Winter Olympics XXIV

FREESKIER’s official coverage of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

The Olympics bring the world’s best athletes together to compete on the biggest stage in sports. With Big Air, Slopestyle and Halfpipes events taking place over the coming weeks, skiers from around the globe are set to bring the sport to new heights. Here’s FREESKIER’s official landing page for the 2022 Winter Olympics, bringing you competition results and highlights, exclusive storytelling and a behind the scenes look at the events unfolding in Beijing.

Introduction to the Games

Skiing takes on the world stage.

Cliff notes & athlete storylines

The juiciest narratives at the Olympics.

Skiing progression & competition

What’s the impact of the Olympics on freeskiing?

Destination — Beijing

Can China be considered a winter sports mecca?

PHOTO: Mike Dawson/U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Event recaps & results

Big Air — Women’s

Big Air — Men’s

Slopestyle — Women’s

Slopestyle — Men’s

Halfpipe — Women’s

Halfpipe — Men’s

BEHIND THE SCENES

The U.S. Freeski coaching staff weighs in on everything from training strategies to competing in windy, bone-chilling conditions.

COURSE PREVIEWS

Here’s a closer look at how this year’s Olympic-grade freeski venues were created to allow the best skiers in the world to flex their skills.

AT THE STAND

Judging skiing is a tough job. To get a peek behind the curtain read this conversation with Olympic “trick caller” Jason Arens.

WHEN TO CATCH THE ACTION

February 7 — Freeski Big Air Qualifiers

February 8 — Women’s Freeski Big Air Finals

February 9 — Men’s Freeski Big Air Finals

February 13 — Women’s Freeski Slopestyle Qualifiers

February 14 — Women’s Freeski Slopestyle Finals

February 14 —Men’s Freeski Slopestyle Qualifiers

February 15 — Men’s Freeski Slopestyle Finals

February 17 — Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Qualifiers

February 17 — Women’s Freeski Halfpipe Qualifiers

February 18 — Women’s Freeski Halfpipe Finals

February 19 — Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Finals

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BEIJING OLYMPICS

Beijing is the first Olympic city to host both the Summer and Winter Games.

Considering Covid restrictions, an online torch relay will feature virtual reality hand-offs.

The Olympic mascot Bing Dwen Dwen—“bing” translates to ice and “dwen dwen” means children—is an adorable panda wearing an astronaut-like suit that nods to the Games’ embrace of technology. Look closely and you’ll notice a heart on its left palm, which symbolizes hospitality.

Thanks to the addition of seven new events, this will be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games ever, with a record 1,314 women competing.

All outdoor events will depend on artificial snow.

THE HARDWARE

Named Tong Xin (Together As One), the Olympic medals are less blingy than the jade-inlaid awards of the 2008 Beijing Summer Games, but no less valuable. Embracing the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games’ “streamlined, safe and splendid” motto, the gold, silver and bronze designs are simple and classic. Ancient Chinese jade concentric circle pendants known as “Bi” inspired the design. Five concave rings are a nod to both the Olympic rings and the Chinese philosophy of concordance between heaven, earth and human beings. The grooved rings have been carved with designs based on traditional Chinese patterns. At their center is an engraving of the five Olympic rings and the words “XXIV Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022,” surrounded by ice, snowflakes and cloud patterns. On the opposite side, Beijing 2022 logo is surrounded by rings that mimic star trails that match a celestial map that carries the wish of luck to the athletes. Each medal is tied to a silk ribbon and will be presented with a medal box crafted from blue lacquer and bamboo.

FASHION INSIDER

The designers at Spyder took the extreme weather expected in Beijing into consideration when designing the uniform collection. Materials such as Gore-Tex Stretch Recycled Polyester fabric with Laminate and PrimaLoft SilverEco insulation will trap and preserve body heat while allowing for high performance. Olympian and former U.S. Ski Team alum Bobby Brown collaborated on all aspects of the fit and function. With nearly a dozen designs to choose from, athletes will be able to show off their individual styles.

DECODING THE OLYMPIC LOGO

Designed by artist Lin Cunzhen, the calligraphy-inspired logo of the Games packs in a lot of symbolism. Inspired by ‘, the Chinese character for winter, the emblem resembles a skater at the top and a skier at the bottom and the flowing ribbon-like motif between them reflects China’s rolling mountains and ski pistes. It also points to the fact that the Games will coincide with the Chinese New Year. The use of blue represents dreams and the purity of snow, while red and yellow, China’s national colors, symbolize passion and youth.