Helena Turns Out for Hometown Olympian Konnor Ralph’s Fifth-Place Big Air Finish

Konnor Ralph, a Helena native who learned to ski at Great Divide, finished fifth in the men’s freeski Big Air final at the Milan-Cortina Games in Livigno, Italy, posting a three-round total of 178.00 highlighted by a 91.50 on his closing jump after a missed landing on his second attempt, NBC Montana reported. Ralph placed fifth among 12 finalists.

The podium totals underscored the gap Ralph faced: Tormod Frostad of Norway won gold with 195.50, Mac Forehand of the United States took silver at 193.25, and Matej Svancer of Austria earned bronze with 191.25; Troy Podmilsak of the United States finished fourth with 184.50, NBC Montana reported.

Back home in Helena, local venues and Great Divide amplified support. Great Divide’s general manager Travis Crawford said the ski area hosted an early pre-ride watch gathering at the airport at 4:30 a.m., where “we had over 80 people for that.” A separate viewing and celebration drew “a large crowd” to Ten Mile Creek Brewing Company, where fans watched the final later in the day, NBC Montana and KTVH coverage noted. Helena resident coverage on KTVH’s YouTube channel highlighted additional gatherings, including a watch party listed at 11:30 a.m. at 10mile Creek Brewery in the video description.

The local narrative traced Ralph’s rise from Great Divide’s slopes to the Olympic Big Air stage. KTVH reported that U.S. Ski & Snowboard records show Ralph first got on skis at age 2 at Great Divide, that he learned many tricks by watching YouTube and with help from older kids, and that he still returns to run clinics for kids at the local ski area. Former Great Divide owner Kevin Taylor recalled early determination: “I remember one time, I had to pull his pass because he was ducking the rope to get in the terrain park before it was ready.” Ralph’s brother recalled their training off the snow: “We bounced on the trampoline every single day for probably a decade.”

Family voices and community pride were prominent in Helena coverage. His mother said, “He, he had a vision, and with his grit and determination, he accomplished that goal. This was the goal.” His father added, “He’s worked really hard. And we couldn't be prouder of what he’s accomplished.” Betsy Allen, one Helena local who came out to support him, said, “It’s not every day you get to cheer on the kid who grew up in your community on the world’s biggest stage.”

Local social engagement reflected that enthusiasm: KTVH’s Facebook post about Helena fans setting alarms for a 4:30 a.m. start recorded 391 reactions, 12 comments, and 17 shares, and the KTVH Helena YouTube video about the community’s turnout was posted Feb. 18 with 76 views and 2 likes as of the posting metadata. Community posts and on-site comments even looked ahead to the next Games, one fan told Ralph, “Helena looks forward to seeing you in the French Alps in 2030.”