Chase Blackwell, a snowboarder from Leadville, is gearing up for the men’s halfpipe competition at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Livigno, Italy. Just days before the opening events, Blackwell participated in a training camp in Switzerland, where he observed the remarkable skills of his teammates and top international riders. He expressed his amazement at the innovative tricks being executed, remarking, “It’s rewriting the book” on competitive snowboarding.
Blackwell will compete against a formidable lineup of athletes during the qualifiers, which start at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. If successful, he will move on to the finals on Friday, also at 11:30 a.m. He is part of a select group of four U.S. riders looking to make their mark, including seasoned competitors like Chase Josey, a veteran of his third Olympics, and Jake Pates, who returns for his second Games after overcoming a serious injury. The group also includes 17-year-old Alessandro Barbieri, marking a blend of experience and youthful energy.
The men’s halfpipe event will see 25 competitors from 11 nations, featuring renowned athletes such as Scotty James from Australia, a five-time Olympian, and Ayumu Hirano from Japan, the defending Olympic champion. Blackwell acknowledges the heightened level of competition, stating, “The snowboarding level is just so crazy high at the moment that you don’t really know how it’s going to play out.”
With his sights set on advancing to the finals, Blackwell plans to execute a 1260 and a switchback 1080 in hopes of securing a top score. He is aware that to contend for a podium finish, he may need to push further, possibly attempting a 1440, which involves four complete rotations.
Despite the pressure and anxiety that accompany such high-stakes competition, Blackwell shared his strategy for managing nerves, emphasizing the importance of embracing the discomfort that comes with attempting challenging tricks. He has also taken solace in the Olympic athlete’s village, enjoying the rustic atmosphere and the delicious Italian cuisine, including fresh pasta and grilled steaks, which he credits as adding to his positive experience.
As the Olympics proceed, Blackwell is not just participating but actively contributing to the evolving narrative of snowboarding as it reaches new heights in performance and creativity.