Sports Summary
Para-snowboard was added to the Paralympic Winter Program in 2012 by the International Paralympic Committee. The sport made its first appearance at the Paralympic Games at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
Para-snowboard features two disciplines; banked slalom and snowboard-cross, with giant slalom to make its Paralympic debut at the Beijing 2022 Games.
Athletes compete in three categories based on their functional ability – SB-LL1 and SB-LL2 for lower-limb impairments and SB-UL for upper-limb impaired athletes. Snowboarders can use equipment that is adapted to their needs including snowboard and orthopaedic aids.
World Para Snowboard acts as the International Federation for the sport which is coordinated by the World Para Snowboard Sport Technical Committee.
Para-snowboard events:
Banked slalom
Each athlete competes three runs down the course with their best run determining the final order based on ascending time. The course may be a medium pitched slope. It may be preferably a naturally varying terrain, with plenty of bumps and dips, and preferably a U-shape/natural valley
Snowboard-cross
During qualification, each athlete completes three runs down the course with their best run determining the final order based on ascending time. There is only one rider on the course at a time during qualification.
Finals consist of 16 men and eight women, with two competitors competing for the bronze medal, and two competitors competing for gold.