LIVIGNO, Italy — As the Winter Olympics approach, Chloe Kim is set to make her mark in the halfpipe, with the world eagerly anticipating whether Japanese legend Ayumu Hirano can carve his name into history as well. The stages for these thrilling competitions rely heavily on the meticulous craftsmanship of one dedicated individual: Alli Zehetner.
This 49-year-old Austrian craftsman possesses a unique blend of artistry and engineering expertise. Since his arrival in Italy on January 7, he has been tirelessly working to perfect the halfpipe that will serve as the foundation for Olympic glory. His role goes beyond mere construction; he is, in essence, the unsung hero behind the scenes, shaping the performance potential of riders through careful design and precision engineering.
Creating an Olympic-caliber halfpipe is a complex endeavor that combines art and science. Even with standardized dimensions — approximately 22 feet tall and 64 feet wide — every halfpipe has its own unique feel. Snow conditions can vary widely from venue to venue, and Zehetner approaches each new build as an innovative challenge. “We always try to be better than the last one,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to continuous improvement.
The construction in Livigno commenced just before Christmas, and with 70% of the snow laid down by the time Zehetner began his work, he was able to push, mix, and stack the snow into the required shape. Importantly, the snow used is primarily man-made, allowing for greater control over its consistency compared to natural snowfall. This meticulous preparation leads to the sought-after “sugary” texture, ideal for snowboarders’ edges to grip while ensuring the halfpipe maintains its structure.
While standard dimensions serve as a base, Zehetner must adapt the halfpipe for both snowboarders and freestyle skiers, requiring a careful balance to accommodate the differing styles and speeds of each sport. This complex undertaking involves precise calculations of angles and transitions where even subtle variations can drastically affect performance.
Zehetner’s journey in shaping halfpipes dates back to the mid-1990s, when he started working with rudimentary tools, driven by passion for snowboarding. Today, technology has advanced the craft, allowing for larger and smoother designs, yet the essential artistic touch remains crucial. The final shaping of the halfpipe occurs in the weeks leading up to the competition, relying on Zehetner’s instinct and skills, which he describes as “a little bit of art.”
As the Olympic events unfold, the importance of maintaining the pipe’s quality is paramount. Weather, temperature, and usage all contribute to the pipe’s changing surface, and Zehetner’s crew will strive to reshape and refine it daily to ensure consistent conditions for the athletes. Mastro and other riders have already expressed excitement about the quality of the halfpipe, noting its reliability and smoothness.
Ultimately, the quality of Zehetner’s halfpipe not only affects the day-to-day experience for the riders but also the potential for breakthroughs in the sport itself. Athletes who trust in the surfaces they perform on are more likely to take risks and push beyond previous boundaries, a critical component in the evolution of snowboarding.
With the Games on the horizon, the atmosphere in Livigno is charged with anticipation, underscoring that every medal won will echo the dedication and expertise of a craftsman whose work often goes unrecognized. Zehetner embodies the spirit of innovation and commitment, quietly paving the way for the athletes to reach new heights.