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Alpine Skiing |
In alpine skiing, racers can reach speeds of more than 130 kilometres an hour, travelling down a vertical drop that ranges from 180 metres (Slalom) to 1100 metres (Downhill) for men and 140 metres (Slalom) to 800 metres (Downhill) for women. The vertical drop is made even more difficult by a series of gates the skiers must twist and turn to pass through. Skiers who miss a gate must climb back up and go through it or be disqualified.
The five Olympic alpine skiing events for men and women are Downhill, Slalom, Giant slalom, Super G, and Combined.
Downhill
The downhill event features the longest course and the highest speeds in alpine skiing. Each skier makes a single run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner.
Super-G
Super-G (for super giant slalom) combines the speed of downhill with the more precise turns of giant slalom. The course is shorter than downhill but longer than a giant slalom course. Each skier makes one run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner.
Giant Slalom
Giant slalom is similar to the slalom, with fewer, but wider and smoother turns. Each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day, usually with the first run held in the morning and the second run in the afternoon. The times are added together, and the fastest total time determines the winner.
Slalom
The slalom features the shortest course and the quickest turns. As in the giant slalom, each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day. The times are added together and the fastest total time determines the winner.
Super Combined
The combined event consists of one downhill followed by two slalom runs, using a shorter course. The times are added together and the fastest total time determines the winner.
