<P> A superpipe is a large halfpipe structure used in extreme sports such as snowboarding, freestyle skiing, skateboarding, scooters, freestyle BMX and vert skating . </P> <P> For winter sports, the term superpipe is used to describe a halfpipe built of snow which has walls 22 ft (6.7 m) high from the flat bottom on both sides . Other features of a superpipe are that the width of the pipe is greater than the height of the walls, and the walls extend to near vertical . In the FIS snowboard world cup rules, the recommended width for 22 ft (6.7 m) walls is 64 ft (20 m). </P> <P> The term superpipe has evolved over the years as the size of halfpipes has grown . Originally, 18 ft (5.5 m) halfpipes were known as superpipes, but during the early 2000s, major competition organizers listened to rider feedback and began constructing 22' halfpipes for competitions . These became known as superpipes, and the 18' halfpipes they replaced are now known as standard halfpipes . The 22' wall size has proved very popular with athletes . </P> <P> The length of a superpipe ranges from 400 ft (120 m) to 600 ft (180 m), depending on available terrain and construction funding . All halfpipes require extensive grooming by specialized equipment . In contrast, a natural snow halfpipe can be cleaned by a normal snow groomer . Because of the high expense of constructing and maintaining them, there are not that many halfpipes in the world, and very few true superpipes . During the 2013--2014 northern - hemisphere winter, only fourteen 22' superpipes existed globally . </P>

How long is an olympic size half pipe