How does big air scoring work?
I · Intermediate · Park and pipe · 1 of 6In the best-2-of-3 format, each rider gets three jumps and the two best scores are added, but only if the tricks are different. Tricks differ by spin direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise, or in a second format by four directions. If the same type of trick is done twice, only the higher score counts.
How it works
- Three jumps: the two best different tricks are added.
- Same trick type twice: only the higher one counts.
- Clockwise and counter-clockwise format: spin direction makes tricks different.
- 2 of 4 directions format: frontside, backside, switch frontside, switch backside (snowboard).
- Flips: front and back flips are different types.
- Flip plus 180 degrees: becomes a rotational trick.
- Straight airs: a separate type.
- Format choice: set at the team captains' meeting; women and men may differ.
The glossary has the variety in big air, the big air, the spin, the flip, the switch riding and the grab.
Tricky cases
A rider lands two identical backside 1440s. Do both count?
No. Only the higher one counts as one of the two.
Only two jumps are performed in a phase. What counts?
The highest single score.
Does a cork flip count as a flip or a spin?
Once 180 degrees or more of rotation is added to a flip, it counts as a rotational trick.
Can the format change between men and women?
Yes. Each can use a different version at the same event.
Why the rule exists
Requiring two different tricks rewards a rider who can spin both ways. Without it, riders would repeat their one best trick.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Best 2 of 3 | Two different tricks | ICR 3502.3.1 |
| Knock-out finals | For single-hit events | ICR 3504.4 |
| Slopestyle | Variety judged within the run | ICR 3402 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book VI: Snowboard / Freestyle / Freeski / Ski Cross (edition June 2026), rules 3502.3 and 3504.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the FIS ICR and the FIS judges' handbooks, updated each season.