|
It is now becoming a popular sport having first developed in the early 18th century in Norway.
Basics
In Skiing, all competitive events involve timed races with staggered starts. Competitors ski downhill individually on a specific course against the clock. There are three types of ski events; downhill, slalom and giant slalom.
In downhill events, the slopes are steep with long straight runs and fast, sweeping turns between gates (which are at least 8 metres apart). The downhill events are considered the premium prize of Alpine Skiing.
Slalom events are more technical, requiring acute turns. The gates define a tighter course and skiers often need to make contact with the gate poles to stay on course.
The giant slalom mirrors the other slalom event, although the course is much longer and there are several key differences. There are fewer gates, more gentle slopes, longer curves and more substantial gates, which are at least 10 metres apart.
Equipment
The central core of the ski is made from a blend of different types of wood, from composite fibres, or from a combination of both. This core may have an integrated vibration or flexibility control system within it. There are three sections to skis - the spatula, the wrist and the tail. Performance on the snow depends upon ski length, overall width and cut (which is the difference in width between the three sections). Longer skis are used in downhill Skiing, providing more stability but less manoeuvrability than slalom skis, which have a narrow waist allowing fast changes of direction.
Helmets and skin-tight ski suits made from synthetic fibres are worn. Goggles with filtering lenses are optional, but can be vital in difficult weather conditions. For slalom, chin guards are attached to the helmet to protect the head, and shin guards are worn because of contact with gate poles.
The straight gate poles, which need to be sturdy but light, are made of alloy and composite fibres.
History
Fridtjof Nansen, the Norwegian explorer, travelled to Greenland on Nordic skis in 1888, and his exploits inspired mountaineers from France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. These mountaineers then imported the skis from Scandinavia, greatly expanding their use and popularity.
However, Nordic Skiing techniques had limited application in mountainous terrain, and modifications were made to make the sport appropriate to the Alps - leading to the term Alpine Skiing. The International Ski Federation (FIS) was founded in 1924 and gave rise to organised Alpine Skiing competitions which started in 1931.
Combined downhill and slalom Skiing for both men and women were introduced to the Olympic Winter Games in 1936. Then in the Games of 1948 at Chaminox in France, these were admitted as separate events. |