When the Winter Olympics return in February 2026, all eyes will be on Livigno, Italy—home to the breathtaking snowboarding events of Milano-Cortina 2026. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Halfpipe tricks, live for the high-speed chaos of Snowboard Cross, or just want to see Big Air athletes defy gravity, this year’s Games are shaping up to be the most thrilling yet. The only catch? Due to complex broadcasting rights and geographic restrictions, watching Olympic snowboarding live isn’t as straightforward as it should be.
Luckily, there’s a reliable workaround. With a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can tune in to official Olympic streams from anywhere in the world—even if you’re far outside the broadcast region. This guide walks you through exactly how to access high-quality, live snowboarding streams no matter where you are, using tools that are fast, safe, and 100% legal.
Step-by-Step: How to Watch Olympic Snowboarding from Anywhere
To unlock Olympic snowboarding streams that may be geo-restricted in your country, all you need is a VPN and access to one of the official broadcasters (many of which offer free streams). Here’s how it works:
- Choose a reputable VPN that’s known to bypass geo-blocking for Olympic broadcasters (we’ll get to the best options below).
- Connect to a server in a country where a broadcaster is airing the snowboarding events.
- Visit the broadcaster’s website or app and either watch the stream directly or register a free account if required.
- Enjoy live coverage of all your favorite snowboarding events—from Slopestyle qualifications to Big Air finals.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch the Winter Olympics
Olympic broadcasting rights are divided up by country. That means if you’re outside of the “approved” region for a particular network (like BBC iPlayer in the UK or CBC Gem in Canada), you’ll see an error message instead of the stream. A VPN solves this by letting you “change” your virtual location.
When you connect to a VPN server in, say, Canada, you’ll appear as if you’re browsing from Canada. That means CBC Gem will let you in—and in many cases, you can stream the Olympics for free, in full HD.

This method is safe, legal, and widely used by travelers, expats, and fans around the world.
Best VPNs for Olympic Streaming in 2026
Here are the top VPNs that have been tested to work flawlessly with major Olympic broadcasters:
| VPN | Strengths | Works With | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fastest speeds, great for HD sports | BBC iPlayer, Peacock, CBC Gem, Discovery+ | From $3.29/mo |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices, affordable | 9Now, CBC Gem, BBC iPlayer | From $2.19/mo |
| ExpressVPN | Extremely reliable, great apps | NBC, Eurosport, BBC | From $3.49/mo |
All of these VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free during the Olympics.
How to Watch Olympic Snowboarding Live: Full Setup Guide
Here’s exactly how to get set up in less than 10 minutes:
Step 1: Pick Your VPN
Download and install one of the VPNs listed above or here on your device—desktop, mobile, Smart TV, or router.
| 3 best VPN with discount | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 78% off + 43months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
Step 2: Connect to the Right Country
Choose a server in the country of your preferred broadcaster for:
- BBC iPlayer → UK
- CBC Gem → Canada
- 9Now → Australia
- Peacock → USA
- Discovery+ → UK or EU
Step 3: Go to the Broadcaster’s Website
Create a free account if needed. Some sites like CBC Gem and 9Now require only an email and local postcode (you can use a public one).
Step 4: Start Watching
Once logged in, browse the Olympic schedule and enjoy live snowboarding coverage with zero restrictions.
Optional: set reminders or download the mobile app to never miss a final.
Official Olympic Broadcasters for Snowboarding

Here’s a list of official channels and streaming platforms airing Olympic snowboarding in 2026:
| Country | Broadcaster | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| USA | NBC Universal | Peacock (Premium) |
| UK | BBC | BBC iPlayer (Free) |
| Canada | CBC | CBC Gem (Free) |
| Australia | Nine Network | 9Now (Free) |
| Germany | ARD/ZDF | Mediathek (Free) |
| France | France TV | france.tv (Free) |
| Japan | NHK | NHK+ |
| South Korea | JTBC | JTBC Now |
| Sweden | SVT / TV4 | SVT Play |
| Spain | RTVE | RTVE Play |
| Italy | RAI | RAI Play |
| Netherlands | NOS | NOS Start |
| Norway | NRK | NRK TV |
⚠️ Some platforms may block VPN traffic. Use a provider with “obfuscated servers” or try switching servers if that happens.
