So you've been scrolling through snowboarding content, checking out slick snow gear, or maybe binge-watching winter sports highlights, and now you're wondering: what's the deal with all these competitions everyone keeps talking about? Europa Cup, World Cup — sounds intense, right?
Don't worry, we're breaking it all down like you're chatting with your snow-obsessed friend over a hot chocolate. No jargon, no gatekeeping — just cool facts, quick breakdowns to make it all make sense (and maybe help you sound smart on your next trip to the mountains).
Understanding FIS Competitions
The International Ski Federation (FIS) organizes different types of events, each with its own style, rules, and challenges. Some focus on speed, others on tricks or endurance, and some even combine different skills in one race. To help you get a quick idea of what each discipline is all about, here’s a simple breakdown of the main FIS events — where they take place, how the competitions work, and what makes them unique.
In this blog, we’re diving into the snowboarding side of things, especially the competitions happening across Europe. Let’s start with the two most important circuits:
1. FIS Snowboard European Cup
Think of it as the "minor league" of professional snowboard competition.
Organized by the International Ski Federation (FIS), it's where new or rising snowboarders earn their stripes.
Events cover disciplines like Snowboard Cross (SBX), Slopestyle (SS), Halfpipe (HP), and Big Air (BA).
Many World Cup legends start here.
2. FIS Snowboard World Cup
The FIS Snowboard World Cup is an annual snowboarding competition arranged by the International Ski Federation (FIS) since 1994.
The top-tier annual circuit for competitive snowboarding.
Runs from October to March at iconic resorts around Europe and beyond.
Riders earn points at each event, leading to overall season titles in each discipline.
Full schedule here: FIS Snowboard Calendar—scroll down to filter by discipline or country.
❄️ Types of Events (And What They Mean)
How the Points System Works
This standard FIS points table applies to most snowboarding disciplines — whether it's SBX, HP, BA, or Slopestyle. Some specialty events or formats might have small variations, but in general, this is what you can expect;
In the FIS Snowboard World Cup and Europa Cup, athletes earn points based on their placements in events. The top 30 riders in each event score points, just like in alpine skiing, and these contribute to overall rankings.
Top-ranked riders in each discipline at the end of the season win a crystal globe trophy.
How to Check Rankings and Results
1. Visit the FIS Official Website:
2. View the Event Calendar & Results:
- See the FIS Snowboard Calendar
3. Use the FIS App for live scores and updates.
European World Cup Snowboard Resorts Guide
Looking to hit the slopes where the pros ride? Here are a few iconic stops in the FIS Snowboard World Cup circuit across Europe:
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Laax, Switzerland – Home to one of the best freestyle parks and halfpipes in the world.
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Cervinia, Italy – Famous for its early-season Snowboard Cross events.
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Kreischberg, Austria – Regular host of Big Air and Slopestyle events.
- Bakuriani, Georgia – An up-and-coming venue with world-class facilities.
More destinations are added each season, but these resorts consistently serve as key battlegrounds for top riders.
Beyond Racing: X Games & Freeride World Tour
Not all snowboard competitions are about clocked times or crystal globes. Some celebrate expression, creativity, and wild terrain. Here are two of the biggest global events outside the FIS circuit:
X Games
Global freestyle competition featuring snowboard Big Air, Slopestyle, and SuperPipe.
Judged on execution, difficulty, amplitude, and style.
No point system like FIS — athletes earn invites based on reputation, past results, and fan appeal.
💡More info: freerideworldtour.com | xgames.com
Freeride World Tour (FWT)
Riders descend wild, natural terrain with cliffs, powder, and technical lines.
Judged on line choice, control, fluidity, jumps, and technique.
Riders accumulate points based on judges’ scoring; top scorers move on to finals.
Final Thoughts + Gear Up
Now that you've got the lowdown on how snowboarding competitions work, how riders rack up points, and where to watch them — what’s next?
Whether you're dreaming of dropping cliffs or just want snowwear that’s built for speed, style, and sending it — we’ve got you.
👉 Check out our latest snowboard-ready gear drops:
Ready to ride like the pros (or at least look like one)? Shop our snowboard outfits now!
See you on the mountain. ❄️🌬️
