Snowboarder/Skier Cross & Banked Slaloms
SBX and Banked Slalom Format
To understand the format of snowboarder-cross (SBX) and banked slalom contests.
Even though Snowboard/Ski Cross is an Olympic discipline, there are very few events held in NZ. Banked Slaloms are most common as they are seen as a more participation-orientated event, but are usually snowboard-only as the courses are less desirable for skiers.
Age Divisions
At regional events in New Zealand, there is usually one junior age category and it is typically under 16. Older teenagers are expected to compete in the open division here.
At the NZ Junior Nationals, the age divisions are:
- Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s, Under 14s, Under 16s, Under 18s
- Athletes must be under the age specified above and not turn that age within the same calendar year as the event.
Environment / Features
Snowboard/Ski Cross Courses
Red and blue gates mark out the course. If a rider misses a gate they are disqualified from the heat.
Banked Slalom Courses
Red and blue gates mark out the course. If a rider misses a gate they are disqualified from that one run but their other run still stands.
Formats
Snowboard/Ski Cross Races
Some races do not include a timed seeding. In those events, each round would typically include a “repocharge” heat, which pits third and forth placed riders against each other in a bonus heat.
Banked Slalom Races
In most banked slaloms, riders get two runs through the course, with their best time counting. Some banked slaloms choose to do a combined time from both runs.
