The men’s freeski halfpipe qualifiers at the Milan Cortina Games in Italy delivered all the drama, grit, and heartbreak that fans have come to expect from Olympic-level pipe skiing. With the world’s best vying for a coveted spot in the finals, Friday’s action-packed session—delayed by a day due to uncooperative weather—unfolded under flat light and falling snow, pushing athletes to their absolute limits and setting the stage for a must-watch final later that night.
From the get-go, the United States squad asserted itself as a force to be reckoned with. Nick Goepper, the 31-year-old slopestyle-turned-halfpipe veteran, put down a statement run right out of the gate. Linking three straight double corks—including two 1260s—Goepper posted a 90.00, good enough for second place in qualifying. His performance was a blend of technical mastery and amplitude, highlighted by a seven into the switch misty nine that had the crowd buzzing. "He went big too," one observer noted, as Goepper’s run set the bar for his teammates and competitors alike.
The American contingent was far from a one-man show. Two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira played it safe but flawless, earning an 85.75 for a run that showcased technical pipe skiing at its finest. Ferreira’s experience shone through, as he left room to up the ante in the finals. Hunter Hess floated his tricks with style and confidence, his switch double up top and misty down the bottom described as “bullet time” by onlookers, netting him an 85.00 and a spot just behind Ferreira. Birk Irving, smoothness personified, capped his run with a gorgeous 9 cuban, slotting into sixth with an 84.25. With four Americans in the top six, whispers of a potential podium sweep began circulating through the venue.
But the day’s most emotional storyline belonged to New Zealand’s Finley Melville Ives. Entering as the reigning world champion and winner of last month’s Winter X Games, the 19-year-old phenom was widely considered the favorite—arguably the best active pipe skier in the world. His quest for Olympic glory, however, took a devastating turn. On his first run, Melville Ives lost a ski mid-air while grabbing mute, crashing hard and putting immense pressure on his second attempt. The tension in the air was palpable as he dropped in for Run 2. Tragedy struck again on the third hit: Melville Ives popped too hard, fell forward, and hit his head, requiring immediate medical attention. Medical staff attended to him for about six minutes before he was tobogganed off the course. The entire freeski community held its breath. NBC’s broadcast later reported that Melville Ives was conscious, with his family, and in stable and positive condition—a collective sigh of relief rippled through the venue and beyond.
Team New Zealand’s live blog summed up the mood: "All our support to Fin as he’s checked over after a heavy crash on his second run." Ben Harrington, who would eventually secure the final qualifying spot, dedicated his own performance to his compatriot: "[Fin], if you’re listening, that one was for you brother. Putting you and New Zealand on my back." The camaraderie among athletes was evident, with Alex Ferreira seen hugging the remaining Kiwi competitors in a show of solidarity. Gus Kenworthy, Great Britain’s Sochi slopestyle silver medalist, voiced what many were thinking: "I'm honestly devastated for him because I think Fin is the best pipe skier in the world right now, period. It's a shame to see him go down and to miss out on the finals. I'm just hoping that he's OK and that it's nothing too serious."
With Melville Ives out, the field was wide open. Canada’s Brendan Mackay seized the moment, topping the leaderboard with a 92.75 thanks to four straight double corks, including a third hit 16 and a final floaty flatspin that was a highlight in itself. Mackay’s consistency and technical prowess make him a clear favorite heading into the finals. Fellow Canadian Andrew Longino improved his score on his second run, guaranteeing his finals spot, while Dylan Marineau also clinched a place in the top eight with a clear improvement on his second attempt.
Estonia’s Henry Sildaru, the 19-year-old younger brother of Olympic bronze medalist Kelly Sildaru, put on a technical clinic with capped grabs and a stomped 16, though he crashed on hit four. Still, his 88.00 was enough for third place and a ticket to the finals. South Korea’s Lee Seung-Hun impressed with a dub 14 and four doubles, securing his spot, while Ireland’s Benjamin Lynch landed three doubles—including a dub 9 safety—to finish 11th.
Great Britain’s Gus Kenworthy continued his remarkable run at the top level, posting an 81.25 and earning his place among the world’s best. New Zealand’s Ben Harrington, older brother of slopestyle silver medalist Luca, endured a nerve-wracking wait after his second run but ultimately held onto the 12th and final qualifying spot with a 75.25. "The ao dub flat 7 was oh so sick, dub 12 was also boosted," one commentator enthused, capturing the excitement of Harrington’s career-best performance.
Challenging weather played a significant role throughout the day. Originally scheduled for Thursday, qualifying was postponed due to poor conditions, forcing athletes to contend with flat light and snow on Friday. The weather not only delayed the schedule but also impacted amplitude and scores, making every clean run that much more impressive. The finals, set for Friday night under the lights, promise even bigger tricks and higher stakes.
Beyond the day’s drama, the event also highlighted the evolving landscape of pipe skiing. With fewer halfpipes in regular operation outside North America and a shifting competitive field—Nico Porteous, the 2022 Olympic champion, retired at just 22 last year—the sport faces unique challenges. Yet, the level of technical innovation on display, from dub 18s to flawless switch spins, proves the future remains bright.
The United States continues its remarkable Olympic halfpipe legacy, having medaled at every Games since the event’s debut—gold in 2014, gold and silver in 2018, and silver and bronze in 2022. This year, they’re once again in prime position to extend that streak, but with Canada, Estonia, and a host of international stars in the mix, nothing is guaranteed.
As the sun sets over Livigno and the lights come up on the halfpipe, anticipation for the final is at fever pitch. With the world’s best ready to lay it all on the line, fans can expect a showdown for the ages. For now, all eyes remain on the athletes—especially those who’ve battled adversity just to make it this far. The story of this Olympic halfpipe is still being written, and Friday night’s final chapter promises to be unforgettable.