🏛️Official — FIS
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Never snake a feature — wait your turn in the rotation
Cutting ahead of another skier who has already committed to hitting a jump, rail, or halfpipe is the cardinal sin of park and pipe culture. The person in the air or on the feature has absolute priority. Snaking is treated as both dangerous and deeply disrespectful across all freestyle disciplines.
Stop and yield when a competitor crashes in a feature
If an athlete crashes in the pipe, on a jump, or in a slopestyle course, those behind them call off their runs immediately. Proceeding when someone is down — especially in a landing zone — is considered a serious breach of both safety and sportsmanship.
Cheer loudly for rivals' good runs in halfpipe and slopestyle
Freestyle skiing, particularly halfpipe, has a strong culture of athletes celebrating competitors' standout runs regardless of nationality or rivalry. Remaining silent or stone-faced when a rival throws down an exceptional run is seen as poor form. This tradition was highly visible at Olympic competitions from the 1990s onward.
Don't stand in the landing zone of a jump
Stopping or congregating at the base of a kicker or any jump landing is an unwritten rule violation with both safety and cultural weight. Beyond physical danger, lingering there signals obliviousness to the flow of the session and disrespect for the athletes using the feature.
Respect and thank the park and pipe crew
Freestyle skiers are expected to show gratitude to the crews who shape halfpipes and build terrain park features. Riding carelessly through a freshly shaped pipe or destroying a feature setup is viewed as deeply disrespectful. Acknowledging the crew's work is a cultural norm among professional and amateur athletes alike.
Key Fact: Freestyle Skiing equipment minimums are set by Section 2.1 of the FIS rulebook.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the equipment listed in Section 2.1 of the FIS rulebook is merely a suggestion for what's acceptable, when in reality it's a strict requirement meant to ensure safety and fairness across all competitions. The confusion arises because some skiers or coaches might overlook these guidelines as optional, leading to arguments about whether certain gear is necessary or not.
All skis must have functioning release bindings certified to DIN/ISO standards. Bindings must be set according to the athlete's weight, ability level, and discipline.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that skis just need to be functional for competition, forgetting about the crucial release bindings. But in reality, the official requirement is that all skis must have certified DIN/ISO release bindings set according to individual athlete specifications, which leads to much debate and misunderstanding among competitors.
Helmet: FIS-approved helmet mandatory in all five disciplines. Must conform to EN 1077 (Class A for race events, Class B minimum for park events) or equivalent ASTM standard.; Back protector: Mandatory for Aerials, Ski Cross, and Halfpipe at World Cup level. Strongly recommended for all disciplin...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that protective equipment in Freestyle Skiing must be set by a coach's preference alone, forgetting that there are strict DIN/ISO certification standards for release bindings that athletes must adhere to ensure safety and fairness in competitions.
Poles: Mandatory for Moguls (used for balance and rhythm). Optional for other disciplines. Exposed sharp points are prohibited.; Speed suit: Permitted in Moguls for aerodynamic advantage. Must not incorporate rigid fairings or non-textile panels.
Why people argue about this
People often argue that they can't find a reliable source for certified DIN/ISO release bindings, leading them to believe these are too expensive or unavailable, when in fact it's about ensuring safety and performance compliance with the rule, not just cost.
Length: 220–270 m (722–886 ft).; Width: Minimum 18 m (59 ft). The course is carved into natural or machine-built mogul bumps approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) apart trough-to-trough.; Gradient: 26–32 degrees. A consistent pitch ensures uniform bump formation.
Why people argue about this
People often argue that the gradient range (26-32 degrees) for moguls courses is too vague, thinking it means exactly those numbers with no wiggle room, when in fact, FIS specifies these are guidelines and judges have some discretion to adjust based on overall course conditions.
Each discipline uses specifically designed competition venues.
Why people argue about this
People often argue that all freestyle skiing competitions are held in identical venues designed for each discipline, thinking they're as uniform as ice hockey rinks. But actually, these venues vary greatly based on terrain features and obstacles needed for specific tricks, leading to different setups even within the same discipline across seasons or events.
