The International Ski Federation (FIS) has described the course as "arguably the most technically advanced, thoughtfully designed, and awe-inspiring slopestyle course ever constructed.”

For Tess, she’s out to showcase her talent after being selected for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games, only to suffer an injury during warm up that ruled her out of competition. Four years on, the Melbourne native comes into the Olympic Games in red-hot form having recently won the Laax World Cup.

The 21-year-old has wasted no time to test out the course and put in some big training sessions ahead of the start of competition.

"They've done a really great job in the build, and aesthetically it looks really nice … it looks like it's going to ride really good too,” Tess said.

Both Tess and Matt are soaking up the full Olympic experience, with Matt doing his best to focus on the task at hand and not get ahead of himself.

“I think the whole experience isn’t going to kick in that I’m at an Olympics until it’s over and done,” Matt said.

“I’ve got a job to do and I’m ready to do it.

“The course is really good, the snow quality is good. I spoke to the park builders and they are grooming the landings in the mornings that way we get a bit softer of a landing.

“The top section is super firm and icy… as we get towards the bottom half of the course where we get to a bit more high stakes… impact landings, they have been making it softer for us.”

The design of the course, created by Beijing 2022 project manager and designer Dirk Scheumann, has centred around bringing together culture with practical design. A prominent sight includes a Great Wall of China snow homage.

“The main goal was a creative course that's connected to Chinese culture,” Scheumann said.

“The main challenge we faced was to protect riders from the strong west winds. ‘Where would you like to be in windy conditions?’ I asked myself. Behind the wall, right?

“That's how the great wall design came to be part of the course. Also, the rail features are installed in steps, that go lower and lower towards the right side. We believe this will serve its function and that riders will be able to perform at their best.

“Once the wind issue was solved we put all effort to designing features that allowed for creative lines on the rails, take-offs and landings. I hope to see all the lines we imagined - and more - utilised by the riders at Beijing 2022.”

Scheumann sees the Beijing 2022 slopestyle course at Genting Snow Park as the most advanced build he’s ever been a part of creating, but also just another step in the constant evolution of slopestyle skiing and snowboarding.

“Slopestyle venue design is always a special thing because it's an integral part of the performance the athletes will put on display.

“The course design inspires and challenges the athletes, but also the athletes themselves influence the further development of the course design with their performance. This constant exchange keeps creating new designs and great moments.

“This design can unite the functionality of the sport and the story of the host country's culture. Incorporating the Great Wall of China into the build is a great story to showcase and tell to millions of TV spectators, while also serving functionally and aiding the athletes in telling their story to the world through their riding.”

The snowboard slopestyle competition will begin with the women’s snowboard qualifications on Saturday 5 February. Tess Coady will be in that session from 1:45pm AEDT, which is followed by the women’s finals on Sunday 6 February starting at 12:30pm AEDT.

The men’s snowboard slopestyle qualifications kick off on Sunday 6 February at 3:30pm (AEDT), with the finals on Monday 7 February from 3:00pm AEDT to close out the snowboard slopestyle programme.

Lauren Ryan

#HaveAGo