Alpine Skiing Disciplines Explained: Downhill to Slalom

Alpine skiing covers several disciplines that range from very high-speed descents to tight technical turns. Here is what sets each apart.

Speed and technical events

Alpine disciplines are divided into speed events, with fewer turns and higher velocity, and technical events, with many gates and quick direction changes.

Downhill

Downhill is the fastest and longest discipline. Athletes make a single run on a course with widely spaced gates and large jumps, typically reaching speeds well above 100 kilometres per hour. Famous venues include Kitzbühel and Wengen.

Super-G

The super-G is also a single run, but the course is shorter and has more gates than downhill, so skiers must combine speed with more turning.

Giant slalom

Giant slalom is a technical event contested over two runs, with times combined. The gates are further apart than in slalom, requiring wide arcs and precise edging.

Slalom

Slalom has the shortest course and the most gates, set close together. Skiers need rapid reflexes and often clear gates with their arms and shins.

Combined and parallel events

Alpine combined formats mix a speed run with a slalom run, although the format has changed over the years. Parallel events pit two skiers against each other on side-by-side courses.

Alpine heartland

Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Germany have deep traditions, producing many champions and hosting classic World Cup races.

Staying informed

Race formats and calendars are set by the international ski federation and may change each season.