South Korean snowboarder Choi Ga-on, who made history by winning the nation’s first Olympic gold medal in the women’s halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, is set to officially commence her new season. She is scheduled to compete in the Snowreg World Challenge, held in Cardrona, New Zealand, starting on the 19th.
A Unique Team-Based Competition
This event, organized as a special invitational competition ahead of the regular season, is uniquely structured as a team-based competition for the first time in its history. A total of four teams will face off, including ‘The Challengers,’ comprised of promising young athletes, and teams representing North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Each team is formed with one male and one female snowboarder, alongside one freestyle skier. Choi Ga-on is the sole athlete invited from South Korea. She has been assigned to the Asia-Pacific team, where she will compete alongside New Zealand’s rising star, Luca Harrington, who notably landed the first triple cork in freestyle ski halfpipe history.
Elite Company on the Asia-Pacific Team
The Asia-Pacific team boasts an impressive roster of talent. Joining Choi Ga-on and Harrington are Ryusei Yamada of Japan, a bronze medalist in the snowboard halfpipe at the previous Olympics, and Keralt Castey of Spain, the silver medalist from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Also on the team is Sara Shimizu of Japan, the silver medalist at the 2025 International Ski Federation (FIS) World Championships.
Choi Ga-on’s Motivation for Competing
In a statement released through Oldest Sports, a management agency, Choi Ga-on shared her thoughts on participating in the event. “After the Olympics, I had thoughts of taking a break, but I’ve always been thinking about the snow,” she said. “When I first received the invitation, I was intrigued by the team-based format of the competition, and I decided to participate with an excited heart.”
She further elaborated on her enthusiasm, stating, “This event has a different character from the World Cup, and I intend to approach it with enjoyment. I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity for the winner to experience heliboxing (snowboarding on powder snow via helicopter access), which I’ve heard about.”
Competition Details and Broadcast Information
The Snowreg World Challenge is designed to be a high-caliber event, bringing together top athletes from various disciplines within snow sports. The team format adds a novel dynamic, fostering camaraderie and strategic collaboration among competitors who might otherwise face each other individually.
The inclusion of freestyle skiers alongside snowboarders highlights the event’s commitment to showcasing a broader spectrum of snow sports talent. This multidisciplinary approach is expected to offer a unique spectacle for fans and participants alike.
Choi Ga-on’s participation is particularly significant, marking her first major competition since her historic Olympic victory. Her performance at the Snowreg World Challenge will be closely watched as an indicator of her current form and her readiness for the upcoming competitive season.
The event is scheduled to be broadcast live on the Snowreg YouTube channel on the 19th, starting at 7:55 PM Korean Standard Time. This provides an accessible platform for fans worldwide to follow Choi Ga-on and the other elite athletes as they compete in this groundbreaking event.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Snowboarding
Choi Ga-on’s journey represents a significant milestone for South Korean winter sports. Her Olympic success has not only brought national pride but has also inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue snowboarding and other snow sports.
The Snowreg World Challenge, with its innovative team format and the participation of global stars, is poised to be a significant event in the lead-up to future major competitions. It offers a unique platform for athletes to test their skills, adapt to new competition styles, and engage with the broader snow sports community.
As Choi Ga-on embarks on this new competitive chapter, her focus remains on pushing the boundaries of her sport and enjoying the process. Her determination and passion are evident, suggesting a promising continuation of her already stellar career.
