Downhill Skiing

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History
At the Olympics
Schedule
Skiers To Watch
FAST Facts
Alpine (Downhill) Skiing and YOU!
Getting in Shape
Safety Tips
Clothing
Equipment
Downhill Skiing Basics
Where to Ski
Resources
Credits/References

Information on this sport's history, Olympic history and events, and the sports
terms has been provided by www.NBCOlympics.com and www.Olympics.com.

HISTORY

Alpine skiing evolved from cross-country skiing. There is evidence that primitive skis were used in Norway over 5,000 years ago. As early as the 10^th century, Vikings in Northern Europe got around on skis when they hunted snow-covered hills. Skiing expanded throughout Scandinavia and Russia as a mode of winter transportation and eventually became a sport similar to cross-country skiing. The first alpine competition, a primitive downhill event, was held in the 1850s. The sport spread over the next few decades to other parts of Europe and the United States, where miners amused themselves with ski competitions during winter months. Modern alpine racing was invented by an Englishman, Sir Arnold Lunn, and an Austrian, Hannes Schneider. After traveling through the Alps for years, Lunn dreamed of racing through the majestic mountain range. He organized the first slalom in 1922, in Muerren, Switzerland, and later joined forces with Schneider to organize the first Olympic alpine event. The Arlberg-Kandahar, a combined slalom and downhill event was the first legitimate alpine race and led to inclusion of alpine skiing in the Olympic program. Alpine skiing became part of the Olympic program at the 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen Games. The first Alpine skiing program in the Olympics that year was a men's and women's combined event, featuring a downhill and two slalom runs. After the cancellation of the next two Olympics because of war, alpine skiing was brought back at St. Moritz with a program of six events. The Oslo Games in 1952 added giant slalom to the program and marked the end of the combined event, which did not return until 1988. The addition of Super-G in 1982-83 completed the program that exists today.

ALPINE (DOWNHILL) SKIING AT THE OLYMPICS

In all events, the skier with the fastest time wins. The rules are the same for both men and women but the courses differ. In all, time is measured to .01 seconds and ties are permitted. The start order is determined by a draw the night before the races. Athletes with the best World Cup results get first choice of bib numbers. Racers begin their runs at fixed intervals that are officially announced on the eve of the race.

Downhill

Downhill features the longest course and the highest speeds in alpine skiing. [The Olympic course is about 3 kilometers long with three jumps and some high speed turns in it. The course's vertical drop is between 800 and 1,000 meters for men and between 500 and 800 meters for women.] Before the race, skiers must take part in three days of official training. Once the competition begins, each skier only gets one run down the course.

Super-G

The Super-G requires skiers to move with great skill and quickness through a series of gates. The event combines the speed of downhill with the more precise turns of a giant slalom. The course is shorter than downhill but longer than a giant slalom course. Skiers must know the course to avoid making wide turns that will cost them time. The first skiers down the slope have a smoother and therefore faster race. Each skier makes one run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner. If both feet to not pass through each gate, the skier is disqualified.

Slalom, Giant Slalom

The slalom and giant slalom require skiers to have good technique, but the giant slalom, a looser version of the slalom with fewer and wider turns, also requires speed. The giant slalom course is longer than the slalom course. Gates on the giant slalom course are spaced farther apart from each other. The slalom features the shortest course and the quickest turns. Each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both the slalom and giant slalom events allow skiers two runs. The runs take place on the same day. The times are added, and the fastest total time determines the winner. Athletes are not allowed to take training runs through the courses, but on race day, they can inspect each course by skiing slowly alongside it. Inspection of the second run does not begin until all the racers have had a chance to ski the first run.

Combined

The combined event consists of one downhill followed by two slalom runs. The times are added together and the fastest total time determines the winner. The combined downhill and the combined slalom competitions are separate from the regular downhill and slalom events, and the combined courses are shorter. In 2002, for the first time at an Olympic Winter Games, the entire combined event will be held on a single day at the same venue. Also, the combined slalom will be held on the lower part of the combined downhill slope.

