The Laax Open in Switzerland witnessed a pivotal moment in women’s snowboarding history, with Chloe Kim and Maddie Mastro, two titans of the halfpipe, pushing the boundaries of the sport yet again. Both athletes, while still relatively young at 24, possess a wealth of experience and a legacy of groundbreaking achievements. Their dominance in Laax, securing gold and silver respectively, was punctuated by a remarkable feat: both successfully landed double cork 1080s, a maneuver never before achieved by women in competition. This accomplishment underscores their enduring influence on the sport and their unrelenting pursuit of pushing its limits.
Kim, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has consistently set new benchmarks throughout her career. From becoming the youngest woman to win Olympic gold in snowboarding at Pyeongchang 2018 to becoming the first woman to win two Olympic golds in halfpipe at Beijing 2022, her trajectory has been marked by groundbreaking achievements. She has pioneered tricks like back-to-back 1080s and the 1260, inspiring a generation of young snowboarders. In Laax, her switch frontside double 1080 in the first run cemented her victory, demonstrating her technical prowess and solidifying her position as a trailblazer.
Mastro, equally committed to innovation, has also carved her own unique path in the sport. Known for her pioneering double crippler, a frontside double backflip without rotation, she continues to push the envelope. At Laax, she landed the first frontside double 1080 in women’s competition, further solidifying her place in snowboarding history. Moreover, by landing both the double 1080 and the double crippler in her second run, she became the first woman to achieve two double inversions in a single competition run, showcasing her technical mastery and bold approach to the sport.
The Laax Open podium was further distinguished by the presence of 16-year-old Gaon Choi from South Korea, taking the bronze medal. Choi’s presence highlights the generational impact of athletes like Kim, who has served as an inspiration for the young snowboarder’s career. The competition also saw strong performances from Japanese riders, who occupied positions fourth through seventh, including Mitsuki Ono, currently ranked number one globally. This diverse international representation underlines the expanding global reach of women’s snowboarding and the increasing level of competition.
The Laax Open serves as a crucial stepping stone on the road to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Both Kim and Mastro’s performances contributed valuable quota points for the U.S., strengthening their individual and team rankings. Mastro currently holds the second-place global ranking, while Kim is ranked fourth, positioning them as strong contenders for future competitions. Their ongoing rivalry and shared commitment to innovation promise to elevate the sport to even greater heights in the coming years.
The current landscape of women’s halfpipe snowboarding is vibrant and dynamic, fueled by the groundbreaking performances of athletes like Kim and Mastro. Their continued dominance, coupled with the emergence of young talents like Choi and the consistent pressure from international competitors, ensures a thrilling future for the sport. The upcoming X Games Aspen promises to be another showcase of their skill and competitive spirit, offering a glimpse into the exciting developments that lie ahead as they continue to redefine what’s possible in women’s halfpipe snowboarding.
