Montanan Konnor Ralph makes Olympic freestyle skiing debut

The Helena skier qualified for the men's freeski slopestyle and big air events

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Montanan Konnor Ralph has qualified to represent the United States in freestyle skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The 24-year-old from Helena advanced out of slopestyle qualifying and is also scheduled to compete in the freeski big air event later this week.

Why it matters

For Montana, a state with deep roots in winter sports but relatively few Olympic representatives, Ralph's qualification has already generated excitement, particularly in his hometown. His success highlights the growing popularity of freestyle skiing events like slopestyle and big air at the Winter Olympics.

The details

Ralph started skiing at Great Divide Ski Area near Helena at the age of two, and his enthusiasm developed into a national-caliber career. He earned a third-place finish at the 2024 FIS Freestyle World Cup Slopestyle event, was voted 'Most Improved' by his U.S. Freeski teammates and staff that same year, and earned a second-place finish at the FIS Freestyle World Cup Big Air in 2025.

  • Ralph advanced out of slopestyle qualifying in Livigno, Italy, on Saturday, February 10, 2026.
  • Slopestyle qualifying is scheduled for February 15, 2026, with the final round on February 17, 2026.
  • Ralph's first Olympic event, freeski slopestyle, is scheduled for February 10, 2026.
  • Ralph's second Olympic event, freeski big air, is scheduled for February 15-17, 2026.

The players

Konnor Ralph

A 24-year-old freestyle skier from Helena, Montana who has qualified to represent the United States in the men's freeski slopestyle and big air events at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Great Divide Ski Area

The ski area near Helena, Montana where Ralph started skiing at the age of two, and where his enthusiasm for the sport developed into a national-caliber career.

U.S. Freeski

The national governing body for freestyle skiing in the United States, which selected Ralph to represent the country at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I know there's a lot of pressure, but I'm just trying not to overthink it. The goal for the last five years has been to get an Olympic medal, so that's what I'm going for.”

— Konnor Ralph (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)

What’s next

Ralph is scheduled to compete in the freeski big air qualifying on February 15, 2026, with the final round scheduled for February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Konnor Ralph's qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics in freestyle skiing events like slopestyle and big air represents a significant achievement for the state of Montana, which has historically had limited representation at the Winter Games. His success highlights the growing popularity of these dynamic and visually-striking disciplines within the Olympic program.