CHECK THE OLYMPICS SCHEDULE FOR DATES AND TIMES OF MEN´S AND WOMEN´S ALPINE EVENTS

The following link will take you to the schedule page for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, where you can view Olympic schedules by date, by individual sport or by sports venue:

Olympic Schedule (or click here for a printable schedule of the Olympic Games)

The following link will take you to the television schedule for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games:

Olympic Television Schedule

ALPINE (DOWNHILL) SKIERS TO WATCH AT THE OLYMPICS

Men: Alpine Combined

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Bode Miller, DOB: 10/12/77, Hometown: Franconia, N.H., Notes: Finished 2001 #42 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Erik Schlopy, DOB: 8/21/72, Hometown: Park City, Utah, Notes: Finished 2001 #15 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Daron Rahlves, DOB: 6/12/73, Hometown: Sugar Bowl, Calif., Notes: Finished 2001 #29 in Overall World Cup Standings

Top World Athletes

Name: Stephan Eberharter (Austria), DOB: 3/24/69, Hometown: Stumm, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Lasse Kjus (Norway), DOB: 1/14/71, Hometown: Siggerud, Norway, Notes: Finished 2001 #3 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Kjetil Andre Aamodt (Norway), DOB: 9/2/71, Hometown: n/a, Notes: Alpine Combined World Cup Champion in 1994 and 97.

Men: Downhill

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Daron Rahlves, DOB: 6/12/73, Hometown: Sugar Bowl, Calif., Notes: Finished 2001 #15 in Downhill World Cup Standings

Name: Marco Sullivan, DOB: 4/27/80, Hometown: Tahoe City, Calif., Notes: Won the 2001 Overall, Downhill and Super G Nor Am titles

Name: Jake Fiala, DOB: 5/24/75, Hometown: Frisco, Colo., Notes: 2000 Nor Am Overall Champion Top World Athletes

Top World Athletes

Name: Stephan Eberharter (Austria), DOB: 3/24/69, Hometown: Stumm, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Fritz Strobl (Austria), DOB: 8/24/72, Hometown: Steinfeld, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #4 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Christian Greber (Austria), DOB: 2/8/72, Hometown: n/a, Notes: Has never finished higher than 15th in the World Cup Standings of any discipline.

Men: Giant Slalom

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Erik Schlopy, DOB: 8/21/72, Hometown: Park City, Utah, Notes: Finished 2001 #3 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Bode Miller, DOB: 10/12/77, Hometown: Franconia, N.H., Notes: Finished 2001 #15 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Dane Spencer, DOB: 12/24/77, Hometown: Boise, Idaho, Notes: Twotime U.S. combined champion

Top World Athletes

Name: Frederic Covili (France), DOB: 11/14/75, Hometown: n/a, Notes: Finished 2001 #11 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Michael Von Grünigen (Switzerland), DOB: 4/11/69, Hometown: Schönried, Switzerland, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Benjamin Raich (Austria), DOB: 2/28/78, Hometown: ArzlPiztal, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #4 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Men: Slalom

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Bode Miller, DOB: 10/12/77, Hometown: Franconia, N.H., Notes: Finished 2001 #15 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Erik Schlopy, DOB: 8/21/72, Hometown: Park City, Utah, Notes: Finished 2001 #22 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Casey Puckett, DOB: 9/22/72, Hometown: Aspen, Colo., Notes: Finished 2001 #4 in Combined World Cup Standings

Top World Athletes

Name: Benjamin Raich (Austria), DOB: 2/28/78, Hometown: ArzlPiztal, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #1 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Heinz Schilchegger (Austria), DOB: 10/16/73, Hometown: Obertauern, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Ivica Kostelic (Croatia), DOB: 11/23/79, Hometown: n/a, Notes: Finished 2001 #40 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Men: Super G

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Daron Rahlves, DOB: 6/12/73, Hometown: Sugar Bowl, Calif., Notes: Finished 2001 #17 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Name: Bode Miller, DOB: 10/12/77, Hometown: Franconia, N.H., Notes: Finished 2001 #34 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Name: Erik Schlopy, DOB: 8/21/72, Hometown: Park City, Utah, Notes: Finished 2001 #15 in Overall World Cup Standings

Top World Athletes

Name: Stephan Eberharter (Austria), DOB: 3/24/69, Hometown: Stumm, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #4 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Name: Christoph Gruber (Austria), DOB: 3/25/76, Hometown: Schwaz, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Name: Josef Strobl (Austria), DOB: 3/3/74, Hometown: Holzgau, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #3 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Women: Alpine Combined

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Kristina Koznick, DOB: 11/24/75, Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn., Notes: Finished 2001 #17 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Sarah Schleper, DOB: 2/19/79, Hometown: Vail, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #23 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Caroline Lalive, DOB: 8/12/79, Hometown: Steamboat, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #26 in Overall World Cup Standings

