Olympic Skiing

Ever since Sondre Norheim brought skiing to the global spotlight as a recreational and challenging winter sport it has taken center stage at all the Winter Olympic Games held since 1924. Skiers from around the world compete in a myriad of skiing competitions. With each Olympics, technology and athlete performance push the limits of this sport. The admittance of skiing in the Winter Olympics has given this adventurous winter sport astounding popularity over the globe.

 

Skiing is an amazing sport that mixes the great outdoors and current technology. Skiing events are held all over the world and have become very popular. Be sure to get stickersprinted for your favorite ski team that are eco-friendly.

The five Olympic alpine skiing events for men and women today are Downhill, Slalom, Giant slalom, Super G, and Combined.

Downhill
The longest course and the highest speeds in alpine skiing are featured in the downhill event.  Every skier makes a single run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner.

Super-G
Super-G (for super giant slalom) combines the speed of downhill with the more precise turns of giant slalom. The course run is shorter than downhill but longer than a giant slalom course. Every skier makes one run down a single course and the quickest time determines the champion.

Giant slalom
Giant slalom is similar to the slalom, with fewer, but wider and smoother turns. Every skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day, usually with the first run occurs in the morning and the second run occurs in the afternoon. The times are combined together, and the fastest total time determines the winner.

Slalom
The slalom features the shortest course and the fastest turns. As in the giant slalom, every skier in the competition makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs also take place on the same day. The times are combined together and the quickest total time determines the champion.

Combined
The combined event consists of one downhill followed by two slalom runs, using a shorter course. The times are combined together, and the fastest total time determines the winner.

The first Winter Olympics held at Chamonix, France in 1924 included Nordic skiing and ski jumping events only. Then in 1932, at Lake Placid, cross-country skiing was included in the Olympic itinerary. However, Alpine skiing events including the popular downhill skiing were  excluded from the Olympic competitions for quite some time.

This was due to a lack of infrastructure and proper skiing equipment necessary for hosting such events. After the development of lifts, gondolas, cable cars and better equipment downhill skiing events became more prominent. Alpine skiers could use these lifts and move up the slopes with ease. This made practicing and enjoying the sport easier without being exhausted due to the steep climb on foot. Finally, at the 1936 Games in Innsbruck, Austria the Winter Olympics hosted the first exclusive Alpine skiing competition.

The induction of skiing in the Olympics brought exposure internationally to this ancient and traditional winter activity. Skiers of all calibers from across the globe participate in this prestigious event representing their respective countries. There is a sense of pride that comes with marching in the opening ceremonies with your countries flag displayed proudly.

Skiing has become a glamorous outdoor winter sport and Olympic skiing is very popular nowadays. Today skiing at the Olympics is not only about winning gold medals but its something more than that. Olympic skiing events are a platform where various companies, banks and corporate institutions market their products. Famous skiers are endorsing top brands such as Rossignal, Head, Sun Ice, and numerous other brands manufacturing sports accessories, sports equipment, etc. This is often a launching platform for professional careers.

The next winter olympics is being held in Vancouver/Whistler -The games are called Vancouver 2010. The alpine skiing events including the paralympics will  be held at Whistler Creekside.

Different ski clubs and ski schools have mushroomed all over the world providing courses and training to aspiring young athletes who are interested in learning how to become Olympic athletes. There are intense lessons to refine the skills of these athletes to bring them up to Olympic quality. In Canada there is an initiative called “Own the Podium 2010”. It is designed to help Canada become the number one nation in terms of medals won at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and to place in the top 3 countries overall at the Paralympic Winter Games.

The introduction of skiing into the Olympic arena has totally redefined this popular winter sport making it more thrilling and challenging. The downhill skiing events hosted at the Winter Olympics are among the most popular.