Kickers: Three snow-built jump ramps with table heights of 2.0 m (6.6 ft), 3.2 m (10.5 ft), and 3.8 m (12.5 ft). The 3.8 m kicker is used for triple somersault dives.; In-run: A steep, groomed in-run track approximately 60–70 m (197–230 ft) long, allowing athletes to reach takeoff speeds of 55–65...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the different table heights in Freestyle Skiing's Aerials Site are purely for aesthetic purposes, but actually, they serve a crucial role in determining the difficulty level of the jump. The height of each kicker affects how high skiers can go and how far they can rotate, which directly impacts their score based on technical execution and flight time.
Length: Minimum 150 m (492 ft).; Width: 19–22 m (62–72 ft) from lip to lip.; Wall height: 6.0–7.0 m (19.7–23.0 ft), commonly referred to as a "22-foot superpipe" (measured as the vertical height of the transition wall).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 26-32 degree gradient requirement in the halfpipe means it's a perfectly flat bowl with just bumps of varying sizes. But actually, what they mean to say is that the course must have consistent, evenly spaced mogul bumps within those steep angles, ensuring every skier faces the same challenge regardless of where they start.
Length: Minimum 400 m (1,312 ft).; Width: Minimum 30 m (98 ft).; Features: 6–9 features arranged in sections — typically a jib section (rails, boxes, wall rides) followed by a jump section (2–3 progressively larger jumps with gap distances of 10–25 m / 33–82 ft).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 1-1.5 meter kicker table heights are fixed for all skiers, which leads them to argue about adjustments or variations in height across different competitions. The confusion arises because this rule specifies a range rather than an exact number, implying flexibility but without clearly defining how much variation is acceptable or encouraged.
Length: 800–1,200 m (2,625–3,937 ft).; Vertical drop: 130–250 m (427–820 ft).; Features: Banked turns (berms), rollers, step-ups, step-downs, and tabletop jumps. Course design must allow 4 athletes to race side-by-side at all points.
Why people argue about this
People think that the 18-meter minimum width is strictly about safety barriers, but actually it's crucial for creating a consistent and challenging course layout with varied bump formations. The confusion arises because skiers need enough space to maneuver around obstacles while ensuring there are no gaps where they might lose control or get stuck between bumps.
Moguls and Aerials: Individual competition. Field sizes typically 20–30 athletes per gender.; Halfpipe and Slopestyle: Individual runs. Qualification rounds narrow the field to 12 finalists.; Ski Cross: Head-to-head heats with 4 athletes per heat. A timed qualification run seeds the bracket.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only one TD is appointed by FIS for all competitions, when in reality, there are multiple Technical Delegates covering different aspects like course certification and equipment checks across various disciplines and events. The confusion arises because this oversight structure isn't always clearly explained or communicated to all competitors beforehand.
Moguls and Aerials: individual. Ski Cross: head-to-head racing (4 competitors per heat).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in Ski Cross, all four competitors race against each other head-to-head like in a traditional relay race, but actually, they're racing against the clock as individuals within their own heat, with only those three others competing at the same time. The structure's complexity can lead to misunderstandings about how points are awarded and who exactly is racing against whom.
Moguls: 7 judges total — 5 turns judges (high and low dropped, 3 counting) and 2 air judges (scores averaged). A pace time system independently calculates the speed score.; Aerials: 5 judges score each jump. High and low are dropped; 3 counting scores are summed and multiplied by the DD.; Halfpip...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only the Technical Delegate (TD) appointed by FIS is responsible for judging athletes' performances during competitions, forgetting that a Chief of Competition also plays a crucial role in managing race-day logistics and ensuring all rules are enforced, not just technical aspects.
A Technical Delegate (TD) appointed by FIS oversees course certification, equipment checks, and rule enforcement. A Chief of Competition manages race-day logistics.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only the Chief of Competition is in charge during a race, overlooking the crucial role of Technical Delegates who ensure course safety and athlete equipment compliance according to FIS standards. This oversight leads to misunderstandings about whose responsibilities take precedence on race day.
Moguls: two runs in qualification, one in final. Scored on turns (60%), air (20%), and speed (20%).
Why people argue about this
People often think that the scoring breakdown of 60% turns, 20% air, and 20% speed means each category is equally important, but actually it's designed to emphasize different aspects of mogul skiing where speed can be manipulated by a skier's technique, making it potentially more influential than the static elements like turns and jumps.
