Libby native Konnor Ralph to light Big Sky State Games torch

Libby native Konnor Ralph, who competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics with the United States team, will be the honored guest athlete of the 41st Annual Big Sky State Games Opening Ceremonies Friday, July 17, at Lockwood High School Stadium in Billings. 

Ralph made the finals in both slopestyle and big air. He placed ninth overall in slopestyle and fifth overall in men’s big air.

Ralph grew up in Helena, Montana, with a deep-rooted passion for winter sports. His natural connection to the slopes began when his parents put him on skis at the Great Divide ski hill, almost before he could walk. After a few years, he began quickly turning backyard runs and local hills into launching points for something much bigger.  

By the age of 10, Konnor Ralph began competing, and by 12, he had transitioned to park skiing. 2021 was Konnor Ralph’s first World Cup season, and he ranked 78th overall among freestyle men’s skiers. This year, Konnor Ralph ranked seventh among freestyle men’s skiers, fourth in slopestyle, and fifth in big air.

Ralph is known for a smooth style and creative approach in the terrain park. Whether he is pushing limits with aerial tricks or dialing in precision on rails, his dedication to progression and his overall love for the sport shine through in every performance. The U.S. Freeski Team teammates and staff recognized him with the Most Improved award. 

Additionally, Ralph has podiumed three times at the World Cup, earning Silver and two Bronze medals. In 2017, Ralph captured the USA Snowboarding and Freeski Association National Championship in the Rail Jam division for ages 10-13. He is the first Helena native skier to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Ski Team since 1972.

Ralph has repeatedly stated that he would not have achieved what he has without the community's unwavering support throughout his journey from a local ski hill to the world stage. When Ralph is not in Park City, Utah, training or competing internationally, he enjoys skiing with his family and friends back at the Great Divide, where it all started. 

One of Ralph’s favorite aspects of being on the U.S. Freeski Team has been the opportunity to travel the world and experience the different cultures. Ralph feels so lucky to have seen and experienced so many amazing places around the world at such a young age. In his free time, Ralph puts on clinics for kids at Great Divide.

State Games Opening Ceremonies festivities include the Athlete Fun Zone and Food Truck Olympics, and the SOAKED RUN, a crazy-fun, two-mile, water- and bubble-filled walk/run. Other festivities include the climbing wall, a free-throw contest, family entertainment, and games.

For more information, go to bigskygames.org or call (406) 254-7426.