Snowboarding discipline
Parallel (Alpine)
Parallel is an alpine snowboarding discipline in which two riders race side by side down gated courses, carving turns on stiffer alpine boards.
Overview
Parallel racing pits two riders against each other on side-by-side courses marked by gates down a slope.
Riders carve precise turns around the gates on stiffer, narrower alpine boards built for edge grip and speed.
Common formats include parallel slalom and parallel giant slalom, which differ in gate spacing and course length.
What defines it
- Two riders race simultaneously on separate but comparable gated courses.
- The discipline emphasizes carving clean turns and holding an edge at speed.
- Alpine boards are typically stiffer and narrower than freestyle boards, suited to racing.
- Formats such as parallel slalom and parallel giant slalom vary gate spacing and turn rhythm.
Getting started
- 1Focus first on linking carved turns and controlling edges on groomed slopes.
- 2Practicing rhythm and turn shape helps prepare for riding through gates.
- 3A qualified coach can introduce alpine racing technique in a structured way.
Other Snowboarding disciplines
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Sports
- SnowboardingA downhill snow sport where you ride a single board sideways down the mountain.
- Race WalkingA technique-driven endurance sport that turns walking into a fast, low-impact discipline.
- Alpine SkiingA downhill snow sport where you glide and turn down groomed slopes on a pair of skis.
- FootballThe world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
- CricketA bat-and-ball team sport where sides take turns to bat and to bowl and field, scoring runs.
Facilities
- VelodromeA steeply banked oval track for track cycling, with sloped bends that let riders hold high speeds through the turns.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
- Badminton courtA rectangular indoor court, divided by a high net, on which badminton is played as singles or doubles.
Positions
Snowboarding