Qualification: two runs, best score counts. Top 20 advance to the final round.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in the qualification round of moguls skiing, they're supposed to ski both runs at full speed for maximum points, leading to arguments about how best to approach each run. Actually, skiers should focus on executing their best moguls technique and form in each run, as only the better score from the two attempts counts towards advancing to the final round.
Qualification: 2 jumps, best score counts. Top 12 advance.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in the qualification rounds for aerials, athletes run only once to determine their seeding, which leads them to misunderstand how the bracket system works later on with 4-person heats. Actually, they run multiple times during qualification to set seedings based on time, but it's the subsequent heat format where they're paired into groups of four that confuses many.
Qualification: best of 2 runs. Top 12 advance to the final.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the timed runs are solely for seeding purposes without further competition, but in reality, these qualifying runs are part of a bracket system where athletes compete head-to-head in heats of four to determine their final ranking and seedings for the finals. They don't just pick winners; they're integral to creating the tournament structure.
Qualification: best of 2 runs. Top 12 advance.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in slopestyle qualification runs, athletes are judged based on their scores rather than just timed times, which leads them to argue about how scoring works during heats. However, the official verdict clarifies that it's solely the timed run that decides seedings for heats of four competitors each, not any score-based ranking system.
A timed solo qualification run determines seedings. Athletes are then placed in a bracket of 4-person heats.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that ski cross qualification runs are purely for seeding purposes only, forgetting that these runs count as official races where athletes can earn points towards their final ranking. The confusion arises because they overlook how qualifying results directly impact which heats an athlete will be placed in during the main competition rounds.
Turns (60%): Maximum 60.00 points. Judges assess fall-line skiing, edge control, body position, consistent rhythm, and speed maintenance through the bumps.; Air (20%): Maximum 20.00 points. Two air judges score each of the two jumps on execution (form, landing) multiplied by the jump's DD. The tw...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that judges only score based on which skier looks cooler in the air or lands better, forgetting about form and takeoff angle entirely. But actually, the scoring breakdown emphasizes these technical aspects equally as much as the visual appeal of a run, aiming to capture the full spectrum of what makes a mogul run exceptional.
Varies by discipline. Moguls: combined score from turns (max 60), air (max 20), speed (max 20).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the scoring system in moguls freestyle skiing is solely based on turns, which they believe determines a winner every time. However, the actual system includes scores from turns (max 60), airtime (max 20), and speed (max 20), making it more complex than just relying on turns alone.
Five judges each score 0–10 (in 0.1 increments) on air (takeoff angle, height), form (body position, symmetry, tightness), and landing (balance, absorption, cleanness). High and low scores are dropped; 3 remaining are summed and multiplied by the DD.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all five judges score independently of each other, thinking their individual scores are averaged out by a committee. However, the actual scoring system in aerials involves each judge giving a score for air, form, and landing separately, which means every judge's opinion is equally weighted regardless of whether they agree or disagree with each other’s assessments.
Six judges score each run on an overall impression basis from 0 to 100. The highest and lowest scores are dropped; the remaining four are averaged.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that judges drop their highest and lowest scores to prevent extreme outliers, but they're actually meant to remove the most inconsistent scores from a judge's panel, not necessarily the worst or best performances. This can lead to confusion about how exactly those "outliers" are defined and who gets to decide which scores are removed.
No scoring system — placement is determined by finish order. Timing to 1/1,000th of a second is used for the qualification run and to resolve any photo-finish disputes in heats.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that Ski Cross uses a scoring system similar to other alpine skiing disciplines based on their experience with downhill races, but actually, it's purely time-based; placements are decided by who finishes where in each run, and timing precision is only used for deciding ties or photo-finishes.
In judged disciplines (Moguls, Aerials, Halfpipe, Slopestyle), ties are broken by comparing the second-best run score, then the third-best, and so on. In Ski Cross, if two athletes cross the finish line simultaneously (per photo finish), the higher-seeded athlete advances.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in Freestyle Skiing's tiebreaking system, all runs are equally considered for breaking ties, which isn't true. The official rule actually specifies comparing only the second-best run scores first before moving to third-best and so on, leading to a more nuanced approach than what some might initially think.
FIS World Cup points are awarded based on finishing position: 1st = 100 pts, 2nd = 80 pts, 3rd = 60 pts, scaling down to 30th = 1 pt. Points accumulate across the season to determine the discipline-specific and overall World Cup standings.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that points are awarded for every finish position, thinking it's a simple count from 1st place down to last, but actually, once you reach the 30th place, no more points are given out for subsequent finishes in the race. This can lead to confusion about how World Cup standings accumulate over multiple races and seasons.
