Tips on Snowboard BX

Mid-air passes, spectacular crashes and close finishes are just a few of the things that make snowboard BX (boardercross) such an exciting sport. Snowboard BX is the high energy, adrenaline pumping sibling to motocross and BMX racing. Intense passion and superb free riding skills are the keys to success in BX.

  1. The Venue

    • Snowboard BX races take place at ski resorts with 700 to 1,000 vertical feet fenced off to contain the track. The track is an obstacle course of turns, jumps, rollers and gates. BX riders negotiate the track while competing against three to five other riders. All the riders start at the top of the track at the boardercross start gate. One of the first steps to winning a BX race is to have a strong pull out of the gate.

    The Competition

    • BX riders compete in heats in which four to six riders leave the gates at the same time and compete down the track. Riders who get the "hole shot" have a strong chance of winning. The hole shot is the first rider to the first turn. Getting ahead reduces the risk of being taken down by another rider. Staying in front is essential to victory.

    Negotiating the Track

    • BX riders must deal both with other riders, avoiding crashes and with the difficulties of the track itself. Riders negotiate some nasty, tight turns with strong board skills. Riders develop these skills by practicing pumping, jumping and carrying speed over freestyle terrain and features. Riders must know how to both generate speed and to dump speed as needed. Winning BX riders maintain excellent balance on their boards.

    BX Gear

    • The BX board is a stiff board that usually has a side cut for more stable turns at speed. Some racers still use an alpine board setup, but with a rounded tail. BX riders typically wear safety gear including helmets and protection for the back and arms.