Park City ski legends Ted Ligety, Picabo Street, and Tom Wallisch will provide expert commentary for NBC at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
As the world gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, three legendary skiers from Park City—Ted Ligety, Picabo Street, and Tom Wallisch—are set to bring their wealth of experience and unique insights to NBC's on-site coverage. The trio will be responsible for providing expert commentary and analysis from some of the most challenging alpine courses in the world, showcasing their talents while connecting with fans and viewers alike.
Ted Ligety, a four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist, will take center stage at the men's alpine start gates in Bormio. Ligety, known for his impressive career and innovative skiing techniques, is excited for the opportunity to report from one of the most challenging courses on the World Cup circuit. "The Bormio Stelvio course is considered one of the scariest downhills in the world, and I can't wait to see how the athletes tackle it," Ligety stated. He recalled winning the giant slalom at the same venue in 2008, a victory that secured his first giant slalom globe trophy.
In his new role as a sideline reporter, Ligety will be interacting directly with athletes and coaches, providing viewers with a firsthand perspective of the conditions and challenges faced by competitors as they prepare for their events. This experience stands in stark contrast to his role during the Beijing Winter Games, where he reported remotely due to pandemic restrictions. "Being there in person allows me to capture the energy of the event and share those intimate details with the audience," he explained.
Alongside Ligety, Picabo Street will serve as NBC's women’s on-hill reporter for alpine skiing. A three-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist, Street is eager to bring her extensive knowledge of the sport to viewers. "My role is to translate the action on the mountain into insights that help the audience understand what’s happening, especially for those who may not watch alpine skiing regularly," Street said. Having raced on the same Bormio and Cortina courses where the events will take place, she knows the nuances that can affect performance. "The Cortina course rewards commitment and confidence from top to bottom. It’s exhilarating to navigate because it keeps building speed without slowing you down," she noted.
Street's connection to the sport runs deep, having founded the Picabo Street Academy in Park City, which focuses on mentoring young skiers. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes reflects her belief in the importance of access and support for aspiring skiers. "I want to ensure that young athletes have the opportunities I had, especially after the legacy of the 2002 Olympic facilities," she remarked.
Tom Wallisch, a renowned freeskier and filmmaker, will lend his expertise as a freestyle skiing analyst in Livigno. Wallisch rose to fame in the freeskiing community during the late 2000s and has been a prominent figure in the sport ever since. "I’m thrilled to be onsite in Livigno after the remote commentary experience in 2022—there’s an irreplaceable energy in the air during the Olympics that can’t be replicated from a distance," Wallisch stated. He expressed enthusiasm for showcasing the tricks and techniques of competitors while providing a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
Having recently commentated at the Aspen X Games, Wallisch is well-versed in the skills and competitors he will be analyzing during the Olympics. He emphasized the importance of being present at the events, stating, "Seeing the course in person allows me to better judge the scale and difficulty, which I can then convey to viewers at home." Wallisch's relationship with the local ski community in Park City, where he frequently trains and skis with fellow athletes, further enhances his commentary, offering viewers an insider's perspective.
As the Winter Games approach, the U.S. alpine team is generating excitement, with athletes such as Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who has found success on the Bormio course, being highlighted by Ligety as potential medal contenders. With the men's alpine events kicking off on Saturday and concluding with the slalom on February 16, the anticipation continues to build around the performances of these elite athletes.
The involvement of these Park City legends not only enriches NBC’s Olympic coverage but also showcases the depth of talent and passion found within the local ski community. With Ligety, Street, and Wallisch at the helm, viewers can expect a compelling and insightful broadcast that captures the thrill and intensity of the Winter Olympics. Their stories, expertise, and love for the sport promise to make this Olympic experience one to remember for fans around the world.