What year marked the Olympic debut of snowboarding?

The correct answer is the year 1998, which marked the Olympic debut of snowboarding at the Nagano Winter Olympics. This was a significant moment in the history of the Olympic Games, as it introduced a new and exciting sport that appealed to a younger audience and demonstrated a shift towards incorporating action sports into the Olympic program. The inclusion of snowboarding showcased innovative events such as the halfpipe and snowboard cross, which highlighted the dynamic and vibrant nature of the sport. This debut helped to solidify snowboarding's popularity and established it as a staple of subsequent Winter Olympic Games. The selection of Nagano for this milestone underscored Japan's role in promoting winter sports and gave a special platform to snowboarding on the global stage.