Vermont's Mac Forehand wins silver in men's Big Air at Olympics

The 24-year-old Stratton Mountain School graduate earns his first Olympic medal in Italy.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Mac Forehand, a 24-year-old skier from Winhall, Vermont, won the silver medal in the men's Big Air competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. Forehand, a Stratton Mountain School graduate, earned a total score of 288.5 over his three runs, including a 98.5 on his third run with a left nose-butter triple cork 2160 safety grab. He was briefly in the lead before Norway's Tormod Frostad took the gold medal.

Why it matters

Forehand's silver medal is the first Olympic medal of his career and continues Vermont's strong performance at the 2026 Winter Games, with several other athletes with Vermont ties also earning medals. Forehand's success highlights the impact of the Stratton Mountain School program in developing elite winter sports athletes.

The details

Forehand, who was born in Connecticut but lists Winhall, Vermont as his hometown, was the top qualifier from Sunday's session. He earned a 95 score on his first run and another 95 on his second run with a left nose-butter triple cork 1980. Forehand briefly took the lead before Frostad surpassed him for the gold medal.

  • Forehand took 11th place in slopestyle earlier in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • In 2022, Forehand placed 11th in Big Air and 20th in slopestyle.

The players

Mac Forehand

A 24-year-old skier from Winhall, Vermont and a graduate of Stratton Mountain School who won the silver medal in the men's Big Air competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

Tormod Frostad

A Norwegian skier who won the gold medal in the men's Big Air competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, surpassing Forehand's brief lead.

Stratton Mountain School

The Vermont ski school that Forehand attended and which he credits for helping him reach the Olympic podium.

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What they’re saying

“I love big air. I love pushing tricks and going big.”

— Mac Forehand (USA Today)

“Without Stratton Mountain School, I would not be where I am today.”

— Mac Forehand (Vermont Public)

The takeaway

Forehand's silver medal performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the strength of Vermont's winter sports programs, particularly the Stratton Mountain School, in developing elite athletes who can compete on the world stage. His success continues a strong showing for Vermont-connected athletes at these Games.