What are the rules of downhill skiing?
B · Beginner · The events · 2 of 7The downhill is the longest and fastest event. Men's Olympic and World Cup courses drop 800 to 1100 metres, women's 450 to 800. Gates are at least 8 metres wide and mark the line. Racers must take part in official training and complete at least one timed training run. The race is one run.
How it works
- Vertical drop, men: 800 to 1100 m at the Olympics and World Cup.
- Vertical drop, women: 450 to 800 m.
- Gates: four poles and two panels, red or blue, at least 8 m wide.
- Course: about 40 m wide, with safety netting where racers could fall.
- Training: official training is part of the event; three days are normally scheduled.
- Timed training: a racer must complete at least one, or may not start.
- The race: one run; a two-run downhill is allowed on a shorter course.
- Helmet: a crash helmet that meets FIS specifications.
The glossary has the downhill, the official training, the vertical drop, the gate panel, the crash helmet and the not permitted to start.
Tricky cases
A racer skips all the training runs. Can they race?
No. A racer who has not done at least one timed training run is not permitted to start.
A racer falls in training. Can they ski on through the gates?
No. They must leave the race line and go to the finish along the edge.
Why do men and women use different gates on a shared course?
Extra women's gates are blue, so racers can tell their own line.
Can a downhill be run in two parts?
Yes. The jury may split it into two runs if snow or weather threaten the full course; the times are added.
Why the rule exists
Speeds above 120 km/h make training runs essential, so racers learn the jumps and turns before the race. Wide gates let them choose a safe line at speed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics, men | 800 to 1100 m drop | FIS 701.1.1 |
| Women | 450 to 800 m drop | FIS 701.1.2 |
| Two-run downhill | 350 to 450 m drop | FIS 701.1, 706.2 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book IV: Joint Regulations for Alpine Skiing (edition July 2026), articles 700 to 707 and 627.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council each season.