Alpine Ski Racing Ski There are specific equipment

Alpine Ski Racing

Ski • There are specific equipment regulations (based on age group) when it comes to racing in FIS competitions • Different skis for different events

Women’s SL Ski • Minimum length = 155 cm • Minimum radius = none Mikaela Shiffrin – Atomic SL Redsters

Men’s SL Ski • Minimum length = 165 cm • Minimum radius = none Stefano Gross – Völkl Racetigers R=13

Women’s GS Ski • Minimum length = 188 cm • Minimum radius = 30 m Tessa Worley – Rossi Heros

Men’s GS Skis • Minimum length = 195 cm • Minimum radius = 35 m Marcel Hirscher – Atomic GS

Boots • http: //alpine. usskiteam. com/alpineprograms/parents/ski-racing-101/equipment • http: //deadspin. com/the-non-skiers-guide-toski-racing-and-ski-crashing-1519289681 • http: //www. skis. com/Buying-Guide-for-Race. Skis/buying-guide-1 -24 -2012, default, pg. html

Protective Gear • • • Mouth guards Chin guards Shin guards Arm guards Back protectors Stealth

Speedsuit

Course setting • FIS rules were written only for athletes who have acquired the highest skill level • Therefore; the course needs to be setup and modified relative to the skill and age level of the participants • However basic rules such as widths of gates, distance from turning pole to turning pole, strt and finish requirements, remain the same

General Guidelines 1) Risk Assessment – be familiar with the terrain 2) Knowledge of event specifics – vertical drop & min. + max. number of gates 3) Working, relevant equipment 4) Safety – set with spill zone and human error in mind 5) Course design – rhythm and distances 6) Gates – set vertically in snow and so they are easily seen at race speed 7) Verify – ski the course and adjust where required 8) Allow time for course inspection

Slalom • Requires the athlete to demonstrate: • • • Consistent balance Timing Coordination Agility Explosiveness Skiing the line for maximum speed

Slalom setting • Consistent rhythm (vertical/horizontal distances) • Exposure to gate-combinations; delay (banana), hairpins and flush combinations • Variation in vertical and offset distances well suited to terrain and terrain changes • For men 55 -75 gates (FIS) vert drop 180 -220 m • For women 40 -60 gates (FIS) vert drop slightly less than above

Giant Slalom • Safety is key due to increased speed of event • Requires more prudent assessment of terrain changes, width of terrain, spill zones etc. • Courses should promote a flow that contours the terrain as well as linked arcs that factor in speed control • For men vert drop 250 -450 m gates : 56 -70 • For women vert drop 250 -400 m : 46 -58

GS setting • Set up taking the characteristics of the terrain into consideration • Variety of turn radii • Set so the turns are linked by arcs with speed • Entrance to delay combinations should be obvious • Adjust vertical distances in compressions and terrain changes