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The sport of Alpine skiing can be split into 4 distinct disciplines.
Downhill
The blue riband event of Alpine skiing and known to millions of TV viewers through
Ski Sunday. It involves a combination of high speed technical turns, long straight
sections and often impressive jumps. Courses are generally between one and a half
and two and a half minutes with an average speed of 60 miles an hour for men's
events regularly recorded. At times, on certain courses, racers can be reaching
speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour. Skis are generally 218 - 223cm for men and
215cm for women and the selection of the right line within the widely set control
gates is crucial. The World Cup circuit features such long established classics
as the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuehel and the Lauberhorn in Wengen. The British Men's
Downhill Team have been able to use the Jordon Grand Prix Team's wind tunnel facility
to test body positions and various equipment developments.
Super
G
Featuring more long radius turns than in Downhill this is often perceived as a
slower Downhill or a faster Giant Slalom. In fact, it is a very specific discipline
in its own right, combining the higher speeds of Downhill with the need for very
precise technical skiing. Ski length is generally between 213 and 218cm for men.
Giant Slalom
Universally recognised to be the core to all competitive skiing skills. The carved
Giant Slalom turn is the basis upon which all other techniques are developed and
to ski well in GS is a priority before skiers move on to the other disciplines.
It involves skiing a very technically precise line through a fast, rhythmical
course, often with terrain changes.
Slalom
This can be the most dynamic and explosive of the Alpine disciplines. Competitors
must make rapid edge changes as they turn their skis very quickly between closely
set, flexible rapid gates. Techniques have evolved over the years so that the
rapid gates, hinged at the base, form little more than notional turning points.
As the competitors are often in severe angulation over the gate, knocking them
down with shins, hands or arms, they have to wear protection which resembles body
armour, including helmets.
The combined is rarely contested but involves adding together times achieved
over a Slalom and a Downhill course. A parallel slalom is and exciting head
to head event and is often seen in relay form.
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