Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Overview and History
Alpine skiing is one of the flagship winter Olympic disciplines, first contested at the 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen Winter Games where only a combined event was held. The sport has since expanded into five individual Olympic events and a team event. Competitors race down snow-covered mountain courses, navigating gates at speeds that can exceed 150 km/h (93 mph) in speed events, making it one of the most demanding and dangerous sports in the world.
1.2 Governing Body
The Fédération Internationale de Ski et de Snowboard (FIS), founded on 2 February 1924 in Chamonix, France, is the international governing body for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined, freestyle skiing, snowboard, and other snow sports. FIS is headquartered in Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland, and comprises over 140 national ski associations. FIS publishes the International Competition Rules (ICR), Book IV — Alpine Skiing, which is updated annually and serves as the definitive rulebook for all sanctioned competitions.
1.3 Olympic Disciplines
Alpine skiing features six Olympic events for both men and women:
- Downhill (DH): The longest and fastest event. A single timed run on a steep, high-speed course with widely spaced gates. Racers reach speeds of 130–150 km/h (80–93 mph).
- Super-G (SG): A speed event combining the velocity of downhill with more frequent turns. A single timed run (ICR 1006). Competitors inspect the course on skis by side-slipping through the gates or skiing slowly beside them, not on foot (ICR 614.3.2).
- Giant Slalom (GS): A technical event with two runs on different course sets. Gates are offset at moderate distances, requiring smooth arcing turns at speeds of 60–80 km/h (37–50 mph).
- Slalom (SL): The most technical event with the shortest, steepest courses. Two runs on different course sets with closely spaced gates and hinged breakaway panels that racers strike with their shins and hands.
- Alpine Combined: One speed run (Downhill or Super-G) and one slalom run (ICR 1101.1). The lowest combined time wins (ICR 1100.7).
- Alpine Team Event: Introduced at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Mixed national teams race head-to-head in a parallel bracket set with Giant Slalom gates and panels (ICR 1212.1).
1.4 Competition Levels
FIS sanctions competitions at multiple tiers: the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup (the premier annual circuit), the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships (biennial), the Winter Olympic Games (quadrennial), FIS Continental Cups (Europa Cup, Nor-Am Cup, South American Cup, Far East Cup, Australia/New Zealand Cup), and national-level FIS races. Each tier has specific entry requirements based on FIS points.
Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Skis
FIS specifies minimum ski lengths and sidecut radius values per discipline to balance performance and safety (ICR Article 222). Minimum ski lengths:
- Downhill: Men 218 cm (85.8 in), Women 210 cm (82.7 in)
- Super-G: Men 210 cm (82.7 in), Women 205 cm (80.7 in)
- Giant Slalom: Men 193 cm (76.0 in), Women 188 cm (74.0 in)
- Slalom: Men 165 cm (65.0 in), Women 155 cm (61.0 in)
Minimum sidecut radius values prevent excessively aggressive turning geometry:
- DH: ≥50 m (men), ≥45 m (women)
- SG: ≥35 m (men), ≥30 m (women)
- GS: ≥30 m (men), ≥30 m (women)
- SL: ≥13 m (men), ≥11 m (women)
Skis must not have asymmetric profiles or irregularities in their running surface. Maximum ski width at the waist is also regulated per event.
2.2 Boots and Bindings
Ski boots must not exceed a sole length of 43% of the competitor's body height. Maximum boot sole height is 45 mm (1.77 in) at the toe and 55 mm (2.17 in) at the heel, measured without the binding plate. Binding release settings (DIN values) are at the discretion of the competitor and their service technician; however, bindings must be certified and functional. Platform height (combined boot sole and binding riser) is limited to 50 mm for all events.
2.3 Helmets
FIS-approved helmets are mandatory for all events. Helmets must conform to EN 1077: Class A (full-shell with ear and temple coverage) is required for speed events (DH, SG); either Class A or Class B is acceptable for technical events (GS, SL). Helmets with integrated visors are permitted. Aerodynamic modifications, fairings, or attachments that alter the helmet profile are prohibited.
2.4 Poles
Poles must be non-collapsible with a fixed length. In DH and SG, hand guards (protective shields around the basket area) and aerodynamic pole guards are permitted to deflect gates and reduce air resistance. In SL and GS, hand guards are permitted but must not create an aerodynamic advantage. No additional aerodynamic attachments (such as fairings) may be affixed to poles.
