What are the different types of ski racing events?

In competitive ski racing there are four primary types of disciplines. To the average spectator they may look similar, however, each has its own set of rules, skills and equipment required. What they do have in common is that each event requires the athletes to ski the course, one at a time, making turns around and through all of the gates, with the goal of having the fastest time. There are no “style points” in ski racing, it’s all about speed. Here are the four events explained in more detail.

Slalom (SL)

Slalom is the most technical event with the most turns, typically the shortest course and slowest relative speed. Slalom consists of two runs. The times from each run are combined for an overall time. Each course is different and both run on the same day. Racers are allowed to inspect each course prior to their run but there are no practice runs. One unique element of Slalom is that the course is set with single poles. Poles alternate between red and blue. 

Giant Slalom (GS)

Giant Slalom, or usually just called GS, is once again a technical event requiring precise turns to yield the fastest times. The speeds are faster than slalom and the courses are longer. Like slalom, GS requires two runs on different courses on the same day. Once again there are no training runs in GS and the athlete with the lowest combined time of the two runs is the winner. GS gates consist of two poles with a panel between the two. They alternate between red and blue.

Super G (SG)

Super G is pretty much like what the name implies, it is a supersized GS. The course is longer than GS, speeds are greater, and distance between gates is larger. With Super G there is only one run. Athletes are allowed to inspect the course but typically no training runs. Super G may have terrain and speeds where the racers catch air in the course. Gates are like GS consisting of two poles with a panel in between and alternate between red and blue.

Downhill

Downhill is the fastest event with the longest course. It is the most thrilling event, often with multiple terrain elements that send the racers airborne. It appeals to athletes with the greatest desire to take risks. The courses have the fewest turns. Downhill races are usually multi-day events as there is a requirement of at least one training run. The race itself is a single run. Gates are similar to GS and Super G however all gates are a single color, most typically red. Skis used in downhill are also unique in that they are the longest, made specifically for the high speeds and big long turns.

What comes after the Snowbasin Ski Team?  Is skiing in the NCAA for you?

There is a discernable difference in ski racing when athletes advance from the sweet years of U16 racing to the uber-competitive years of FIS. Notably, there is more of everything—more days on snow, more races, more competition, more missed school, and more costs. There are also more questions, a common one being, “Where does this all lead?” Post-high school outcomes and options can seem cryptic outside the qualitative outcomes of building grit and resilience, learning to work hard toward a goal, finding a love of sport, and becoming a ripping skier. ( Read more….)

ALPINE RACE OFFICIALS TRAINING RESOURCES

Excerpts  from https://www.imdalpine.org

Alpine Officials Manual 2022-23

Alpine Competition Guide & Equipment Rules 2023

Start/Finish Referee or Alpine Coach/Official

If you are interested in being a Snowbasin Ski Team Start/Finish Referee at our home races or are a Snowbasin Ski Team Coach wanting to upgrade your certification to be an OFFICIAL, you must complete these steps outlined below.

Certified Specialty Areas – Entry Level

Intermediate/Advanced Alpine Race Official Positions

If you are interested in learning more about Intermediate or Advanced Alpine Race Official positions, please review the job descriptions below and email admin@snowbasinskiteam.org

Certified Specialty Areas – Intermediate to Advance Level

Alpine Race Volunteer – no certification needed

If you are interested in helping out at our home races as a race volunteer, please review the following job descriptions to see what interests you and then SIGN UP on our VOLUNTEER PAGE for the Race, Date, & Job you desire.

Non-Certified Race Volunteers 

Step 1: Register w US Ski and Snowboard Association as Alpine Official

  • Pay for membership

  • Initiate background check

  • Complete Safe Sport Training

  • Coaches/Officials will be required to complete

    • Coaching Fundamentals or have Level 100, 200 or 300 Coaching License

    • Complete Avi Course

    • Complete CDC Concussion Training

Step 2: Complete Competition Official – Online Training

Step 3: Attend In-Person Official Training Class – SSEF Specific Training Nov 8 & 10th 6-9pm

Step 4: For Coach Officials Only

Successfully complete 2 referee specific shadow assignments on separate days under supervision of USSA Level 3 Alpine RF or Level 2 TD (Troy Price)  A “shadow assignment” is more than just showing up on race day. Any individual who is fulfilling their shadow assignment requirements should be prepared to participate in all pre- race, race day, and post-race duties and responsibilities. Pre-event communication with mentors is strongly recommended.

Already an Alpine Official – Renew your credentials here

Additional Alpine Official Resources

Level 100 Coach License