How does parallel giant slalom qualifying work?
I · Intermediate · Parallel alpine snowboard · 6 of 6Two riders race side by side on red and blue courses. In qualifying, each first runs one course; the top 16 on each then run the other. The two times are added, and the top 16 overall go into the knock-out finals. Ties go to the better single run, then the worse seed.
How it works
- Courses: red and blue, set side by side.
- First run: odd numbers on red, even numbers on blue.
- To the second run: the top 16 on each course.
- Second run: riders swap courses, in reverse order.
- Result: total of the two runs.
- Finals: the top 16 with a valid time.
- Ties: the better single run, then the worse seeding position.
- Small fields: 8 per course in the second run.
The glossary has the parallel qualification, the alpine snowboarding, the parallel giant slalom, the dual format, the single format (snowboard) and the run.
Tricky cases
Can a rider reach the finals without a valid time?
No. Only riders with a valid combined time go through.
Two riders tie for 16th after the first run. What happens?
All tied riders start the second run.
Are single-format events raced side by side?
No. They are two timed runs on two different courses.
How many go to the second run in a single-format event?
The top 15 women and top 25 men.
Why the rule exists
Swapping courses evens out any difference between red and blue. Adding two runs rewards consistency before the head-to-head racing.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel | Red and blue courses side by side | ICR 6504.1 |
| Single format | Two runs, no parallel racing | ICR 6501 |
| Dual format | One run on each course, times added | ICR 6503 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book VI: Snowboard / Freestyle / Freeski / Ski Cross (edition June 2026), rules 6501, 6503 and 6504.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the FIS ICR and the FIS judges' handbooks, updated each season.