Shaun White's new halfpipe league, The Snow League, is set to kick off its inaugural season next week in Aspen, Colorado. The league will then travel to Secret Garden snowpark in Zhangjiakou, China, where White concluded his illustrious career at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
The Snow League announced its four-stop opening-season schedule, which includes stops in Aspen in February 2026 and Laax, Switzerland, after the Milan-Cortina Olympics. The league is offering a substantial $1.6 million prize pool, with $370,000 allocated for each event and $160,000 for the league champions.
White's vision for the league is to provide a platform for the world's top riders, addressing the lack of a well-defined circuit and limited prize money in the sport. The league aims to elevate the sport of halfpipe riding and provide a competitive and lucrative environment for athletes.
The upcoming 16-man contest in Aspen will feature top-ranked riders such as Ayumu Hirano, Ruka Hirano, Chase Josey, and Chase Blackwell. The women's contest will include Olympic medalists Queralt Castellet and Sena Tomita, alongside American riders Maddie Mastro and Maddy Schaffrick.
A unique format for the league's events will feature head-to-head, best-of-3 bracket-style tournaments in the finals, adding an exciting element to the competition. Additionally, freeskiing on the halfpipe will be introduced in the upcoming event in China, expanding the league's offerings.
The Snow League's innovative approach and significant prize pool are poised to attract top talent and elevate the sport of halfpipe riding to new heights. With a focus on providing a competitive platform and rewarding athletes for their skills, the league is set to make a mark in the world of snow sports.
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