LIVIGNO, Italy – The debut of Dual Moguls at the Olympic Winter Games in 2026 is drawing near, but early competition results from the Moguls and Aerials venue in Livigno suggest a challenging road ahead for some hopefuls. Austria’s Avital Carroll delivered a strong performance in the women’s freestyle skiing moguls qualifications on , ultimately finishing seventh, while fellow Austrian, Ramsauer, did not advance to the top eight.
The Moguls competition, a staple of the Winter Olympics, tests athletes’ skill in navigating a course of snow mounds – moguls – while incorporating two jumps. Judging criteria focus on technical turns, speed, and the execution of aerial maneuvers. The format follows a two-stage process: a qualification phase followed by a final phase, where athletes start in reverse order of their qualification ranking. Scores from qualification do not carry over, ensuring a fresh competition in the finals.
Carroll’s seventh-place finish demonstrates her potential as the Games approach. According to reports, she expressed pride in her performance, stating, “I can be proud of many things.” This sentiment highlights the significance of simply qualifying and competing at the Olympic level, particularly in a demanding discipline like moguls skiing.
The competition in Livigno marks a significant milestone for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Livigno has unveiled its first completed Olympic venue, the Livigno Aerials and Moguls course at Carosello 3000. This facility will host seven medal events, solidifying its role as a central location for freestyle skiing during the Games. The unveiling included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and other dignitaries, underscoring the importance of the event for the region and the nation.
The introduction of Dual Moguls to the Olympic program in 2026 adds an exciting new dimension to the freestyle skiing competition. Dual Moguls is a head-to-head race down a mogul course, emphasizing speed and precision. The format is known for its fast pace and thrilling direct competition, promising to be a captivating event for both athletes and spectators. A World Cup test event, featuring the season finals of Moguls, Dual Moguls, and Aerials, was held in Livigno on , providing a preview of the Olympic competition to come.
The Livigno venue reflects a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. The courses are designed to meet Olympic standards and position Livigno as a future hub for international freestyle skiing competitions. Beyond the Aerials and Moguls courses, preparations are also underway for the Livigno Snow Park at Mottolino and the Olympic Village, indicating a comprehensive effort to prepare for the influx of athletes and visitors in 2026.
While the Austrian team saw mixed results in the initial qualifications, the broader context of the competition highlights the growing interest in freestyle skiing globally. The Olympic Winter Games provide the largest stage for the sport, attracting a new audience to moguls and aerials. The Milano Cortina 2026 Games, running from to , are poised to showcase the athleticism and skill of freestyle skiers from around the world.
The early competitions in Livigno, including Carroll’s seventh-place finish, serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the Olympic Games. As athletes continue to refine their skills and strategies, the stage is set for a thrilling competition in February 2026. The addition of Dual Moguls promises to add a new layer of excitement to the Games, and Livigno’s newly completed venue is ready to host the world’s best freestyle skiers.
The United States will also be looking to make a strong showing at the games. Jaelin Kauf, representing Teton Valley, is one athlete to watch as she prepares to compete for a gold medal in Italy.