2.5 Speed Suits and Protective Gear
Competition suits must pass FIS air permeability tests: a minimum of 30 litres per square metre per second (l/m²/s) to prevent skin-tight, non-porous suits that provide unfair aerodynamic advantages. Suit material thickness must not exceed 6 mm at any point. Back protectors are mandatory in DH and SG and strongly recommended in GS and SL. Airbag vests (inflatable upon impact) are permitted and increasingly common in speed events. Shin guards are standard in SL to withstand repeated gate contact.
Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Course Homologation
All courses for FIS-sanctioned competitions must be homologated (officially inspected and approved) by a FIS Technical Delegate. Homologation certificates specify the approved vertical drop, course length, and safety infrastructure. Certificates are valid for a limited period and must be renewed through re-inspection. The homologation process evaluates terrain gradient, course width, run-out areas, safety net placement, and snow preparation standards.
3.2 Vertical Drop Requirements
- Downhill: Men 800–1100 m (in exceptional cases 750 m) at the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships and World Cup; 500–1100 m at Continental Cups; 450–1100 m at other FIS races (ICR 701.1.1). Women 450–800 m at all competitions (ICR 701.1.2).
- Super-G: Men 400–650 m at the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships, World Cup and Continental Cups, 350–650 m at other FIS competitions (ICR 1001.1.1). Women 400–600 m at the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships and World Cup, 350–600 m at other FIS competitions (ICR 1001.1.2).
- Giant Slalom: Men 250–450 m; women 250–400 m; minimum 300 m for both at the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships and World Cup (ICR 901.1).
- Slalom: Men 180–220 m at the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships and World Cup, 140–220 m at other FIS races; women 140–220 m at the Olympic Winter Games, World Championships and World Cup, 120–200 m at other FIS races (ICR 801.1).
3.3 Course Width and Terrain
Courses should normally be approximately 40 m (131 ft) wide in all four disciplines; the homologation inspector may permit narrower sections where terrain requires (ICR 702.3, 1002.1, 902.1, 802.2). The finish area must be wide with a gently sloped smooth run-out (ICR 615.1.1). The finish must be no less than 15 m wide in Downhill and Super-G and no less than 10 m wide in Slalom and Giant Slalom (ICR 615.2). The course must be prepared with machine-groomed, packed, or injected snow to ensure a consistent and durable surface.
3.4 Gates and Course Setting
Gates are defined by pairs of poles with attached fabric panels. Gate colours alternate between red and blue throughout the course (ICR 801.2.2, 901.2.2, 1001.3.2). Gate specifications vary by discipline:
- DH gates: Each gate consists of 4 slalom poles and 2 rectangular panels approximately 0.75 m wide by 0.50 m high (ICR 701.3.1, 701.3.2). Gates must be at least 8 m wide (ICR 701.3.3). Directional gates mark the racing line through high-speed terrain.
- SG gates: Four slalom poles and two panels approximately 75 cm wide by 50 cm high (ICR 1001.3.1, 1001.3.2). Open gates are 6–8 m wide and vertical gates 8–12 m wide (ICR 1001.3.3); the turning poles of successive gates must be at least 25 m apart (ICR 1001.3.4).
- GS gates: Two pairs of poles (four total) with two rectangular panels (ICR 901.2.1). Gates are 4–8 m wide, and the nearest turning poles of two successive gates must be at least 10 m apart (ICR 901.2.3).
- SL gates: Single-pole turning gates with hinged breakaway panels that flex on impact. The gate consists of one turning pole and one outside pole (or two poles forming the gate). Gate width is 4–6 m; successive turning poles are 6–13 m apart; gates within hairpin or vertical combinations are 0.75–1 m apart; delayed gates are 13–18 m apart turning pole to turning pole (ICR 801.2.3).
Common gate combinations in SL include: open gates (set across the fall line), closed/vertical gates (set along the fall line), hairpin (two consecutive closed gates in opposite directions), flush (three or more vertical gates), and delay (an offset gate that forces the racer to pause before the next turn).
3.5 Start and Finish Areas
The start area must be flat or gently sloping with a start gate (wand system) connected to the electronic timing system. Competitors stand in a start house that shields them from wind. The finish line carries two FIS-homologated photocell systems, one connected to timing system A and one to system B (ICR 611.2.1.2). A photo-finish system may be used; its result is provided to the Jury only, and it is mandatory at level 0 races (ICR 611.3.2.2).
Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Competitors
Alpine skiing is an individual timed competition (except for the Team Event). Competitors must hold a valid FIS licence issued through their national ski association. Entry to World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic events requires meeting minimum FIS points thresholds, which vary by discipline and gender. Nations are allocated a maximum number of start quotas per event based on national ranking.
4.2 Competition Jury
The competition jury oversees all aspects of the race and has final authority on decisions. The jury consists of:
- Technical Delegate (TD): Appointed by FIS. Responsible for ensuring the competition complies with ICR rules, inspecting the course, approving the course set, and chairing the jury. The TD files a detailed report to FIS after each event.
- Referee: A qualified official who assists the TD and adjudicates protests and disputes.
- Assistant Referee: Supports the Referee in monitoring the competition.
- Chief of Race: Appointed by the organising committee. Responsible for all logistical and operational aspects of the event including course preparation, volunteer coordination, and venue management.
- Start Referee: Oversees the start area, ensures correct start order, monitors start timing, and manages start interval enforcement.
- Finish Referee: Oversees the finish area, confirms finish times, and manages the finish recording system.
4.3 Course Officials
- Gate Judges: Positioned along the course, each gate judge monitors whether competitors correctly pass through assigned gates. They record gate faults and report to the Referee via radio or written cards.
- Course Workers: Responsible for maintaining gate poles during the race (resetting knocked-down gates), course surface repair (filling ruts), and ensuring spectator safety barriers are intact.
- Timing Personnel: Certified operators who manage the electronic timing system, ensure backup timing is operational, and record split times at intermediate checkpoints.
- Video Controllers: Review video footage of gate passages to verify or overturn gate judge reports. Video review is standard at World Cup level and above.
4.4 Coaching and Service Teams
Each national team travels with coaches, ski technicians, and medical staff. Ski technicians prepare equipment in designated waxing areas and are subject to random equipment checks by FIS officials before and after races.
Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Course Inspection
Course inspection rules differ by discipline:
- Downhill: Official training is part of the competition and competitors are required to take part (ICR 704.1). Three days should be scheduled for inspection and training (ICR 704.2), and each competitor must take part in at least one timed training run (ICR 704.7.3).
- Super-G: Competitors inspect the set course on skis, by skiing slowly beside it or side-slipping through the gates (ICR 614.3.2). The race is a single run (ICR 1006), which demands exceptional reading of terrain at speed.
- Giant Slalom: Competitors inspect on skis by side-slipping through the gates or skiing slowly beside the course, during an inspection period set by the Jury (ICR 614.3.2, 614.3.3).
- Slalom: Competitors inspect on skis before each run, studying gate placement, snow conditions, and line choices; skiing through gates or entering the course on foot without skis is not allowed (ICR 614.3.2).
5.2 Start Procedure
In Downhill, Super-G and Giant Slalom competitors start individually at fixed intervals. A start clock with an automatic audible signal is used where possible; otherwise the starter says “10 seconds” and then counts “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” before the command “Go” (ICR 613.4). A start is valid within 5 seconds before and 5 seconds after the official start time; a competitor who does not start within that window is disqualified (ICR 613.7).
In DH, GS and SG the regular start interval is 60 seconds; the Jury may fix different intervals, but not less than 40 seconds in Downhill and Super-G or 30 seconds in Giant Slalom (ICR 622.1, 622.2.3). SL starts at irregular intervals, and the next competitor may start before the previous one has crossed the finish line (ICR 805.1).
5.3 Start Order and Bib Numbers
Start order is determined by FIS points ranking in the relevant discipline. A first group of at most the 15 best competitors present is drawn; the remaining competitors start in order of their FIS points, and competitors without FIS points are drawn in the last group (ICR 621.3). In two-run events (GS, SL), the second run start order is the reverse of first-run results: the 30th-placed racer after run one starts first in run two, with the run-one leader starting last — a format known as the “bib flip” or reverse-30 rule (ICR 621.11.2). At FIS races the Jury may reduce the reversal to the first 15 (ICR 621.11.3).
5.4 Gate Passage
A competitor must pass through every gate on the course. A gate is correctly passed when both ski tips and both feet have crossed the gate line, the shortest imaginary line between the turning pole and the outside pole or gate (ICR 661.4.1, 661.4.1.1, 661.4.1.2). In slalom, physical contact with the gate panel is expected and normal — racers deliberately strike the hinged panel with their shins, arms, or hands to maintain a tight line.
5.5 Run Format
- Downhill: One timed run (ICR 706.1). Fastest time wins.
