The women’s snowboard halfpipe event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina has opened with dramatic qualifying rounds, setting the stage for a final that promises exciting aerial stunts. Two‑time Olympic champion Chloe Kim of the United States posted a stunning 90.25 to take top spot in qualifying, demonstrating that even after a recent shoulder injury she still possesses elite form and is in the mix to win a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal. Can someone take Kim down? Continue reading to find my women’s snowboard halfpipe prediction.
Olympic Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Betting Odds
Below are the current outright winner odds from leading sportsbooks for the women’s snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Winter Games:
- Chloe Kim (USA) -220
- Gaon Choi (KOR) +300
- Sara Shimizu (JPN) +700
- Maddie Mastro (USA) +1200
- Rise Kudo (JPN) +1200
- Xuetong Cai (CHN) +2500
- Sena Tomita (JPN) +3300
- Elizabeth Hosking (CAN) +3300
- Queralt Castellet (ESP) +4000
- Mitsuki Ono (JPN) +5000
- Shaotong Wu (CHN) +8000
Olympic Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Major Storylines
The foremost narrative in this competition centers on Chloe Kim’s pursuit of an unprecedented third straight Olympic gold in the women’s halfpipe. Kim, already a two‑time Olympic champion and multiple world title holder, topped qualifying convincingly, scoring over 90 points with a technically strong and confident run. Her success in qualification has momentarily eased fears about her shoulder, which she injured just weeks before the Games.
Reports from observers and her own team indicate that, while the shoulder is braced and will require surgery after the event, she performed at a level that shows she is physically capable of competing with the very best. This feat would elevate her legacy and mark a historic achievement in snowboarding.
Running alongside Kim in this event is South Korea’s Gaon Choi, a young sensation who has lit up the 2025‑26 FIS World Cup circuit with multiple victories and now carries some of the shortest odds on the board. Choi’s aggressive style and consistency in international competition have thrust her into genuine contention for gold, representing a new frontier for Korean snowboarding on the Olympic stage.
Japan’s contingent also adds intrigue to the mix. Sara Shimizu and Sena Tomita produced strong qualifying results and have shown they can rival the top competitors on their day. Shimizu’s dynamic halfpipe runs have placed her among the leading scores in recent major events, and Tomita has podium experience at high‑profile competitions.
Beyond the frontrunners, the competition carries a sobering reminder of the sport’s danger, as China’s Liu Jiayu suffered a troubling crash during qualifying that has removed her from medal contention. Such incidents can shift the dynamics unexpectedly, especially under Olympic pressure where confidence and composure are paramount.
Olympic Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Medal Contenders
- Chloe Kim (USA) – With a dominant qualifying performance and a strong championship résumé, Kim remains the benchmark against which others are measured.
- Gaon Choi (KOR) – A rising star whose World Cup success this season positions her as a legitimate challenger for gold.
- Sara Shimizu (JPN) – Consistency and recent high scores make her a strong contender for silver or bronze.
- Sena Tomita (JPN) – A seasoned competitor capable of peaking in finals and earning a medal.
- Queralt Castellet (ESP) – The experienced veteran has the skill to surprise and potentially climb the podium against expectations.
Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe Betting Prediction
Pick:
Confidence: 4 out of 5
Final Thoughts
