Snowboarding entered the Winter Olympics in 1998 and has expanded since.
Events range from judged tricks to head-to-head racing.
Judged events
Judges score difficulty, execution, amplitude, and progression.
- ▸Halfpipe
- ▸Slopestyle
- ▸Big air
Snowboard cross
Riders race in groups down a course of jumps and banked turns. Contact happens, so tactics and positioning matter.
Parallel giant slalom
Two riders race side by side through gates. Fastest time wins each heat.
Watching tips
Look for spins in both directions and different grabs in judged events.
Rules on equipment and safety
Riders use different boards for different events: soft, flexible boards for freestyle and stiffer, longer boards for racing. Helmets are mandatory in competition. Course design and weather conditions such as wind, light, and snow quality can affect results significantly, and judges consider the difficulty of conditions when scoring.
This is general sports information and commentary. Rules, schedules, and records change — check official league, federation, and event sources for the latest details. Consult a qualified coach or medical professional before starting a new training programme.