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There are four primary alpine racing disciplines. Slalom, GS, Super G and Downhill each varying by speed, course setup, and technical demands. Kombi is another discipline athletes will have an opportunity to race. This page will break down the differences so when your athlete says "I crossblocked a hairpin!" you will know what they're talking about.
Slalom & GS, ie. Technical Events
Slalom and GS are the primary disciplines for U12 and under and the only disciplines these younger athletes will race. A single Slalom and GS race are both comprised of two race runs with the athlete's final place determined by their combined time. For most youth races, athletes can participate in both runs regardless of having been disqualified for missing a gate or not finishing their first run however they must make all gates and complete both runs correctly in order to be placed in the final standings.
Slalom
Slalom
Slalom is the most technical event, requiring quick, short turns around tightly spaced gates. Athletes will work on cross-blocking (knocking down gates with hands/poles) resulting in a faster, more aggressive line.
Speed: Slowest of the disciplines
Turns: Very short and tight turns; highest number of gates
Course: shortest in length
Gate Setup: Single poles that hinge at the snow surface level, alternating blue and red; closely spaced (often 0.75 to 13 meters apart); courses include a variety of gate combinations called hairpins, flushes and delays to challenge the racers agility and technical ability
Skills Required: Quick reflexes, rapid edge changes, precision
Gear: Required: Hard eared helmet; Optional: race suit; Recommended as your child advances: shin guards, pole guards and face protection (chin bars)
GS (Giant Slalom)
GS (Giant Slalom)
While still technical, GS is a balance between speed and technique with a course that is a bit more open, with wider turns and more emphasis on smooth, precise carving.
Speed: Faster than Slalom, but slower than Super-G and Downhill
Turns: Medium radius turns; fewer gates than Slalom
Course: Length is longer than Slalom, more open
Gate Setup: Gates consist of 2 poles connected with a fabric panel, alternating blue and red; gates set wider apart (approx. 10–15 meters); rhythm is mostly back and forth with the occasional delay
Skills Required: Strong technical ability with a focus on smooth, controlled carving
Gear: Required: Hard eared helmet; Optional: GS suit with pads, GS-specific skis, GS poles, back protector
Kombi
Kombi
You might also see Kombi as an event on the race schedule. This event combines slalom and giant slalom course elements, potentially incorporating terrain features, berms, or jumps. These events are designed to challenge racers and enhance their technical skills, focusing on overall ski development. They can be one-run events or include multiple runs, with the best results (often the top two or three) determining the overall winner.
Super G & Downhill, ie. Speed Events
U12 and under athlete's will have the opportunity to learn Super G in a fun and safe camp environment and will be able to race Super G as a U14 and Downhill as a U16. These speed events are the fastest in alpine ski racing and require stability, patience, mental and physical strength and solid technique. A Super G and Downhill race consists of only one run down the course.
Super G
Super G
Super-G (Super Giant Slalom) blends speed with technical elements, featuring longer, sweeping turns at higher speeds and often there are no practice runs on the actual race course.
Speed: High speed; second only to Downhill
Turns: Longer, sweeping turns at high speed
Course: Long; combines technical and speed elements; often includes rollers or jumps
Gate Setup: Gates consist of 2 poles connected with a fabric panel, alternating blue and red; widely spaced gates, less technical than GS; rhythm is mostly back and forth with the occasional delay
Skills Required: Blend of speed, power, and some technical turning
Gear: Required: Hard eared helmet, speed (or GS) suit, back protector; Optional: Super G-specific skis, Super G poles
Downhill
Downhill
Downhill is the fastest and most daring event, with long, steep courses, big jumps, and minimal turning, pushing athletes to their physical and mental limits. Athletes will have training runs on the race course.
Speed: Fastest discipline (racers can exceed 130 km/h / 80 mph)
Turns: Few and very wide; course focuses on speed over technique
Course: Gates consist of 2 poles connected with a fabric panel, all red; longest and steepest; includes jumps, gliding sections, and compressions
Gate Setup: Wide and minimal; set to keep racers on the track
Skills Required: Bravery, aerodynamic form, precise timing at high speeds
Gear: Required: Hard eared helmet, speed (or GS) suit, back protector; Optional: Downhill-specific skis, Downhill poles
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