Snowboarding Halfpipe (HP) is a winter action sport which has progressed from being a recreational snowactivity to a high performance snow sport such as traditional downhill or Nordic skiing. Like figure skating, gymnasticsand diving, performance in the snowboard HP is subjectively assessed by a number of judges. The marking criteria focuson jump height (amplitude) and trick difficulty as the primary technical aspects. However, overall style and theappearance of effortless motion are also essential components of a well scored run. While HP performance is verytechnical in nature, considerable physical capabilities are required in order to maximize jump amplitude and remain injuryfree. This paper examines the scientific basis of the HP to highlight the role that sports scientists and strength andconditioners can play in this sport. Challenges that these practitioners may experience with these athletes are alsodiscussed. Further research is required to characterize the physical capacities of elite HP snowboarders and how thesecompare to the stresses that training and competing may place on the human body. Such information may allow strengthand conditioning coaches and sports scientists to develop more specific conditioning programs and to have a clearerunderstanding of the volume, intensity and mode of training athletes require and can tolerate in order to optimize their HPperformance.
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