Snowboard Alpine community celebrates expanded Olympic programme for Alpes 2030

The decision to retain Parallel Giant Slalom on the Olympic programme while adding the new Mixed Team Parallel event for the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games has been welcomed across the Snowboard Alpine community as a defining moment in the discipline's continued evolution.

More than simply securing its place at the Olympic Winter Games, Snowboard Alpine will arrive in Alpes 2030 with two medal events, reflecting the discipline's growing strength, increasing global reach and the consistently high standard showcased throughout recent World Cup seasons.

The announcement follows a landmark 2025/26 campaign, during which the World Cup once again delivered close racing across Europe, North America and Asia before culminating in a widely praised Olympic competition at Milano Cortina 2026. Together, those events reinforced Snowboard Alpine's position as one of the most competitive and spectator-friendly disciplines on the winter sports calendar.

For five-time Olympian Claudia Riegler, who made history by competing at Milano Cortina 2026 at the age of 52, the IOC decision is recognition of everything the sport has built over the past decades.

"Wonderful news has reached us. Alpine snowboarding will remain Olympic. And not only that, we will even get an additional mixed team event. I am incredibly happy about this decision. For our sport, for the next generation of snowboarders, and for the future of alpine snowboarding."

"This is not only great news, it's a well-deserved recognition for an incredible sport. Alpine snowboarding has given us so many exciting moments, great battles, and unforgettable emotions on the Olympic stage. And I'm very happy that this journey will continue."

The addition of the Mixed Team Parallel event also reflects the sport's continued development beyond individual competition. Already established on the FIS Snowboard World Cup calendar, the relay-style format has quickly become a fan favourite, adding a new tactical dimension while placing national teams at the centre of the action.

For Alexander Payer, FIS Athletes' Representative, the decision represents the culmination of years of work behind the scenes. Payer played a leading role in advocating for Snowboard Alpine throughout the Olympic programme review process, working closely with FIS and engaging directly with the International Olympic Committee.

"This decision has a serious impact on our sport and the whole FIS. For the first time ever a sport was under review and made it back even stronger. We as the athletes put in a lot of work to keep our loved sport in the programme and as we can see the hard work paid off."

"From my personal side it is like winning a medal on a different field of play. I spent endless hours advocating for our sport and I totally enjoy the outcome right now. Especially for all the young ones coming through, it is a strong signal towards the upcoming years."

"From now on we can be more self-confident about our sport because we are now a two-discipline Olympic sport and not just a side event anymore. I hope we can use this drive into the upcoming season and ride on."

The outcome has been welcomed as a shared success for the entire Snowboard Alpine community. It recognises the work of everyone who has contributed to the discipline's growth over many years—from athletes, coaches and organisers to National Ski Associations, FIS and the International Olympic Committee. Together, they have helped shape a modern, globally competitive Olympic discipline that continues to attract new athletes, new nations and growing audiences around the world.

The Snowboard Alpine community also expressed its appreciation to the International Olympic Committee for recognising the discipline's continued progress and the value it brings to the Olympic Winter Games. The decision acknowledges years of sustained development, strong collaboration across the sport and a commitment to delivering exciting, high-quality competitions on the world's biggest stage.

The decision comes at a time when Snowboard Alpine continues to gain momentum at every level. The World Cup has expanded its global footprint in recent years, bringing the sport to audiences across three continents while maintaining exceptionally high sporting standards. At the same time, participation continues to grow through the development pathway, with strong junior fields and increasing representation from emerging snowboard nations.

With an established World Cup product, a successful Olympic showcase in Milano Cortina and an expanding international athlete base, the addition of the Mixed Team Parallel event marks another significant milestone for the discipline.

As preparations begin for Alpes 2030, Snowboard Alpine enters its next Olympic chapter with greater visibility, two opportunities to compete for Olympic medals and a strong platform to continue building on the momentum generated throughout recent seasons.