In Freestyle Skiing, a Red Card results in immediate disqualification from the heat for dangerous actions.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a Red Card in Freestyle Skiing is given for just any dangerous move, which leads them to misunderstand how severe it actually is. The confusion arises because they overlook the fact that a Red Card specifically targets actions deemed so reckless or harmful that they warrant immediate disqualification from the heat right away, not just a warning or suspension.
Yellow card: Warning for minor contact or course-cutting that did not materially affect another athlete's result. No immediate disqualification, but accumulation of yellow cards across the season can lead to suspensions.; Red card: Disqualification from the heat for intentional pushing, pulling, ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if their equipment fails inspection only during the run itself is penalized, forgetting that failing pre-competition inspection means they're immediately disqualified from starting at all. They overlook the severity of the initial non-compliance issue and its immediate consequence.
Performing a dive that differs from the submitted dive sheet: the actual DD (typically lower) is applied to the scores.; Exceeding the declared DD without prior notification: scoring may be adjusted downward by the jury.; Dangerous landing (e.g., landing on the head or back): the jump is scored 0...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if their equipment fails inspection, they can just fix it on the spot during their run without penalty, but actually, the rule states that issues must be corrected before starting, or else the athlete may face disqualification for not adhering to pre-competition standards.
Athletes whose equipment fails pre-competition inspection (skis too short, bindings not certified, helmet non-compliant) are not permitted to start until the issue is corrected. If discovered after the run, the result may be disqualified.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if their equipment is just a tiny bit non-compliant (like skis being even 1mm too short), they can still get away with it because of the leniency in measurement. However, the rule strictly enforces compliance within specified tolerances to ensure fair play and safety standards are met across all athletes.
Failure to appear at the start within the allotted time: DNS (Did Not Start).; Unsportsmanlike conduct or verbal abuse toward officials: yellow card or disqualification.; Doping violations: handled per FIS Anti-Doping Rules and WADA Code.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that Yellow cards are just for minor mistakes like falling down, but they mistakenly believe Red cards should only be used for really egregious stuff like intentionally slamming into other skiers. In reality, both colors apply to infractions that don't affect results, with the Red card being reserved for actions that put others in danger.
All competition venues must be inspected and certified by the FIS Technical Delegate before the first training run. Landing areas require minimum snow depth (typically 1.0–1.5 m / 3.3–4.9 ft of packed snow) to ensure safe impact absorption.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the minimum snow depth requirement applies only during training runs, forgetting it must be met for all competition preparation activities as well. The misunderstanding stems from interpreting "before the first training run" too narrowly, overlooking the broader scope of course inspection and certification required by this rule.
Landing areas prepared with specific snow depth minimums. Airbag landing systems for Aerials training.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that airbag landing systems are only for safety during competitions, forgetting they're also used in training areas to ensure athletes land safely regardless of their skill level or competition status. The confusion arises because this rule applies equally to all types of training sessions, not just the high-stakes competition events.
Aerials: Maximum sustained wind speed 4 m/s (9 mph) at kicker height. Gusting conditions may lead to competition hold or cancellation.; Moguls: Maximum 8 m/s (18 mph). Visibility must allow athletes to see the full course from the start.; Halfpipe / Slopestyle: Maximum 8 m/s (18 mph). Wind affect...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they start a run, they're solely responsible for their own safety without considering the course conditions, thus misunderstanding the rule which clearly states athletes are only accepting safe conditions by starting.
A medical team with stretcher and toboggan access must be stationed at every jump, kicker, or feature location.; An ambulance must be on-site with a clear evacuation route to the nearest hospital.; For Aerials, an airbag landing system must be available during official training sessions for athle...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that just by starting a run, they've accepted all course conditions as safe without realizing they're also expected to inspect the course themselves during the official inspection period. The confusion arises because this responsibility is explicitly stated in the rule but not widely known or emphasized, leading many athletes to overlook their duty of care.
Athletes are responsible for inspecting the course during the official inspection period. By starting, an athlete accepts that the course conditions are safe.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that starting a run automatically means they've inspected the course themselves, so they don't see the need for an official inspection period. The confusion arises because athletes are indeed responsible for ensuring their own safety by inspecting the course during designated times, but not necessarily before they start their runs.
