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: 800–1100 m (2625–3609 ft) for men; 450–800 m (1476–2625 ft) for women. Olympic and World Championship courses aim for the upper range.
- Super-G: 400–650 m (1312–2133 ft) for men; 400–600 m (1312–1969 ft) for women.
- Giant Slalom: 300–450 m (984–1476 ft) for men; 300–400 m (984–1312 ft) for women.
- Slalom: 180–220 m (591–722 ft) for men; 140–200 m (459–656 ft) for women.
3.3 Course Width and Terrain
Minimum course width is 40 m (131 ft) for DH, 30 m (98 ft) for SG, and 40 m (131 ft) for GS and SL at the widest points. The finish area must be flat or slightly uphill to allow safe deceleration, with a minimum width of 20 m (66 ft) and a recommended run-out of at least 60 m (197 ft) beyond the finish line for speed events. 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. Gate specifications vary by discipline:
- DH gates: Rectangular panels approximately 75 cm wide, mounted on flexible poles. Gates are spaced widely apart (minimum 8 m horizontal distance between consecutive gates). Directional gates mark the racing line through high-speed terrain.
- SG gates: Similar panel size to DH, with a minimum horizontal distance of 6 m between turning poles of successive gates and a minimum of 25 m measured directly along the fall line between gates.
- GS gates: Two pairs of poles (four total) with rectangular panels, minimum 4 m gate width. The offset (horizontal distance between successive gates) must be at least 10% of the course width to ensure meaningful direction changes.
- 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, with a minimum vertical distance of 0.75 m and maximum of 13 m between gates.
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 area features electronic timing beams (photocells) set at knee and chest height, connected to a certified timing system. A photo-finish camera records each competitor crossing the finish line for dispute resolution.