferreira Struck Gold
The competition on Friday night (Feb 20) was a true test of grit. Due to heavy snow earlier in the week, athletes had to battle through both qualifying and the finals on the same day. While many struggled with the physical toll, Ferreira seemed to find an extra gear.
During his third and final run, Alex went "all in." He launched himself high above the 22-foot walls of the halfpipe, spinning with incredible speed and landing every trick with "butter-smooth" precision. When the score of 93.75 flashed on the screen, Ferreira dropped to one knee and smiled, knowing he had set a bar that would be nearly impossible to beat.
Winter Olympics 2026 Men's Halfpipe Final Standings
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What Makes Freeski Halfpipe So Exciting?
Ever watched skateboarders in a halfpipe? Same vibe, but on skis in snow. Riders hit speed, launch off lips, do multiple rotations (1080=three spins, 1620=four). Grabs add style points – like holding your board long. Judges score difficulty, amplitude (height), landing, variety.​
Gear: Twin-tip skis for switch riding (backwards). Helmets, goggles, back protectors. Course groomed fresh daily. Crashes hurt, but pros bounce back. Popularity exploded since added to Olympics in 2014. Kids everywhere now dream of flips.​
Why addictive? Every run different. One mistake, you're out. Pure adrenaline.
Milano Cortina 2026: Olympics in Italy's Snow Magic
These Games, February 6-22, split between Milan (ice) and Cortina d'Ampezzo (snow). Cortina hosted 1956 Olympics – retro cool. New halfpipe built fresh, 22-foot walls.​
Over 3,000 athletes from 90+ nations. Eco-focus: Reuse venues, green transport. Norway leads medals with 17 golds, USA 10, hosts Italy 9. USA strong in freestyle, snowboarding.​
Feb 21 updates (as of now): Eyes on men's 50km cross-country, four-man bobsled runs, women's biathlon mass start, ski cross finals. Mixed team aerials freestyle could bring more medals. Figure skating gala, hockey bronze match. Live action ramps
Decoding Freeski Halfpipe Tricks Step-by-Step
Halfpipe like a skateboard bowl, but snowy and huge. Key moves:
- Double Cork 1080: Two off-axis flips + three spins. Alex does switch (backwards start).
- 1620 Tail Grab: Four spins, nose or tail hold. Sildaru's lefty version rare.
- Amplitude: How high you fly – over coping (rim) scores big.
- Variety: Mix switch/regular, grabs (Japan, mute, stalefish).
Scoring: Amplitude 30%, difficulty 25%, execution 20%, progression 15%, height bonus. Land switch? Extra points. Crashes deduct heavy.
‘Hotdog’ in the halfpipe! Alex Ferreira finally wins his Olympic gold https://t.co/wICgP5f2yq pic.twitter.com/fKMqtjUCog
— The Macomb Daily (@macombdaily) February 21, 2026
February 21 Full Schedule: Live Medal Chases
Today's action packs punch:
- 9:00 AM CET: Men's 50km cross-country mass start. Norway's Johannes Klaebo favored.
- 10:30 AM: Four-man bobsled runs 1-2. Germany strong.
- 12:00 PM: Women's biathlon 15km mass start. Norway's Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold eyes gold.
- 1:30 PM: Freestyle ski cross finals – mixed team, men, women. USA hopefuls.
- 3:00 PM: Aerials mixed team final. China dominates jumps.
- Evening: Figure skating gala exhibition. Hockey bronze medal game (Sweden vs Finland?). Curling semis.
Watch USA in ski cross – Eileen Gu switched to halfpipe but teammates push. Live streams on Olympics.com, NBC Peacock.
What’s Next for Alex Ferreira After the 2026 Gold?
With the gold medal finally around his neck, the big question on everyone’s mind is: Will Alex Ferreira retire? At 31, he is currently the oldest American to win gold in this event.
When asked about his future plans and the 2030 Winter Games, Ferreira kept it lighthearted and focused on the present. "I’m going to enjoy this moment right here, right now," he said with a laugh. "And then? I’m going to celebrate with a few cold drinks!" Whether he decides to hang up his skis or go for a repeat, his legacy as the "king of the pipe" is permanently sealed.
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