halfpipe

Halfpipe is a U-shaped ramp used in freestyle sports such as snowboarding, freestyle skiing, and skateboarding. It consists of two opposing walls connected by a curved bottom, forming a continuous channel. Riders slide up and down the walls, crest the lip, and perform aerial tricks before descending the opposite wall.

The geometry is adapted to the sport and venue, but the key elements are a continuous upper edge (the lip or coping), smooth transitions between vertical and horizontal sections, and a bottom curve that enables repeated up-and-down motion. In competition layouts, the walls may be taller and the transitions steeper to allow higher airs.

Materials and construction vary: snow halfpipes are built from compacted snow or ice, shaped and maintained with grooming equipment; skateboarding and some indoor uses employ concrete, fiberglass, or wood with a protective coping at the lip. Concrete halfpipes include reinforced walls and a fixed coping, while wooden versions may be modular.

Use and competition: Halfpipes are central features in major events such as the Winter Olympics, X Games, and world championships, with athletes performing complex flips and spins across both walls. Construction and maintenance are specialized tasks, with snow halfpipes needing constant grooming and weather-dependent upkeep, and concrete halfpipes requiring sealing, joint repair, and safety inspections.

Safety: Given the risk of high-speed impacts, participants wear helmets and pads, and venues implement run-off areas and barriers to reduce injury. Proper training and adherence to rules reduce risk during training and competition.