Key Olympic Snowboarding Dates (Livigno 2026)
Here are the highlights in Central European Time (CET):
| Date | Event | Time (CET) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 5 | Men’s Big Air Qualifiers | 19:30 |
| Feb 7 | Men’s Big Air Final | 19:30 |
| Feb 8 | Men’s & Women’s Parallel Giant Slalom | Morning |
| Feb 9 | Women’s Big Air Final | 19:30 |
| Feb 11 | Men’s & Women’s Halfpipe Qualifiers | All day |
| Feb 12 | Men’s Snowboard Cross Final | 10:00 |
| Feb 13 | Women’s Snowboard Cross Final | 10:00 |
| Feb 15 | Mixed Team Snowboard Cross Final | 13:45 |
| Feb 17 | Women’s Slopestyle Final | 13:00 |
| Feb 18 | Men’s Slopestyle Final | 12:30 |
Convert to your time zone or set notifications via the broadcaster’s app.
Bonus Tips: How to Avoid Common Streaming Issues
- Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for stability
- Choose 1080p or Auto quality settings
- Clear your browser cache if VPN isn’t working
- Use VPN “obfuscated” or “streaming-optimized” servers
- Turn off WebRTC in your browser (prevents IP leaks)
Streaming snowboarding in HD requires at least 15 Mbps. For 4K coverage (available on NBC and NHK), aim for 25–50 Mbps.
What to Expect from Olympic Snowboarding Coverage
Different broadcasters offer different viewing experiences:
- 🎥 BBC – Highly technical analysis, slow-mo breakdowns
- 🎙️ NBC/Peacock – Human-focused storytelling, athlete interviews
- 🇨🇦 CBC Gem – Balanced and in-depth, often considered the “best free stream”
- 📱 Eurosport – Youth-focused, social-media-style highlights
- 🎉 Discovery+ – Full feeds, backstage angles, and “Multiview” for all events
Want something lighthearted? Warner Bros. Discovery is even adding Looney Tunes animations for kids and families during snowboarding coverage.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss a Single Trick
Snowboarding at the 2026 Winter Olympics will be spectacular—and you shouldn’t miss a moment just because of where you live.
With a trusted VPN and this guide in hand, you’ll be ready to unlock the full experience, whether you’re watching Chloe Kim dominate the Halfpipe again or tuning in for the drama of the Mixed Team SBX final.
Set up your VPN early, test it with your chosen broadcaster, and mark your calendars. The slopes of Livigno await—and thanks to modern tech, your front-row seat is just a click away.
FAQ
Can I watch Olympic snowboarding live for free?
Yes! Several broadcasters like CBC Gem (Canada), BBC iPlayer (UK), and 9Now (Australia) offer free Olympic coverage. You’ll just need a VPN if you’re outside those countries.
Is it legal to use a VPN to stream the Olympics?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. It allows you to protect your privacy and access content you’ve legally registered for in another region
Which VPN works best for streaming Olympic snowboarding?
NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are top choices. They’re fast, reliable, and tested to work with major platforms like Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and Discovery+.
Will I be able to watch the finals live in my time zone?
Yes, but check the CET-based schedule and convert it to your local time. Most finals are scheduled in the European evening, which works well for viewers in North America, too.
More Olympic Streaming Guides
Snowboarding’s just the beginning! If you’re planning to follow more than one sport at the 2026 Winter Olympics, we’ve got you covered.
🎯 Dive into our other step-by-step guides:
- How to Watch Olympic Hockey Live from Anywhere (2026)
- How to Watch Olympic Figure Skating Live Anywhere (2026)
- Watch Winter Olympic Skiing Live Anywhere (2026)
- How to Watch Olympic Biathlon 2026 from Anywhere
- Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics from Anywhere
All our Olympic streaming guides are regularly updated, VPN-friendly, and packed with tips to make sure you don’t miss a single moment—no matter where in the world you are.