Forms of Skiing

Skiing comes in several forms, with each requiring different skills to succeed. Ski racers must move quickly through a course, while jumpers require agility to fly through the air and land on their skis. Because so many forms of skiing exist, even recreational skiers have many choices when selecting an event.

Downhill Races

You can downhill-ski both competitively and recreationally, depending on your skill level. Competitive downhill races come in the form of the downhill race, slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom, with each of these races having different gates for competitors to navigate. Racers consider the slalom and giant slalom more technical because the gates do not have much distance between them, while the downhill and super giant slalom remain as speed-based events.

Freestyle Jumping Events

Freestyle skiing has increased in recognition because of its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Moguls and the aerial ski jump call for you to complete tricks on the course, for which judges will award you a score. Judges base your moguls score on your speed, the technical nature of your turns, and your jumps. In aerials, judges look at the height, form and landing of your jump. They also provide you with a starting value for your jump based on its degree of difficulty.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country ski races occur on a lengthy course and usually include an uphill and downhill portion. These portions do not become as steep as a downhill race, however, so the skier must power himself, rather than rely on gravity. Olympic competitors participate in 12 events, varying in length from 10 kilometers to 50 km. Some races do not allow you to use a skating technique, as you must use the classical cross-country stride. Cross-country skiing remains a top choice for recreational skiers, since you can ski almost anywhere with snow.

Ski Jumping

When ski jumping, you go down a ramp at full speed and jump onto the hill below the ramp. Judges base your score on the distance that you travel, in addition to your technique throughout the jump. Each hill has a line on it where you should attempt to land. If you pass the marker, you gain one point per meter. If you come up short of the mark, you lose one point for every meter. Judges also give you a score based on your body position, ski position and landing during your jump.