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Home: Racing:
SL and GS
| Just what
is SL and GS, anyways? |
Near the finish line |
Alpine racing has four separate events: slalom,
giant slalom, super-g, and downhill. Slalom and giant slalom are the
technical events, because you are required to ski courses that emphasize
good skiing skills necessary to make stable turns. The other events are
known as speed events, but still require good skills. NASTAR is an
introductory to giant slalom and is an event that allows you to further
your skiing experience through the racing rush sensation. |
Slalom |
Slalom: Slalom (SL) is a test of agility and
quickness because the slalom course has the most gates covering the
slope. Sometimes it looks like a sea of gates during course inspection.
However, courses are usually set for quick and rhythmical turns and the
fastest line quickly becomes obvious. There are several different types
of gates: open gates, which are set across the hill, and closed gates,
which are set down the hill. Combination gates include hairpins, made up
of two closed gates in a row, and flushes having three or more closed
gates in a row.
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Giant Slalom |
Giant Slalom: Giant Slalom (GS) is the event most
like what we flatlanders are familiar with, big cruising turns. Most
NASTAR and GS courses flow with the terrain and have good rhythm. These
types of courses provide a good base to build solid skiing skills. Most
GS courses use open gates, although a closed gate may be used from
time-to-time.
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Super-G |
Super-G: In Super-G (SG) the turns are spread out
further down the hill using big turns and interesting use of terrain.
Downhill: Downhill (DH) is the most exciting event, demanding
lots of courage, sound judgment, strength and technical skills. Downhill
follows a trail down the mountain using a minimum number of gates. A
practice run is given to all racers on the Downhill before being allowed
to race it. Both Super-G and Downhill require helmets.
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There are subtle differences between NASTAR, CMSC, USSA, Masters, and World Cup
but this is a generic attempt to describe alpine ski racing.
Article written by David Garner, with help from Mary Anne Hanlon.
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