Snowboard Competition Disciplines

Are you an adventurer? Do you love snowboarding? Would you like to follow official competitions of this winter sport? Or even take part? To do so, you first need to understand the disciplines and their scoring systems. In Spain, these matters are regulated by an equivalent to the ISF (International Snowboard Federation), the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation, which introduces some modifications.

The Spanish ISF oversees the organisation of snowboard competitions and regulates the scoring system, which aligns with international standards. However, Spain goes a step further by including two additional disciplines with their own national rankings: Big Jump and Freeride. 





The competitions with global rankings are:

• Duel

A head-to-head battle for victory in a one-on-one duel, a time-trial race where two competitors slide parallel through a course of 20 to 35 gates.   

The slope for this event has an elevation drop of 80 to 150 metres and is as uniform as possible to allow two identical tracks. Gates are marked by poles with swivel bases and triangular flags, spaced 7 to 12 metres apart.

The competition consists of 2 qualifying rounds and a final heat under a knockout system. Women compete before men, and as per international rules, the top-ranked riders from the World Ranking lead the event. In the first qualifying round, even-numbered riders start on the right side of the course (viewed from start to finish), while odd-numbered riders start on the left.

• Carving

This is the fastest snowboard competition, where every second counts. The event takes place on a slope with an elevation drop of 150 to 300 metres, featuring wide turns and occasional jumps. The slope's gradient determines the number of gates, which consist of a short swivel pole and a standard slalom pole connected by a large triangular flag.

The competition format includes 2 runs: 1 qualifying run and 1 final run. The top 12 women and top 24 men advance to the final. The total score is the sum of both run times.

Originally called "giant slalom," carving was renamed to distinguish it from skiing and other winter sports.

• Halfpipe

A style focused on performing the most aerial tricks, achieving the highest jumps, or showcasing the best style.
Derived from skateboarding, this discipline takes place on a flat track 50 to 110 metres long and 12 to 18 metres wide, with vertical walls (2 to 3.5 metres high) on either side. Riders traverse from wall to wall, executing manoeuvres to demonstrate their skill.

Per ISF rules, there are 2 rounds for women and 2 for men, with the top 8 women and top 16 men advancing to the final. Judges determine the winner based on speed, amplitude, balance, and landing precision.

• Snowboard Cross

The newest snowboard discipline. 4 riders—alpine and freestyle—race down a course packed with diverse obstacles like double and triple jumps, turns, bumps, and plateaus, ensuring thrilling action.

The event starts with a timed qualifying round where riders descend individually. The fastest then compete in groups of 4 in a knockout-style final.





In Spain, alongside the above snowboarding disciplines, two additional categories have their own rankings:

• Big Jump: A crowd favourite, this discipline involves jumps from a ramp 2.5 to 4 metres high. Distances can exceed 20 metres in length and 4 metres in height, creating a spectacular show—especially at night events.

• Freeride Events: Participation in these races through the National Federation automatically registers riders with the ISF. Maximum entries are capped at 40. Held off-piste (outside ski slopes), they use natural terrain as obstacles, with strict safety measures. Judges assign scores.

Now that you know the ins and outs of these competitions, experience the thrill of snowboarding—watch live, on TV, or even take part. If you choose the latter, remember to train properly to avoid injuries. Discover a new passion with snow competitions.