What is the sled in Skeleton?

Section 2: Equipment

Maximum sled weight: 43 kg (94.8 lb) for men, 35 kg (77.2 lb) for women
Maximum combined weight (sled + athlete): 120 kg (264.6 lb) for men, 92 kg (202.8 lb) for women. If an athlete is under the maximum combined weight, ballast may be added to the sled up to the sled weight limit.
Sled dimensions: Maximum length 120 cm (47.2 in). Maximum width 38 cm (15 in). Minimum height of the frame above the runners: 8 cm (3.1 in).
Runners: Two steel runners with a gauge (distance between runner centers) of 34 mm. Runner length approximately 50 cm. Runner profile must match IBSF templates. Runners are removable for transport and temperature compliance.
Frame: Steel or composite frame. Handle bumpers (padded protrusions on the front) for the athlete to grip during the start push. No mechanical steering mechanisms — no moving parts.
Sled identification: Each sled is registered with the IBSF and marked with a unique identification number. Sleds are weighed and inspected before each race.

Chin-guard helmet mandatory, meeting IBSF specifications and EN 966 or equivalent certification
Must provide face and chin protection due to the head-first orientation; the athlete’s chin is approximately 5–10 cm above the ice surface
Visor or goggles may be used to protect against ice spray and wind
No aerodynamic modifications, fins, or fairings on the helmet permitted
Helmet must be securely fastened with a chin strap at all times during a run

Speed suit: Skin-tight racing suit made of approved materials. Maximum material thickness regulated by IBSF. No aerodynamic aids, ribbing, or surface texturing beyond normal fabric weave.
Spike shoes: Purpose-built shoes with metal spikes on the sole for traction during the running start. Maximum spike length 7 mm (0.28 in). Spikes also used for minor steering adjustments during the run (toe pressure on the ice).
Gloves: Required for grip on the sled handles during the start push. Padded palms; no spikes or gripping aids on gloves.

Runner temperature checked before each run using calibrated infrared thermometers
Runners must be within a specified temperature range relative to a control runner stored at track temperature (typically within 4 °C of the reference)
Heating runners (to reduce friction on ice) is prohibited; runners that exceed the temperature threshold result in DSQ for that run
Athletes typically store their runners in the same temperature-controlled environment as the control runner before racing

Maximum sled weight: 43 kg (94.8 lb) for men, 35 kg (77.2 lb) for women
Maximum combined weight (sled + athlete): 120 kg (264.6 lb) for men, 92 kg (202.8 lb) for women. If an athlete is under the maximum combined weight, ballast may be added to the sled up to the sled weight limit.
Sled dimensions: Maximum length 120 cm (47.2 in). Maximum width 38 cm (15 in). Minimum height of the frame above the runners: 8 cm (3.1 in).
Runners: Two steel runners with a gauge (distance between runner centers) of 34 mm. Runner length approximately 50 cm. Runner profile must match IBSF templates. Runners are removable for transport and temperature compliance.
Frame: Steel or composite frame. Handle bumpers (padded protrusions on the front) for the athlete to grip during the start push. No mechanical steering mechanisms — no moving parts.
Sled identification: Each sled is registered with the IBSF and marked with a unique identification number. Sleds are weighed and inspected before each race.

Chin-guard helmet mandatory, meeting IBSF specifications and EN 966 or equivalent certification
Must provide face and chin protection due to the head-first orientation; the athlete’s chin is approximately 5–10 cm above the ice surface
Visor or goggles may be used to protect against ice spray and wind
No aerodynamic modifications, fins, or fairings on the helmet permitted
Helmet must be securely fastened with a chin strap at all times during a run

Speed suit: Skin-tight racing suit made of approved materials. Maximum material thickness regulated by IBSF. No aerodynamic aids, ribbing, or surface texturing beyond normal fabric weave.
Spike shoes: Purpose-built shoes with metal spikes on the sole for traction during the running start. Maximum spike length 7 mm (0.28 in). Spikes also used for minor steering adjustments during the run (toe pressure on the ice).
Gloves: Required for grip on the sled handles during the start push. Padded palms; no spikes or gripping aids on gloves.

Runner temperature checked before each run using calibrated infrared thermometers
Runners must be within a specified temperature range relative to a control runner stored at track temperature (typically within 4 °C of the reference)
Heating runners (to reduce friction on ice) is prohibited; runners that exceed the temperature threshold result in DSQ for that run
Athletes typically store their runners in the same temperature-controlled environment as the control runner before racing