The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially kicked off, and with them comes an electrifying slate of snowboarding events that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats through February 18. Snowboarding, which made its Olympic debut in Nagano back in 1998 with just four events, has exploded in popularity over the years. Fast-forward to Milano Cortina 2026, and the snowboarding program now boasts a whopping 11 events spread across five thrilling disciplines. Whether you’re a fan of gravity-defying tricks or high-speed races down the slopes, this year’s Olympic snowboarding schedule has something for everyone.
The competition opened on February 5 and will continue to dazzle viewers with a packed calendar that includes crowd favorites like Big Air, Slopestyle, Halfpipe, Parallel Giant Slalom, and Snowboard Cross. The Big Air, Slopestyle, and Halfpipe events are all about style, amplitude, and technical mastery, with athletes battling it out in a best-of-three runs format for the highest scores from the judges. The speed events—Parallel Giant Slalom and Snowboard Cross—are a different beast entirely, testing athletes’ nerves and reflexes as they rocket down the course at speeds reaching up to 110 kilometers per hour. One slip, and a medal dream can vanish in a heartbeat!
For fans eager to catch every twist, turn, and tumble, there are more ways than ever to watch the action unfold live or on demand. In the United States, comprehensive coverage is available on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, with the Peacock streaming service showing every single event live. A Peacock Premium subscription starts at $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year. If you’re looking to sample the Olympics without a long-term commitment, free trials are available via DirecTV, YouTube TV, and other platforms. Meanwhile, NBC and USA Network are set to re-air many of the snowboarding events in the afternoon, a handy option for those not keen on waking up before sunrise.
Fans outside the US aren’t left out in the cold. In the UK, BBC iPlayer and TNT Sports are delivering a mix of free and paid coverage, with Discovery+ also offering extensive streams. Canada’s CBC Gem is streaming over 2,000 hours of Olympic action, including every snowboarding event, for free online. Australians can tune in to 9Now for select free-to-air coverage or subscribe to Stan Sport for the complete package. Over in New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ is the go-to broadcaster, with both satellite and streaming options available. If you’re traveling abroad and worried about missing your favorite events, VPN services like Norton VPN can help you access your home country’s streams from anywhere in the world.
The snowboarding schedule is packed with must-watch moments. Here’s a quick glance at the marquee finals (all times Central Time unless otherwise noted):
• Saturday, Feb. 7: Men’s Snowboard Big Air Final at 12:30 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Feb. 8: Men’s and Women’s Parallel Giant Slalom Finals at 6:26 a.m. (NBC)
• Monday, Feb. 9: Women’s Snowboard Big Air Final at 12:30 p.m. (NBC)
• Thursday, Feb. 12: Men’s Snowboard Cross Finals at 7:35 a.m. (USA Network), Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final at 12:30 p.m. (NBC)
• Friday, Feb. 13: Women’s Snowboard Cross Finals at 7:40 a.m. (Peacock/USA Network), Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe Final at 12:30 p.m. (NBC)
• Sunday, Feb. 15: Mixed Team Snowboard Cross Finals at 7:30 a.m. (NBC)
• Tuesday, Feb. 17: Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final at 6 a.m. (USA Network)
• Wednesday, Feb. 18: Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final at 5:30 a.m. (USA Network)
Don’t worry if you can’t catch the live broadcast—many qualification rounds and replays are available for streaming on Peacock and other platforms. Afternoon re-airs ensure you won’t miss a single medal run, even if you sleep in.
Of course, the Olympics are as much about the athletes as the events. This year’s snowboarding roster is absolutely stacked with talent and compelling storylines. Team USA’s Nick Baumgartner returns for his fifth Winter Olympics, aiming to add to his gold medal haul. Baumgartner’s longevity and resilience have made him a fan favorite, with many eager to see if he can once again reach the podium. Fellow American Chloe Kim is also back for her third Olympic appearance. Kim, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist in women’s halfpipe (2018 and 2022), is widely tipped to be a highlight of the Games yet again. Her explosive style and unshakeable composure under pressure have made her one of the sport’s most recognizable stars.
But the international field is fierce. Austria’s Anna Gasser, known for her groundbreaking tricks in Big Air, is a perennial gold-medal threat. Japan’s Hirano Ayumu, who wowed the world with his performances in previous Olympics, is set to challenge for top honors in the men’s halfpipe. Australia’s Scotty James, a consistent podium finisher, brings his own brand of flair and technical prowess to the halfpipe. Italy’s Maurizio Bormolini is the local hero to watch in the men’s Parallel Giant Slalom, with the home crowd hoping he can deliver the goods on Italian snow. The team event in Snowboard Cross promises to be a battle royale, with Great Britain, Austria, and France all fielding strong squads vying for Olympic glory.
According to Olympics coverage, "athletes compete in a best-of-three runs competition, throwing down their best moves to get the highest score from the judges." This format has proven to be a fan favorite, as it gives competitors multiple chances to land their biggest tricks and recover from early mistakes. In the speed events, the tension is palpable—one wrong move at 110 kph, and it’s all over.
For those new to Olympic snowboarding, the sport’s evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. From its rebellious roots and modest Olympic beginnings, snowboarding has grown into a global spectacle, with each edition of the Games raising the bar for athleticism and creativity. Milano Cortina 2026 is set to continue this tradition, with new stars emerging and established legends defending their titles.
Tech-savvy fans have even more ways to stay connected. Most major broadcasters offer mobile streaming apps, so you can catch every run and replay on the go. Official social media accounts, including @MilanoCortina2026 on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, will provide highlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and real-time updates throughout the Games.
With qualification rounds streaming on Peacock and other digital platforms, and afternoon re-airs on NBC and USA Network, there’s truly no excuse to miss the Olympic snowboarding action this year. Whether you’re tuning in for the high-flying drama of Big Air, the technical artistry of Halfpipe, or the heart-pounding speed of Snowboard Cross, the 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping up to be a showcase of the world’s best snowboarding talent.
As the snow continues to fall and the world’s top riders drop in, all eyes are on Milano Cortina. With gold, glory, and Olympic history on the line, fans everywhere are in for a wild ride over the next two weeks. Stay tuned—this is one Olympic snowboarding saga you won’t want to miss!