FIS follows a standardized concussion management protocol. Any athlete suspected of concussion (loss of consciousness, disorientation, balance problems, or visible distress after impact) must be im...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the "8.5 Concussion Protocol" in Freestyle Skiing is about doping tests, thinking it's related to anti-doping rules enforced by FIS. However, this protocol actually deals with recognizing and managing concussions among athletes during competitions, not testing for performance-enhancing substances.
Moguls and Aerials events may be held under artificial lighting for broadcast purposes. Lighting must provide minimum 1,200 lux across the competition area with no dark zones or glare on the snow surface.; Athletes must have the opportunity to train under artificial lighting before competing in n...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that anti-doping tests in Freestyle Skiing are only conducted during daylight hours, overlooking the fact that FIS explicitly states they also happen at night and under artificial light conditions, which can lead to misunderstandings about when athletes might be tested.
FIS enforces anti-doping rules in accordance with the WADA Code. In-competition and out-of-competition testing is conducted at all World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic events.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that anti-doping rules only apply to athletes who compete in major championships like World Cup and Olympic events, but they mistakenly believe it doesn't cover training sessions or other out-of-competition activities. The confusion arises because these testing protocols are explicitly stated for all events, not just the high-profile ones.
All skis must have functioning release bindings certified to DIN/ISO standards. Bindings must be set according to the athlete's weight, ability level, and discipline.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the weight requirement for setting bindings is based solely on their own body weight, leading to misunderstandings about how much they should adjust them for optimal performance, when in fact it's tailored specifically to match their skill level and discipline within freestyle skiing.
Length: 220–270 m (722–886 ft).; Width: Minimum 18 m (59 ft). The course is carved into natural or machine-built mogul bumps approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) apart trough-to-trough.; Gradient: 26–32 degrees. A consistent pitch ensures uniform bump formation.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the mogul course length of 220-270 meters is strictly about distance alone, forgetting that it also includes a minimum width requirement of 18 meters to ensure skiers have enough space between jumps for proper turns and maneuvers. This oversight leads to misunderstandings on how to properly construct and maintain the playing area.
A Technical Delegate (TD) appointed by FIS oversees course certification, equipment checks, and rule enforcement. A Chief of Competition manages race-day logistics.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only the TDs appointed by FIS are responsible for course certification and equipment checks, forgetting that a Chief of Competition also plays a crucial role in race-day logistics, which can lead to misunderstandings about who oversees what aspect of competition management.
Qualification: two runs, best score counts. Top 20 advance to the final round.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only the lower of their two run scores counts towards qualification, which leads to misunderstandings about how the scoring system works in Freestyle Skiing's qualifying rounds under FIS rules. Actually, the rule states that each competitor gets two runs and their best score is what determines advancement into the final round, not necessarily the worst of their attempts.
Five judges each score 0–10 (in 0.1 increments) on air (takeoff angle, height), form (body position, symmetry, tightness), and landing (balance, absorption, cleanness). High and low scores are dropped; 3 remaining are summed and multiplied by the DD.
Why people argue about this
People often think that judges only score air components for jumps, forgetting about form and landing aspects equally crucial in freestyle skiing. However, the official verdict clarifies that all three elements - takeoff angle/form, height of jump, and balance/absorption/cleanness on landing - are scored by each judge, leading to a more comprehensive evaluation of an athlete's performance.
Athletes whose equipment fails pre-competition inspection (skis too short, bindings not certified, helmet non-compliant) are not permitted to start until the issue is corrected. If discovered after the run, the result may be disqualified.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that equipment issues only matter before a run begins, so they ignore pre-competition inspections thinking it's just formalities. But actually, if problems are found then, athletes can be disqualified for their entire competition due to safety concerns, not just from that one run.
All competition venues must be inspected and certified by the FIS Technical Delegate before the first training run. Landing areas require minimum snow depth (typically 1.0–1.5 m / 3.3–4.9 ft of packed snow) to ensure safe impact absorption.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the minimum snow depth requirement applies only during training runs, thinking it's a temporary measure until competition day. However, they misunderstand that the 1-meter snow depth is a permanent safety standard for all use of landing areas throughout the entire event, not just before the first run.