Boardercross: speed and fun on skis or snowboard

Even the biggest speed and carving lovers eventually want more than wide, smooth and repetitive pistes. If you're looking for fun and a bit of a challenge, boardercross — also known as skicross or snowboard cross, depending on your gear — is just what you need.

These shaped courses add variety to your ski day and are great whether you're riding solo or racing with family and friends. No matter your level, it's all about having fun and pushing your limits.

Travelski gives you the lowdown on these playful runs. Let the games begin!

Where is the boardercross coming from? 

Boardercross runs are specially designed courses on the slopes that feature terrain variations like banked turns, whoops (a series of rolling bumps), and small jumps. Hugely popular, they can now be found in nearly every Alpine resort — much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Whether you’re on skis or a board, the whole family can join in and have a blast!

Boardercross is the sport linked to these snow-packed tracks. It first gained fame thanks to the X Games — often seen as the Olympics of alternative sports — back in 1997. Originally developed for snowboarders, boardercross was inspired by supercross in motocross. Ski cross followed closely, borrowing the same concept and adapting it for skiers.

Both disciplines eventually became Olympic sports — snowboard cross in 2006 and ski cross in 2010. France has shone in both, with Paul-Henri de Le Rue taking bronze in snowboard cross, and in 2014, the French team claimed Olympic gold with Pierre Vaultier from Serre Chevalier and Jean-Frédéric Chapuis from Val Thorens. Not to mention Ophélie David from Alpe d’Huez, one of the most decorated athletes in ski cross history.

As ski cross pioneer Enak Gavaggio from Les Arcs once said: "You need the madness of a downhill racer, the grit of a slalom skier, the technique of a giant slalomer, and the flow and race intelligence of a Super-G expert."

That said, don’t worry — you don’t need to be a pro or an adrenaline junkie to enjoy these fun courses. Most resorts now offer boardercross-style tracks for all levels, perfect for testing your turns, balance and timing in a playful and safe environment. It's all about enjoying the ride!

Boardercross for beginners

Avoriaz is a pioneer in snowparks and on-slope entertainment. Under its Avoriaz Snowzone label, it brings together numerous new freestyle areas, including ski cross. Located in the sunny Chavanette area, beneath the Choucas chairlift, the question is: who will be the fastest?

Les 2 Alpes are not far behind. Like Avoriaz, this Oisans resort offers multiple themed zones to have fun and try new experiences. After tackling the boardercross on the Toura sector at 2,600m altitude, take a break at the Cool Zone in the heart of Freestyle Land — then get ready to race again!

Val Thorens adds a competitive edge to the fun. The Fight Ski Club challenges — named after Olympic champion Jean-Frédéric Chapuis’ web series — attracted 400 participants last winter on the skicross stadium that bears his name, all vying to win the iconic Fight Ski Club hook.

At Les Carroz, the Cool Zone L’Oasis by Les Carroz is the hotspot for teenagers. On the Speed Experience Zone, skiers set new speed records while snowboarders test jumps, whoops, and bump balls on the boardercross. All the action is shown live on the big screen at L’Oasis. By syncing their lift pass, participants can even download their videos and share them on social media.

Boardercross is thrilling — but remember to keep a safe distance so it stays fun for everyone!