Snowboarding / Topic 09

Halfpipe

FIS · 2026 / 2027
Last checked: 23 October 2026
Source: FIS ICR Book VI June 2026; Snowboard competition equipment specifications 2026/2027 · Source pages: ICR: 64–65, 78–79, 84, 89–90
In short

In snowboard halfpipe, riders link tricks along the walls of a channel built in snow. The course must provide suitable transitions, a safe start and enough space to stop. A run is judged as a performance, not decided by the fastest time. Riders should use the scheduled inspection to raise concerns about the course.

On this pageA run through the pipeWhat the judges see

A run through the pipe

In snowboard halfpipe, riders link tricks along the walls of a channel built in snow. The course must provide suitable transitions, a safe start and enough space to stop. A run is judged as a performance, not decided by the fastest time. Riders should use the scheduled inspection to raise concerns about the course.

What the judges see

Execution, difficulty, amplitude, variety and progression matter. Falls, mistakes and stops affect the evaluation. A bigger trick does not automatically outweigh a poorly controlled landing. The announced competition format determines which runs count; the number of attempts is not identical at every event.

Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. References: ICR = sporting competition rules; Equipment = technical equipment specifications. Numbers refer to PDF viewer pages. Topic numbers are editorial. Snowboarding includes timed gate races, snowboard cross and judged park-and-pipe events. Slalom and giant slalom reward fast, correct runs; parallel events add direct duels. Snowboard cross combines terrain features with racing in groups. Halfpipe, slopestyle, big air and street style use judging rather than simply the fastest time.
Sources & approach ↗