- Super-G: One timed run (ICR 1006). Fastest time wins.
- Giant Slalom: Always decided by two runs; the second run may use the same course but the gates must be reset (ICR 906.1). Lowest combined time wins.
- Slalom: Always decided by two runs on two different courses (ICR 806.1). Lowest combined time wins.
- Alpine Combined: One speed run (Downhill or Super-G) plus one Slalom run (ICR 1101.1). The race times are added together (ICR 1100.7).
- Team Event (Mixed Team Parallel): A parallel event using Giant Slalom gates and panels (ICR 1212.1). Each nation enters at most 6 competitors (ICR 1212.2), and seeded nations meet in heats on a bracket (ICR 1212.5). The winner of each individual leg scores 1 point for their nation; a heat tied on points goes to the nation with the lowest combined time of its best woman and best man (ICR 1212.7).
5.6 DNF, DNS, and DSQ
DNF (Did Not Finish): A competitor who stops or falls and does not cross the finish line. DNS (Did Not Start): A competitor who does not appear in the start gate for their run. DSQ (Disqualified): A competitor who is disqualified for a rule violation (gate fault, equipment infraction, or unsportsmanlike conduct). A competitor who misses a gate must not continue through further gates (ICR 614.2.2) and is disqualified for not passing through a gate correctly (ICR 629.3).
Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Timing System
All FIS-sanctioned competitions use electronic timing to 1/100th of a second (0.01 s): net times are calculated by subtracting start time from finish time and truncated to 0.01 s (ICR 611.2.1). Two synchronised, electronically isolated systems are used, system A (main) and system B (back-up), each connected to its own start-gate contact and its own finish photocells (ICR 611.2.1, 611.2.1.1, 611.2.1.2). Intermediate split times are recorded at designated checkpoints along the course. If system A fails, the system B time is used (ICR 611.3.2). If both fail, a photo-finish time is used where one was recorded (ICR 611.3.2.2); otherwise independent hand timing, which is required at all FIS races, is used after a correction calculated from the 10 neighbouring competitors (ICR 611.2.2, 611.3.2.1).
6.2 Race Results
Rankings are determined by total elapsed time. For two-run events (GS, SL, Combined), the sum of both run times determines the final result.
6.3 FIS Points System
FIS points quantify a competitor's performance relative to the race winner and serve as the basis for start order seeding (ICR 621.3) and competition entry eligibility. They are calculated under the separate Rules for the FIS Alpine Points, which form an integral part of the ICR (ICR 618). Lower FIS points indicate better performance.
6.4 Photo Finish and Disputes
Photo-finish results are provided to the Jury only (ICR 611.3.2.2). A protest against the timekeeping must be lodged within 15 minutes of the posting of the unofficial result list, and a protest against a disqualification within 15 minutes of its posting or announcement (ICR 643.4, 643.5). Protests are submitted in writing, though protests against a competitor or official, a disqualification or the timekeeping may be made verbally (ICR 644.1, 644.2). Each protest must be accompanied by CHF 100, returned if the protest is upheld (ICR 644.4). The jury reviews video evidence and gate judge reports before rendering a final decision.
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Gate Faults
- Straddling a gate: Passing with one foot on each side of the turning pole (i.e., not both feet passing on the correct side) results in DSQ (ICR 661.4.1, 629.3).
- Missing a gate: Failing to pass through a gate correctly results in DSQ (ICR 629.3). A competitor who misses a gate must not continue through further gates (ICR 614.2.2), and one who continues is penalised (ICR 628.8).
- Incorrect gate passage in GS: Both ski tips and both feet must cross the gate line, the shortest imaginary line between the turning pole and the outside gate (ICR 661.4.1, 661.4.1.1). An incorrect passage is a gate fault (DSQ, ICR 629.3).
7.2 Start Infractions
- False start: A false start is penalised by the Jury (ICR 628.5). In fixed-interval events a start more than 5 seconds before the official start time is disqualified (ICR 613.7); in Slalom a competitor who does not start according to the start signal rules is disqualified (ICR 805.4).
- Late start: In fixed-interval events, failing to start within 5 seconds after the official start time results in DSQ (ICR 613.7, 629.3).
- Missing start time: A competitor who is not ready to start on time is sanctioned, unless the Start Referee accepts the delay as force majeure (ICR 613.6, 628.5).
7.3 Equipment Violations
- Ski length below minimum: DSQ. Equipment is measured with a tolerance of ±1 cm to account for wax and base material.