Top World Athletes

Name: Janica Kostelic (Croatia), DOB: 1/5/82, Hometown: Zagreb, Croatia, Notes: Finished 2001 #1 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Renate Goetschl (Austria), DOB: 8/6/75, Hometown: Obdach, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Sonja Nef (Switzerland), DOB: 4/19/72, Hometown: Grub, Switzerland, Notes: Finished 2001 #4 in Overall World Cup Standings

Women: Downhill

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Kirsten L. Clark, DOB: 4/23/77, Hometown: Raymond, Maine, Notes: Finished 2001 #12 in Downhill World Cup Standings

Name: Caroline Lalive, DOB: 8/12/79, Hometown: Steamboat, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #26 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Picabo Street, DOB: 4/3/71, Hometown: Park City, Utah, Notes: 1998 Super-G gold medalist

Top World Athletes

Name: Isolde Kostner (Italy), DOB: 3/20/75, Hometown: Ortisei, Italy, Notes: Finished 2001 #1 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Renate Goetschl (Austria), DOB: 8/6/75, Hometown: Obdach, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Downhill World Cup Standings

Name: Carole Montillet (France), DOB: 4/7/73, Hometown: Villard De Lans, France, Notes: Finished 2001 #4 in Downhill World Cup Standings

Women: Giant Slalom

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Sarah Schleper, DOB: 2/19/79, Hometown: Vail, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #21 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Kristina Koznick, DOB: 11/24/75, Hometown: Minneapolis, Min., Notes: Finished 2001 #26 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Caroline Lalive, DOB: 8/12/79, Hometown: Steamboat, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #48 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Top World Athletes

Name: Sonja Nef (Switzerland), DOB: 4/19/72, Hometown: Grub, Switzerland, Notes: Finished 2001 #1 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Anja Paerson (Sweden), DOB: 4/25/81, Hometown: Tarnaby, Sweden, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Michaela Dorfmeister (Austria), DOB: 3/25/73, Hometown: Neusiedl, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #3 in Giant Slalom World Cup Standings

Women: Slalom

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Kristina Koznick, DOB: 11/24/75, Hometown: Minneapolis, Min., Notes: Finished 2001 #7 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Sarah Schleper, DOB: 2/19/79, Hometown: Vail, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #11 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Caroline Lalive, DOB: 8/12/79, Hometown: Steamboat, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #25 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Top World Athletes

Name: Janica Kostelic (Croatia), DOB: 1/5/82, Hometown: Zagreb, Croatia, Notes: Finished 2001 #1 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Sonja Nef (Switzerland), DOB: 4/19/72, Hometown: Grub, Switzerland, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Name: Martina Ertl (Germany), DOB: 9/12/73, Hometown: Lenggries, Germany, Notes: Finished 2001 #3 in Slalom World Cup Standings

Women: Super G

Top U.S. Athletes

Name: Kirsten L. Clark, DOB: 4/23/77, Hometown: Raymond, Maine, Notes: Finished 2001 #22 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Name: Caroline Lalive, DOB: 8/12/79, Hometown: Steamboat, Col., Notes: Finished 2001 #26 in Overall World Cup Standings

Name: Jonna Mendes, DOB: 3/31/79, Hometown: Heavenly, Calif., Notes: Finished 2001 #29 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Top World Athletes

Name: Renate Goetschl (Austria), DOB: 8/6/75, Hometown: Obdach, Austria, Notes: Finished 2001 #2 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Name: Carole Montillet (France), DOB: 4/7/73, Hometown: Villard De Lans, France, Notes: Finished 2001 #3 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Name: Melanie Turgeon (Canada), DOB: 10/21/76, Hometown: Quebec, QC, Canada, Notes: Finished 2001 #4 in SuperG World Cup Standings

Alpine (Downhill) Skiing FAST FACTS

Who can do it (by age groups)?

Equipment Required

Muscles used most

Physical attributes required

Common injuries

Calories burned per hour (estimate for range of 110-200 lbs)

Activities to help get/stay in shape

All ages (suitable for children and youth)

Skis

Poles

Ski boots

Warm, layered clothing

Goggles/sun glasses

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Water for hydrating

Legs

Arms

Chest

Back

Cardiovascular endurance

Flexibility

Balance

Strength

Broken bones and other injuries from falls and collisions

Sprains

Hamstring/ quadricep strain

Cramps

Frostbite

Hypothermia

Altitude sickness

Recreational:
250-630

Competitive racing:
700-1260

Off Season:

Walking with poles

Hiking (especially on hilly trails)

Running

Swimming

Circuit/weight training

In Season:

Warm-up, endurance exercises with strength training on off days, cool down

ALPINE / DOWNHILL SKIING AND YOU!

