NCAA

Don't poach a set race course outside official windows

Skiing a freshly set race course — especially GS or slalom — outside of official inspection or training allocations is a serious breach. It can damage gate panels, alter snow surface, and give an unauthorized advantage. The race course is off-limits until the venue officially opens it.

Results in disqualification and potential disciplinary action when detected, but the prohibition is enforced partly by cultural pressure before officials act.

Don't 'burn' the course during inspection

Pre-race course inspection is for sideslipping and studying each gate. Skiing at racing speed through inspection — memorizing the line by feel while potentially displacing gates or icing a track — for competitors behind you is considered a serious breach of racing etiquette. Inspection is visual, methodical, and shared.

Applies to FIS-sanctioned NCAA races where all competitors inspect the same freshly-set course in a designated window.

Clear the course immediately after a crash or missed gate

If you crash or miss a gate (DNF), the expectation is to exit the course laterally as fast as possible — ideally without disturbing remaining gates — so the next starter is not delayed and the course is not further damaged. Lingering or sliding down inside the course is strongly frowned upon.