What is speed skiing?

Competitions and tracks.

The tracks are up to one kilometre long and have a steep gradient - the steepest tracks have a gradient of up to 170% (approx. 60 degrees). The difference in altitude between the start and the course is between 200 and 500 metres. The athlete picks up speed on the first 300-400 metres of the track, which is measured on the following 100-metre section (the timing zone). This ensures a sporting comparison. The fastest athlete wins the competition. There are about 50 homologated speed ski tracks worldwide. The fastest of these are in Les Arcs (FRA), Vars (FRA) and Verbier (SUI).

Mode.

The athletes compete on specially prepared slopes. In the World Cup, there is no course inspection as in the alpine competitions, but free training. The starting point is moved up after each run to increase the speed.

The first race runs are used for qualification. The slowest racers are eliminated. The race or qualification heats are followed by the semi-finals and the final.

Categories/Classification.

There are three classes: Speed 1 (S1, also classic or pro class), Speed Downhill (SDH, also production or downhill class) and Speed Downhill Junior (SDH Junior).

Equipment.

The equipment differs from category S1 to SDH: Athletes in category S1 wear a tight-fitting racing suit made of coated polypropylene, an aerodynamically shaped sports helmet and ski poles shaped to fit the body. Spoilers are additionally mounted on the ski boots. The skis have an extra width compared to normal skis and are between 2.25 and 2.40 metres long. The athletes in the SDH category wear the so-called production material. Equipped as in the Alpine World Cup with a normal racing suit/helmet and ski poles, downhill skis are between 2.10 and 2.25 metres.

FIS World Cup/
Crystal globe.

The Speedski World Cup is an international competition in speed skiing organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The races take place in Europe and North America.

In the Speedski World Cup, there is a small crystal globe for the best lady and the best man, the same as in the Alpine Ski World Cup. Theoretically, the Speedski World Cup can also be won by an SDH skier. In practice, however, this is unlikely, as the material of an SDH skier is considerably slower than in the S1 class. At the end of the season, the FIS publishes a Speed Ski Overall World Cup list for the S1 class and a secondary list for the SDH categories.