What is Snowboard Cross?

Snowboard Cross is an Olympic Sport started in 1991 where 4 snowboarders race down a course. Courses include berms, rollers, various types of jumps, drops, steep sections, flat sections, and various other features. These courses are designed to challenge the racer’s skills and control under maximum speeds while simultaneously avoiding collision with the other racers.

FIS

FIS stands for the International Ski & Snowboard Federation.

FIS is the world’s highest governing body for international winter sports and it is responsible for all Olympic disciplines of Skiing and Snowboarding. In addition, the para disciplines of Alpine, Cross-Country, and Snowboard came under the FIS umbrella in 2022. FIS is also responsible for setting the international competition rules. (FIS Official Website).

In snowboard cross, once an individual turns 15 they are eligible to compete in FIS competitions. Depending on an athlete’s result in a FIS competition they will be given a certain amount of “FIS points”. These points are used to rank the athlete amongst others competitors and determine eligibility to compete in international level events. At the surface level, they are an easy way to measure an athlete’s performance.