Downhill skiing is synonymous to alpine skiing, a discipline derived from the Nordic cross-country style and adapted to the steep slopes of the European Alps. In competitive skiing, downhill is all about speed, with some skiers averaging 80 mph on average. Downhill skiing as a recreational activity, usually just consists of descending a steep hillside on skis.
The Downhill Course
A course begins at the top or near the top of a mountain with a piste closed off to other skiers to avoid crashes. The trail is packed and groomed for just this purpose and red gates are placed to guide the skier along the designated course. The skier will then attempt to ski down the trail at high speed while keeping between the gates.
Depending on the skier or on the competition, the course may be designed to increase difficulty with conditions like challenging turns, skiing at high speed, skiing on flats or on extreme steeps. The course may also include jumps.
Your Equipment
If you want to ski downhill, your equipment will be different from those used in alpine events ran at lower speeds. Skis are a little longer with low-profile, rounded tips for better stability. The ski poles are also bent.
If you’re aiming to increase speed and decrease drag, you may also exchange your warm, bulky clothes for skin-tight suits. A helmet is always required, so be sure to wear one.
So How Do I Stop?
Probably your first concern as a beginner is how to stop, even before you start gliding. The most common technique is snowplowing. This involves spreading your legs and the pushing the tips of your skis together to form an inverted ‘V’. The purpose of this slightly awkward move is to increase drag and therefore allow you to slow down and eventually stop.
Some Things You Ought To Know
Downhill skiing will involve the most speed in snow sports so there are more risks than in other alpine events. If you want to learn downhill skiing, get lessons from a qualified instructor first and then try your skills on less steep hillsides. Gradually move to higher hillsides until you perfect your skill.
While ski resorts try to minimize risks by placing safety netting at specific areas of a downhill skiing trail, these will be worthless if you aren't careful. Build your stamina, strength and technical skills first because it will take a lot of courage to take a mountain on and push yourself off the mountainside.
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