How does giant slalom work?
B · Beginner · The events · 4 of 7Giant slalom has more and tighter turns than super-G, and is always two runs. The second run may use the same hill, but the gates must be reset. The two times are added. Gates are 4 to 8 metres wide, with at least 10 metres between turning poles. The top 30 after the first run start the second in reverse order.
How it works
- Vertical drop: men 250 to 450 m, women 250 to 400 m; at least 300 m at the Olympics.
- Gates: four poles and two panels, red and blue in turn, 4 to 8 m wide.
- Spacing: at least 10 m between turning poles.
- Direction changes: 11 to 15% of the vertical drop.
- Two runs: always; the second run on the same or another course, with gates reset.
- Result: the two times added.
- Second run: the top 30 start in reverse order.
- Cut: the jury may limit the second run to half the starters.
The glossary has the giant slalom, the combined time, the start order, the turning pole, the direction changes and the gate.
Tricky cases
The leader after the first run: do they start first in the second?
No. The top 30 start in reverse, so the leader starts 30th.
A racer is 40th after the first run. When do they start?
After the top 30, in the order of the first-run results.
Can the second run use the same gates?
No. The course may be the same, but the gates must be reset.
What is a single-gate giant slalom?
One with only turning gates, except the first, last and delayed gates; it is allowed only at lower-level races.
Why the rule exists
Two runs on different settings reward consistency rather than a single lucky line. Reversing the top 30 gives the leaders a later start and makes the end of the race more exciting.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics | At least 300 m drop | FIS 901.1.3 |
| Youth | 200 to 350 m drop | FIS 901.1.4 |
| Single gate | Lower-level races only | FIS 904.1 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book IV: Joint Regulations for Alpine Skiing (edition July 2026), articles 900 to 907 and 621.11. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council each season.