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.