Alpine or downhill skiing, a great way to have fun and stay fit, is a rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors in winter. But to the novice, mastering the mountains, the lifts and the equipment may be intimidating. Newcomers to the sport of downhill skiing have been known to ride a lift to the top of a mountain only to stare down in dismay at a steep run.

As a first time skier, don't head right for the lift! It's important to learn the basics of skiing on firm ground before trying to descend a mountain. Of course, beginners will fall when first learning how to ski. This is natural. Falling on snow is relatively pain-free — after all, you'll land on soft, powdery snow.

GETTING IN SHAPE FOR ALPINE / DOWNHILL SKIING

Watching Olympic athletes often motivates people to want to try their hand at a new sport or reclaim a sport from the past. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports encourages participation in a wide variety of activities, including the sports of the Winter Olympics, to enhance health and fitness. Since there are risks involved with sports, before starting to ski, be sure to consult these links, which offer basic information about getting in shape and protecting yourself from cold-related stress and illness:

Getting in Shape for Winter Sports

Safety Tips: Cold Related Stress and Illness

WEARING THE RIGHT CLOTHING

Wearing the right clothing is extremely important when participating in cold weather sports. Remember to dress in layers wearing warm, waterproof clothing.

Pay special attention to protecting feet, hands, face and head. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed. Footgear should be insulated to protect against cold and dampness.

Wear at least three layers of clothing

! A water-resistant outer layer to break the wind and allow some ventilation (nylon or other water-resistant synthetic fabric)

! A middle layer of wool or wool-like synthetic fabric to absorb sweat and retain insulation

! An inner layer close to the skin. It's important to keep moisture away from your skin — avoid cotton, which clings to perspiration. Synthetic materials such as supplex and coolmax are ideal because they keep you warm and dry.

EQUIPMENT

! Skis. You might want to use shorter rather than longer skis to gain control during your initial steps on the slopes.

! Poles. Poles help you maintain balance, as you learn to shift your weight back and forth on both skis.

! Ski Boots. The ski boot is the most important piece of equipment you will wear when skiing, so make sure your boots fit comfortably. Also, make sure you have chosen a ski boot that is not too tight or too loose.

ALPINE / DOWNHILL SKIING BASICS

The most important thing you'll learn when you first start to ski is control. When first learning to ski, it's a good idea to take a lesson with a licensed ski instructor before hopping on the lift. Learn the basics of skiing on firm ground before you try skiing down a mountain.

A good skier is one who shifts body weight back and forth, kicking the skis out from side to side in the snow. The beginning skier should practice balancing on just one ski before hitting the slopes. To do this, lift one ski a few inches off the ground and see how your body adjusts its balance. You might want to get comfortable skiing on one foot, then gradually try to become proficient skiing on both feet.

After you begin moving on your skis, sliding back and forth from leg to leg, you'll need to learn how to stop. To slow momentum, you press the front tips of the skis close together — but to avoid a tumble, never cross the skis. As you improve enough to try skiing down a gentle hill or slope, you'll want to ski from side to side, not straight down the hill. As a beginner, going from side to side down the mountain will help maintain control by helping you slow down and will allow you to work on your technique. As you are going downhill, think about moving from right to left on your skis. This skill requires you to shift your weight from side to side to allow the skis to turn naturally in the direction you are trying to go. As you shift to the right side, your left ski should come slightly off the ground, while your weight shifts to the right ski in the direction you want to go.

WHERE TO SKI

Opportunities to enjoy downhill skiing are available at resorts and ski areas anywhere there are mountains and snow. In the United States, ski areas and ski resorts are plentiful in the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic and Western states. Canada and Europe also have many ski resorts. Some states have skiing available at park and recreation areas. You can call your travel agent or search the Internet (search under "skiing") for ski packages and special travel fares. There is an abundance of skiing information on the web. Of course you'll want to check snow conditions at your chosen location. Some resorts keep their slopes snow-covered with snow machines. In addition to the cost of staying at a resort, the main expense for skiing is buying or renting equipment and clothing (skis, poles, boots, clothing) and purchase of lift tickets.