TAHOE BASIN, Calif. / Nev. – Tahoe’s own Alessandro Barbieri, 17, is making waves on the world stage as he competes in the men’s snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Representing Team USA, Barbieri advanced to the finals after a strong performance in Wednesday’s qualifying round, where he placed fourth overall. The finals are set for Friday, Feb. 13.

In qualifying, each rider takes two runs, with only the higher score counting. Barbieri posted an impressive 88.50 in his first run. Though he fell on his second, his score was enough to secure a spot in the top 12 riders advancing to the finals.

Who is Alessandro Barbieri?
Barbieri grew up skiing and snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest and now competes for Tahoe Select Snowboard Team in the USASA Mount Hood Division. He made history as the youngest rider — and first American — to land a triple cork 1440 in halfpipe competition.

He burst onto the international scene with a silver medal at the 2024 Youth Olympic Winter Games in Gangwon, South Korea, and earned his first World Cup podium with a third-place finish at the Calgary Snow Rodeo in February 2025. Most recently, he showcased his signature triple cork in the Snow League in China.

As one of the youngest members of Team USA in Milan Cortina, Barbieri carries the hopes of Tahoe snowboard fans with him into the finals.

What Makes a Halfpipe Run Score?
Judges score riders on a 0–100 scale based on amplitude, difficulty, and progression:

• Amplitude: How high the rider goes above the pipe and consistency of height.
• Difficulty: Number and type of rotations, grabs, and tricks performed, including switch-footed moves.
• Progression: How riders connect tricks and push the sport forward.