Campaign: Save Olympic Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom
Quote from Alpine Underground on June 27, 2026, 12:29 amSnowboarders are actively campaigning to keep Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) in the Winter Olympics, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reviewing its future for the French Alps 2030 Games.
Why PGS Matters
PGS is a head‑to‑head snowboard discipline where riders race side‑by‑side down twin courses, carving around gates. It is:
•Gender‑equal: Men’s and women’s events are held on the same day, slope, and conditions.
•Sustainable: The slopes are restored quickly after races, minimizing environmental impact.
•Popular: Participation is rising, with strong World Cup numbers and equal gender representation.IOC Review Context
The IOC has already approved the core sports for 2030 — biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating, and skiing — but the future of PGS and other disciplines within these sports is undecided. The review will consider:•Costs and complexity
•Universal appeal
•Gender equality
•Ability to attract top athletes.Snowboarders’ Arguments
•Austria’s Alexander Payer (ISU snowboard representative) said PGS “should always be an Olympic dream” and questioned why it would be cut.
•Czech champion Ester Ledecka chose PGS over alpine skiing at the Italian Winter Games due to scheduling, and said she would do it again.
•Cody Winters (U.S. snowboarder) praised PGS as “one of the most sustainable disciplines” and easy to get into.Public Campaign
Riders are using the hashtag #keepPGSolympic on social media to raise awareness and lobby the IOC. They are urging national federations to speak up and share concerns with Olympic officials.What’s Next
The IOC’s final decision on PGS for 2030 is expected in June 2026, following the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Until then, the campaign is focused on:•Gathering athlete and fan support
•Highlighting PGS’s sustainability and popularity
•Pressuring the IOC to retain the eventIf you want to help, you can:
•Share the #keepPGSolympic campaign on social media
•Contact your national snowboarding federation
•Support PGS athletes and events in the World CupThis is a chance to ensure one of snowboarding’s most unique and sustainable formats stays part of the Olympic Winter Games.
Snowboarders are actively campaigning to keep Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) in the Winter Olympics, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reviewing its future for the French Alps 2030 Games.
Why PGS Matters
PGS is a head‑to‑head snowboard discipline where riders race side‑by‑side down twin courses, carving around gates. It is:
•Gender‑equal: Men’s and women’s events are held on the same day, slope, and conditions.
•Sustainable: The slopes are restored quickly after races, minimizing environmental impact.
•Popular: Participation is rising, with strong World Cup numbers and equal gender representation.
IOC Review Context
The IOC has already approved the core sports for 2030 — biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating, and skiing — but the future of PGS and other disciplines within these sports is undecided. The review will consider:
•Costs and complexity
•Universal appeal
•Gender equality
•Ability to attract top athletes.
Snowboarders’ Arguments
•Austria’s Alexander Payer (ISU snowboard representative) said PGS “should always be an Olympic dream” and questioned why it would be cut.
•Czech champion Ester Ledecka chose PGS over alpine skiing at the Italian Winter Games due to scheduling, and said she would do it again.
•Cody Winters (U.S. snowboarder) praised PGS as “one of the most sustainable disciplines” and easy to get into.
Public Campaign
Riders are using the hashtag #keepPGSolympic on social media to raise awareness and lobby the IOC. They are urging national federations to speak up and share concerns with Olympic officials.
What’s Next
The IOC’s final decision on PGS for 2030 is expected in June 2026, following the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Until then, the campaign is focused on:
•Gathering athlete and fan support
•Highlighting PGS’s sustainability and popularity
•Pressuring the IOC to retain the event
If you want to help, you can:
•Share the #keepPGSolympic campaign on social media
•Contact your national snowboarding federation
•Support PGS athletes and events in the World Cup
This is a chance to ensure one of snowboarding’s most unique and sustainable formats stays part of the Olympic Winter Games.