What equipment do Olympic Alpine skiers use?
Olympic alpine skis are designed for maximum speed and carving. Ski shapes and lengths depend on the type of course on which a competitor is racing. The front curve of the ski is called the shovel tip and curves upward, and the opposite side is the heel, which only curves upward slightly.
| Men's discipline | Downhill | super-G | Giant slalom | Slalom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Ski Length | 218 cm | 210 cm | 193 cm | 165 cm |
| Minimum Radius | 50 m | 45 m | 30 m | N/A |
| Women's discipline | Downhill | super-G | Giant slalom | Slalom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Ski Length | 210 cm | 205 cm | 188 cm | 155 cm |
| Minimum Radius | 50 m | 40 m | 30 m | N/A |
Whereas cross-country skis are skinnier and more flexible, alpine skis are heavier and wider to give skiers more control at higher speeds on a downhill slope.
What is the difference between downhill and slalom skis?
Downhill skis are the largest, with minimum lengths of 218 centimeters (86 inches) for men and 210 cm (83 inches) for women, whereas slalom skis are the smallest, with minimum lengths of 165 cm (65 inches) for men and 155 cm (61 inches) for women.
The longer-length skis for downhill skiing provide an athlete more control and stability at speeds that can be more than double the speed of slalom skiers. A shorter ski for slalom skiers gives the athlete more flexibility to move the skis on sharper, more frequent turns on the race course.
What safety gear is required in Olympic Alpine skiing?
Bindings
Bindings secure boots to the skis. They are designed to release their hold in the event of a fall.
Boots
Ski boots protect the racers against bumps on the race course and injuries from ski edges, race gates and more. The design of the boot's fit allows the ankle to move to make race turns while tightly securing the foot in place for safety.
Poles
Poles are used for balance and steering. There are different types of poles for the speed and technical events. Generally, poles in giant slalom, super-G and downhill are longer than slalom poles to get a stronger push start from the starting gate. Athletes competing in the slalom event utilize pole guards to hit the breakaway race gates on a turn, allowing them to take the most direct path toward the finish line.
Helmet
Helmets protect the head and ears. In slalom events, a chin guard is attached to the helmet to protect skiers from getting hit in the face by gates.
Goggles
Ski goggles, which come in a variety of lens colors, protect the eyes against weather, glare and the effects of speed on the eyes.
Suit
Suits usually are skintight to reduce air resistance. Skiers also are allowed to wear padding for protection for the spine and lower back. The unstretched fabric on a suit must show a medium air permeability of a minimum 30 liters per m2/sec under 10 millimeters of water pressure in order to reduce drag so an athlete can stay aerodynamic.
Additional padding often is worn on the arms, knees and shins in slalom events.
How does equipment affect speed and control in Alpine skiing?
Alpine skis are designed with metal edges on the bottom side of the skis to cut through ice and snow and make sharp, controlled turns while maintaining downhill momentum. Skiers also gain a better feel for the snow on their skis with the help of glide wax, a substance applied to the base of skis to minimize friction and increase control, glide and speed.