Alpine & Nordic Skiing

Men and women Alpine skiers compete in five Olympic events.
In the downhill event, the fastest skiing event, skiers race down the side of a mountain, one skier at a time. The skier with the fastest time is the winner.

GO HERE TO SEE A QUICKTIME MOVIE ABOUT DOWNHILL SKIING

In slalom races skiers zigzag downhill, changing direction quickly to ski around flags called 'gates', set in the snow. Giant slalom and super giant (Super G) are longer slalom races with fewer gates.

In Alpine combined events skiers must complete two slalom races and a downhill race.

Alpine skiers wear boots that are clamped onto skis. They use their bodies to control the skis and to change direction. Ski poles are used for balance and for turning.

Nordic skiing events for men include cross-country races and ski jumping competitions. There are relay races and events for single skiers and teams.

In cross-country skiing events, skiers race over distances ranging from 5 to 50 kilometres. They ski across fields, through forests and along trails. Nordic skiers wear skis which are longer and thinner than skis worn in Alpine events. Skiers take long steps as they slide across the snow and they use snow poles to push themselves along.

Ski jumpers speed down a snow-covered ramp called the inrun. At the end of the inrun the skier takes off, up and over a steep hill. In the air the skier leans forward and after a few moments lands in the snow. Points are awarded for the length of the jump, measured from the take-off to the landing. Judges also award points for how well the skier landed and their jumping style.

GO HERE TO SEE A QUICKTIME MOVIES ABOUT SKI JUMPING

Go to: Winter Olympics, Biathlon, Curling, Speed Skating, Luge, Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding

If you use any of this information in your own work acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
The Winter Olympics (2001). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

updated August 2001