ALPINE
Alpine Ski Racing simply put is skiing around poles or gates in the quickest possible time using alpine skis, also known as downhill skis. Modern day skis have fixed heels so your whole foot is attached to the ski and metal edges to allow the skier to grip as they travel down the slope. There are a number of different disciplines in Alpine Ski Racing, which you can find out more about below. In Scotland there are races out there for everyone, from complete novices to World Cup racers.
There are a number of different disciplines in Alpine Ski Racing often split in two and referred to as the Technical Events and the Speed Events. The Technical Events consist of Slalom, Giant Slalom and Parallel Slalom.
Slalom
In Slalom, single gates are spaced close together necessitating quicker and shorter turns. The gates are set alternating between red and blue and are arranged in a variety of configurations to challenge the competitor. In this discipline because the distances between the gates are relatively small, ski racers take a fairly direct line and often knock the poles out of the way as they pass, which is known as blocking. A course has 55 to 75 gates for men and 40 to 60 for women. A Slalom race is generally composed of two runs, held on different courses on the same ski run.
Giant Slalom
Giant Slalom, or GS as it is commonly known, involves skiing around a double gate with a panel or flag on them. They are spaced at a greater distance to each other than in slalom but less than in Super-G or Downhill. A GS race is generally composed of two runs, held on different courses on the same ski run.
Parallel Slalom
Parallel Slalom, or Dual Slalom or Pro Slalom as it is also referred to, consists of to courses set parallel to one another so competitors can compete head to head with one another. You will often see this run in a team format, almost like a relay. Both provide a great spectator experience.
There are a number of different disciplines in Alpine Ski Racing often split in two and referred to as the Technical Events and the Speed Events. The Technical Events consist of Slalom, Giant Slalom and Parallel Slalom.
Super Giant Slalom
Super-G or Super Giant Slalom, consists of widely set gates that racers must turn around. The course is set so that skiers must turn more than in downhill, though the speeds are still much higher than in giant slalom (hence the name). Each athlete only has one run to clock the best time.
Downhill
Downhill, often known as the Blue Riband event, for safety reasons only uses red gates. Racers get a number of inspections and at least one training run through the course before they race. The course is the longest and fastest of the alpine disciplines, and includes jumps and extended turns taken at high speed. The experience needed takes years to acquire. Each athlete has only one run to clock the best time. The fastest ever speed clocked in a Downhill race was in the Wengen Lauberhorn race in 2013, Johan Clarey of France clocked a massive 100.6mph.
Super Combined
Super Combined, is a speed race (Downhill or Super-G) and only one run of slalom, with both portions scheduled on the same day. A true test of the all round ski racer the winner is the skier with the fastest aggregate time.
Kombi
Kombi races, are often seen in childrens ski racing and can contain a variety of different combinations of features, some can be a combination of Slalom and Giant Slalom in one run, others can be a combination of Super-G and Giant Slalom, while some can also contain berms, rollers or jumps. They can be great for childrens overall ski development.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Nordic or cross-country skiing is the winter equivalent of running, jogging, or walking on snow. As a sport it is fast and a true test of endurance but as a leisure activity it is pursued for fitness or for touring across snowy terrain. Cross-country skiing is not only a fantastic way of staying fit but also one of the best sports to discover the beautiful landscape in Scotland. It is easy to learn, meaning that even beginners will soon be out exploring the trails in the region.
With extensive snow cover it can seem that the whole of Scotland is ideal for cross-country skiing. Tracks are cut in the forests of Glenmore and Clashindarroch and athletes can train on home snow. The cut-tracks allow classic techniques (diagonal stride, double pole) to be used and the pisted trail beside them is suitable for free technique (skating).
To view information on all Cross country competitions in Scotland visit our Competition Calendar.
ROLLER SKIING
When winter skis are stored away it is time for roller skiing. Similar techniques as winter can be practiced on tarmac at traffic free circuits such as Huntly, Glenmore lodge and Fife Cycle Park which are ideal for getting started. Roller skiing can be done on any tarmac surface but is recommend you learn in a traffic free area.
Roller ski racing is a great summer activity with a Scottish Race Series of 6 races including a race up Cairngorm Ski Road. Winter races take place in both Clashindarroch and Glenmore as snowfall allows.
Snowsport Scotland run participation event for those wanting to try the sport for the first time. Visit our events calendar for more information.
To view information on all Roller ski competitions in Scotland visit our Competition Calendar.
