Para Snowboard: Skiing Techniques on Artificial Slopes

Para snowboard, including banked slalom and cross competition, tests a skier’s skiing techniques on artificial slopes.

The snowboard cross courses consist of straights, slopes and curves, with obstacles in different shapes like waves, berms and kickers. Qualifying rounds precede finals in snowboard cross events. During qualifications, athletes compete separately and are grouped for the finals based on their numbers. The finals take a two-person or four-person elimination format. The first one or two athletes to cross the finish line in each race advance to the next round, with medallists decided in a big final.

Banked slalom competitions are usually held on complex terrain at a certain gradient. Athletes need to pass through gates along undulating slopes to reach the finish line. They race in a time-trial format, complete two runs, and the final ranking is determined by the best run.

Snowboarders need great courage and excellent physical fitness to compete with exceptional speed and superb technique.

Copyright: Guide to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022– A Celebration on Ice and Snow

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