- Sidecut radius below minimum: DSQ. Radius is measured using certified FIS gauges.
- Speed suit air permeability below 30 l/m²/s: DSQ. Suits are tested before and/or after races using a calibrated permeability meter.
- Boot sole height exceeding limits: DSQ.
- Platform height exceeding 50 mm: DSQ.
- Unapproved helmet: DSQ. The helmet must bear a valid FIS sticker for the current season.
7.4 Conduct Violations
- Receiving outside assistance: Receiving outside help during a competition is penalised by the Jury (ICR 628.12).
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: Verbal abuse of officials, deliberate obstruction of another competitor, or refusal to submit to equipment checks may result in DSQ, suspension, or further disciplinary action by FIS.
- Doping: Alpine skiing falls under WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) regulations. Violations result in disqualification, result annulment, and suspension per the WADA Code.
7.5 Sanctions and Appeals
The competition jury may impose DSQ, time penalties, or written warnings. Appeals against Jury decisions (such as monetary fines or terminating a race) may be submitted only by the National Ski Association, to the FIS Office, within 48 hours of the decision; they are decided by the Appeals Commission or the CAS (ICR 647.1.1–647.1.4). Repeat offenders may face season-long suspensions or bans from FIS events. Financial penalties may also apply for conduct violations or failure to fulfil media obligations at World Cup events.
Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Course Safety Infrastructure
FIS mandates extensive safety infrastructure along every competition course:
- A-net (inner safety net): High-tensile nylon netting installed at the immediate course edge in high-risk zones (compressions, jumps, sharp turns). Designed to catch a racer who leaves the course at speed.
- B-net (outer safety net): A secondary net installed behind the A-net to provide additional deceleration distance. Required at all locations where the A-net alone does not provide sufficient stopping distance.
- Airbag fencing: Inflatable barriers placed in front of hard objects (lift towers, timing huts, trees, rocks) that cannot be removed. Airbags absorb impact energy and are required at all World Cup and Olympic courses.
- Padding: Foam padding on all rigid structures within 5 m of the course edge, including timing equipment, camera positions, and fence posts.
- Fencing: Spectator fencing separates the public from the course. Officials-only zones are marked and enforced.
8.2 Personal Protective Equipment
- Helmets: Mandatory for all competitors and forerunners in all events (ICR 606.4) (EN 1077 Class A for speed events).
- Back protectors: Mandatory in DH and SG. Must meet EN 1621-2 standards. Increasingly worn in all events.
- Airbag vests: Wearable inflatable vests that deploy on impact via accelerometer trigger. Permitted and increasingly common in speed events.
- Shin guards: Integral to slalom racing; protect against repeated high-force gate contact.
- Cut-resistant undergarments: Recommended to protect against ski edge lacerations in crashes.
8.3 Medical and Emergency Protocols
A fully equipped medical team must be on-site for every competition, including physicians, paramedics, and at minimum one ambulance positioned at the finish area. For DH and SG events, a helicopter must be available on standby for emergency evacuation. Medical sleds with immobilisation equipment are positioned at intervals along the course. If a competitor crashes and does not immediately rise, the race is stopped (red flag) and medical personnel are dispatched. The competitor may not be moved until cleared by medical staff.
8.4 Weather and Visibility Conditions
The competition jury has authority to delay, interrupt, or cancel a race based on weather conditions:
- Wind: Strong sustained winds at exposed sections of the course may trigger a delay. Higher gusts may warrant cancellation.
- Visibility: Flat light, fog, or heavy snowfall that prevents competitors from reading terrain safely is grounds for delay or cancellation. The TD and jury assess visibility from multiple points on the course.
- Temperature: Extreme cold or warm conditions causing dangerous surface softening may trigger delays. Snow temperature and air temperature are monitored.
- Snowfall: Heavy snowfall during a race may necessitate interruption to allow course workers to clear gates and maintain visibility. The jury determines whether conditions allow a fair competition.
If a race is stopped after a significant number of competitors have started, the jury may declare the partial results valid, re-run the event, or cancel entirely, depending on the circumstances and the proportion of the field that completed their runs.
8.5 Course Maintenance During Competition
Course workers continuously maintain the racing surface between competitors. In SL and GS, workers reset dislodged gate poles and repair ruts caused by turning. In DH and SG, workers may apply salt or water injection to harden the surface in warm conditions. The jury may institute “course holds” (temporary breaks) to allow major surface repairs without disadvantaging later starters.
