THE EVENTS – Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill, Super G, Alpine Combined, Parallel, Kombi,
and SkillsQuest: (Disciplines are branches of a sport and may comprise one or several events. For example, Alpine, Cross Country, Freestyle, and Snowboard are disciplines of snow sport, and the following are events in the Alpine Skiing discipline.)
Slalom (SL) is a technical event requiring the execution of many short, quick turns. The course is
made up of various gate combinations designed to test a competitor’s skill and strategy. Slalom is
staged in two runs, and when possible, should be held on the same day with times added together to
determine final finish order. Slalom for youth (non-scored) may be conducted in either one or two runs
(806.1).
Giant Slalom (GS), is also a technical event and requires competitors to race down the mountain
through a faster and more open course than Slalom. Giant Slalom is staged in two runs that, whenever
possible, should be held on the same day with times added together to determine final finish order
(906.1). Giant Slalom for youth (non-scored) may be conducted in either one or two runs. Depending
on the terrain and the course set, the Jury may designate “yellow flag zones” in order to stop on-course
competitors who are approaching a situation that may impede further advancement.
Downhill (DH) is a speed event characterized by a course that tends to follow the contours of the hill
or trail and allows the competitors some freedom to find the fastest “line.” Downhill is generally a
one-run event; however, in cases where required vertical drop is not possible or the winner’s time is
not equal to a minimum winning time prescribed in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Competition
Regulations (ACR), a downhill in two runs (Sprint Downhill), may be staged.
Downhill is restricted to Senior, U21, U18, U16, and U14 competitors; however, U14 competitors may
only compete in Downhill events that adhere to special rules. U.S. Ski & Snowboard rules do not allow
younger age groups to compete in Downhill. All Downhill courses have “yellow flag zones.” These
are areas designated by the Jury for stopping on-course competitors who are approaching a situation
that may impede further advancement. Although all events require that movement on course be
limited, Downhill requires that, with the exception of the racer on course, there be NO movement. This
is commonly called a “course freeze”; the course freeze time is noted on the daily Program by
indicating when coaches must be in place.
Super Giant Slalom (SG), is a hybrid of downhill and giant slalom. Super G is always a one-run event
and is restricted to Senior, U21, U18, U16, U14, and U12 competitors. U14 and U12 competitors may
only compete in Super G events that adhere to special rules. U.S. Ski & Snowboard rules do not allow
Super G for younger age groups. Super G courses also have “yellow flag zones”; these are areas
designated by the Jury for stopping on-course competitors who are approaching a situation that may
impede further advancement. Although all events require that movement on course be limited, Super
G requires that, with the exception of the racer on course, there be NO movement. This is commonly
called a “course freeze”; the course freeze time is noted on the daily Program by indicating when
coaches must be in place.
Alpine Combined (AC) is a two-run event composed of a speed event – either one run of Downhill or
Super G and a technical event – one run of Slalom. The speed portion is usually staged first, but rules
are in place which allow for staging the Slalom first. Rules for the individual events, combined with
rules for two-run races, are in effect. Alpine Combined events are currently not being staged for youth.
Parallel (P) events are competitions where two competitors race simultaneously side by side down one
of two separate but equal courses. Results are based on either a one-run format or a two-run combined
time format. If the two-run combined time format is used, the racers switch courses for their second
run. Overall winner is decided either by fastest time on course (1- run format) or fastest combined
time (2-run format).
Kombi (K) is an internationally recognized event for youth racing that consists of a mixture of standard
turns and gates. The event meets development needs for these younger age groups, creating tactical
awareness by blending sections of different gates in a flowing, rhythmical, constantly changing pattern.
The SL/GS Kombi format is a technical orientation based on SL and GS and, with the exception of
specific rules applying to course setting, is governed by GS rules; this includes helmet rules. The
GS/SG Kombi format is a speed orientation based on GS and SG and, with the exception of specific
rules applying to course setting, is governed by SG rules; this includes helmet rules.
SkillsQuest (SQ) represents a quest, or journey, toward success in competitive skiing and
snowboarding. It focuses on skills, the critical components that make up a high-performing athlete,
and includes activities and competencies for skiing skills, technique, and tactics, conditioning,
equipment preparation, performance psychology, and athlete management. SkillsQuest competitions are organized in such a way that athletes can be scored in various areas. This will allow coaches, trainers, and parents the opportunity to assess an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses and prepare a more-balanced, individual training program.