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From the Olympics Toword Tomorrow

Shinano Mainichi

Alpine Skiing

Official practices for the men's downhill on the Happo-one piste in Hakuba (The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun, Feb. 5, 1998)

Downhill
Of the five alpine skiing disciplines (slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill and combined,) downhill has the longest total course length and vertical drop. Although it may seem that skiers only have to ski down the hill heroically, in the ultimate situation in which skiers reach momentary speeds of 130 km/h for men and 115 km/h for women, it calls for precise judgment, turn technique and jump techniques. At the same time, skiers must overcome the fear of speed, wind pressure and the centrifugal force encountered during turns.

The men's course has a total length of 3,270 m. It starts from an altitude of 1,765 m, and competitors ski all the way down to 925 m in one run. The women's course is 2,654 m long. It starts from an altitude of 1,680 m, and the competitors ski a vertical drop of 781 m.

Areas requiring advanced technique, such as jumps (three for men and two for women) and hairpin curves are scattered throughout this course, which has a high degree of difficulty. If competitors take the turns too wide it results in a time loss, and loses speed for the more gradual slopes in the middle and final sections of the course. How smoothly the skiers can take the curves without losing speed will determine the winners.

The snow quality at Hakuba, which varies greatly according to meteorological conditions and place, will also affect times. Competitors will bring ten or so sets of skis with them, and select those which are best suited to the course and snow conditions. Because it is a dangerous event competitors are made to wear helmets, and also wear supporters and protectors under their suits.

Giant Slalom and Slalom
Giant Slalom calls for sound turning techniques and tactical ability and is referred to as "complicated and difficult to win." In the course inspection carried out before the race competitors judge the distances between gates, the topography and snow quality, and quickly decide on their strategies. How the actual slope will be countered during the race decides the winners.

The Higashidate course has a vertical drop of 439 m, and is 1487 m long (men's Giant Slalom). With steep and gradual slopes there are abundant changes in topography, and there are also slight undulations. 50 to 60 gates are set on the course.

Slalom uses the shortest course in the Alpine events, connected by turns. Explosive power, reflex ability, and sense of rhythm are important. Competitors ski down the slope while knocking down the poles in a straight line of travel. The gate poles are fitted with a spring which enables the pole to be tilted over, but skiers still encounter a great shock each time they hit the poles. Compared to the events of old in which skiers skied between the poles without touching them, today's slalom requires competitors have the power to withstand such shocks and a sturdy physique.

The vertical drop in the Mt. Yakebitai course is 220 m, and it is 607 m long (men's Slalom). The vertical drop is at the upper limit prescribed by the rules, making it one of the tougher courses in the world.

The starting order, those first down the course while it is still smooth are at an advantage. In both Slalom and Giant Slalom, skiers have two runs, and positions are calculated on a total time. (originally run Desember 17, 1997)

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Copyright 1998 The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun