Freestyle skiing made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport in Calgary in 1988. With the acceptance of Moguls as an official medal sport in 1992, and with the subsequent acceptance of Aerials in 1994, Freestyle has gained even more widespread attention and undergone phenomenal growth in Canada and around the world. Approximately 30 countries have developed active competitive programs internationally. Freestyle skiing disciplines at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will include Aerials, Moguls and Ski Cross.

In Aerials, the competitors hit the jumps or "kickers" at speeds of over 60 km/h, launch themselves some 50 feet in the air and perform triple back somersaults with up to five twists, landing on a steep hill most people would be nervous just skiing down. 

Mogul skiing is one of the most exciting and spectacular of all winter sports. Competitors rip down the mogul course and launch themselves from two jumps. Marks are awarded for the technical quality of the skier's turns (50%), the two upright aerial manoeuvres (25%) and speed (25%). Thus, while speed is a factor, the fastest skier across the finish line does not necessarily win.

Ski Cross can be described as the NASCAR of the ski world. In this event, athletes ski the equivalent of a short downhill course with a variety of "elements" (jumps, turns, hits, rollers) in groups of four. Each skier’s objective is to make it down the course the fastest… but also in one piece. The course is very tight so there are plenty of opportunities for mishaps, which for spectators, make the races exciting to watch.

Featured Athlete - Jeff Bean 

 

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