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).