• Shaun White predicts new tricks and names Alessandro Barbieri as a dark-horse contender.
  • Defending champion Ayumu Hirano and Scotty James remain favorites for men’s halfpipe.
  • Barbieri, 17, impressed at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics and Snow League events.
  • Milano Cortina halfpipe qualifying runs are on Feb 11; finals on Feb 13 (CET).

Shaun White singles out Alessandro Barbieri ahead of Milano Cortina

Three-time Olympic champion Shaun White has put the spotlight on 17-year-old Alessandro Barbieri, calling the Team USA rookie a real threat in the men’s halfpipe at Milano Cortina 2026. White told Olympics.com he expects the event to showcase tricks “that have never really been done before in competition,” and specifically singled out Barbieri’s talent, style and competitive fire.

A new challenger to the established favourites

Hirano Ayumu, the defending Olympic champion, and Australia’s Scotty James — Beijing 2022 silver medallist — arrive as the headline acts. White, though, believes the halfpipe final could spring surprises. He praised Barbieri’s “great style” and motivation, saying the teenager’s frustration at a December Snow League event showed the will to beat the sport’s biggest names.

“I would be watching out for him,” White said. “Definitely this Olympics and hopefully many to come. He’s somebody that I think’s incredibly talented, motivated, great style, great personality, and you know I’m super impressed.”

Who is Alessandro Barbieri?

Alessandro Barbieri, nicknamed “The Chef,” is a U.S. snowboarder of Italian heritage who won halfpipe silver at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics. At just 17, Barbieri combines youthful creativity with a distinct riding style that has attracted attention from fans and veterans alike. His rapid rise in international events has made him a name to watch in Milano Cortina’s snowboard halfpipe field.

Event schedule and what to watch

Men’s snowboard halfpipe schedule (CET):

  • 11 February — Qualifying Run 1 (19:30), Qualifying Run 2 (20:30)
  • 13 February — Final Run 1 (19:30), Final Run 2 (20:00), Final Run 3 (20:30)

Expect athletes to balance technical difficulty with the showmanship judges reward. White suggested many contenders will “hold back a little something for the big day,” hinting at calculated strategy as much as raw trick lists.

Why White’s view matters

Shaun White’s perspective carries weight: he transformed Olympic halfpipe snowboarding and pushed the sport’s technical and creative limits. When he highlights a young rider like alessandro barbieri, it signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape. White’s endorsement could also raise expectations and pressure on Barbieri — a double-edged sword for any teenage athlete.

Final thoughts

Milano Cortina’s men’s halfpipe promises a high-stakes showdown between proven champions and emerging talent. While Hirano and Scotty James remain front-runners, the addition of Alessandro Barbieri to the conversation adds intrigue: a fresh, fearless competitor who might help redefine what’s possible in Olympic halfpipe competition.

Image Referance: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/shaun-white-exclusive-u-s-legend-s-prediction-ahead-of-men-s-halfpipe-competition