The first even snowboard race occurred in 1982 in Suicide Six, outside of Woodstock in Vermont. Everything was simple then as participants only had to board down a steep and icy face. However, it was only in the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan when snowboarding hogged international attention.



The X Games

The X Games are an annual event catering to extreme sports fans. The Winter X Games are the newest events that focus on extreme sports like skiing and snowboarding done on snow-capped mountains with great terrain. Sponsored by ESPN, the regular venue of this event is in Aspen, Colorado. First-time and experienced snowboarders have an opportunity to show their skills and tricks here.

US Open

The US Open snowboarding events take place each year usually at the end of the winter season. For more than two decades now, the games kick off in March with the champion getting $25,000 for his prize.

The Olympics

To date, the Olympics feature six snowboard events. These are the men's halfpipe, ladies? halfpipe, men's parallel giant slalom, ladies? parallel giant slalom and men's snowboard cross and ladies? snowboard cross. Although no cash prize is at stake, an Olympic medal for most athletes is already a reward worth treasuring for the rest of their lives.

Burton New Zealand Open

The Burton Open is New Zealand's top winter snowboarding event. It has been held yearly since 2003 at the Lake Wanaka. The New Zealand Open is the first of the Burton Open series which then takes place in Australia, Japan, Europe and the U.S. This event gives Kiwis a big opportunity to compete with some of the world's greatest riders.

Steven's Pass World Snowboarding Championship

Steven's Pass in Washington, U.S.A. is popular for its world class and varied terrain on two different mountains. Its terrain alone covers 1,125 acres while there are about 37 runs. On the west edge of the resort is a huge terrain park while for riders who'd like to get some sunshine can ride on the Mill Valley or the so-called backside. This ski and snowboarding resort is jampacked on weekends and school holidays so, those wishing to go there should book early. Lodging is not available there, though, but those who'd like to stay the night can book rooms in nearby Skykomish and Leavenworth.

Revolution Tour

The Chevy Revolution Tour is a series of competition for snowboarders that began in 2005. Aimed at helping young riders progress to the elite level competition, this event is the brainchild of the U.S. Snowboarding. The 2008 competitions took place from January to March and were held in various areas such as Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, Oregon and Philadelphia. Events featured were snowboardcross, halfpipe and slopestyle.

Enter The Dragon

This yearly snowboard contest features slopestyle and superpipe events with great prizes at stake. Open to all ages, this competition welcomes young and old riders who want to participate in a fun-filled and relaxed atmosphere.

FIS World Cup Circuit

This is best for professional snowboarders around the globe. The European countries of Italy, Austria, Slovenia and the Netherlands played hosts to the 2006 series while more countries joined in during the 2007 event such as Switzerland, Russia, Japan, Korea and Quebec in Canada.