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Livigno's Giant Scaffold Jump: Athletes Divided
7 Feb
Summary
- The 55-meter jump structure is built in Livigno's valley, not on the mountain.
- Athletes praise build quality but find elevator rides odd and stuffy.
- The jump's design mirrors Beijing's 2022 Olympic venue.
An imposing 55-meter Olympic Big Air jump has become a prominent feature in Livigno's valley, a departure from traditional mountain settings. The scaffolded structure, visible throughout the town, has sparked mixed reactions. Athletes generally commend the jump's build quality and smooth transitions, noting it allows for impressive tricks. U.S. snowboarder Jess Perlmutter described it as a "very different experience" from mountain jumps.
Despite the positive feedback on performance, many participants found the elevator ascent to the jump's summit to be an unusual and uncomfortable experience. However, Canadian freeskier Evan McEachran suggested the wider, smoother in-run, combined with a full snow landing, enables riders to perform at a higher level. The Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee decided on this unique valley location due to a lack of suitable slopes and to accommodate other freestyle disciplines.
The Livigno venue's design closely resembles the structure used for the Beijing 2022 Games, featuring a high, curved steel framework. Its north-facing orientation ensures the landing remains preserved, enhancing athlete safety. While the jump offers a spectacular view for spectators, the unconventional setup, particularly the elevator access, remains a talking point among competitors.
