Although both sports require participants to travel over the snow and reach a final destination, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing have many differences. The sports use different criteria when developing the depth of the courses and determining the skis used by the skiiers. These differences prevent the sports from becoming too similar, which would obstruct the integrity of both.
Downhill Track
Every type of downhill event has its own specifications for its vertical drop and gate placement. When building the course, organizers consider the skill level of the racers when placing gates and determining their width. Having too many hairpin combinations on the course could become dangerous. When navigating the course, the racers should not have the ability to memorize the turns but should come up with a strategy that offers the best line down the hill. Ideally the racers will find the turns difficult, but not impossible.
Downhill Skis
In a downhill race, men must have a ski length of at least 215 cm, while women must use skis at least 210 cm in length. Men and women must have a profile width of 67 cm under the binding and 95 cm in front of the binding, as well as a radius of at least 45 cm. Neither gender can use equipment with skis, plates and bindings over 50 cm in height.
Cross-Country Track
When creating a cross-country track, organizers make the course one-third uphill, one-third rolling terrain, with a height differential of between 1 and 9 m, and one-third downhill. The length of the race determines the severity of the climbs and descents, as sprint courses cannot have a height difference of more than 50 m, while races 15 km and over can have a height difference of up to 200 m. Organizers also avoid including too many sharp turns, which could hinder the rhythm of the racers.
Cross-Country Skis
The ski length depends on the height of the competitor, as you must use skis no more than 100 mm shorter than you. You cannot use skis thinner than 40 mm, with a curved tip with a width of at least 30 mm. The tail of your ski cannot rise more than 30 mm, while your ski must have an overall height of between 20 and 35 mm, including bindings. You must use two skis constructed from the same material, and they must weigh at least 750 g combined.
References
- United States Ski and Snowboard Association; Alpine Officials Manual: The Racecourse: 2010-2011
- International Ski Federation: Specifications for Competition Equipment
- International Ski Federation; International Ski Competition Rules: Cross-Country; September 2008
- International Ski Federation; Specifications for Competition Equipment and Commercial Markings; October 2010
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