How is an alpine ski race decided?
B · Beginner · The events · 1 of 7Alpine racers ski down a course one at a time, against the clock, passing through every gate. The fastest time wins; in two-run events the two times are added. Missing a gate means disqualification. There are four main events, from the fast downhill to the tight slalom, plus combined, parallel and team events.
How it works
- One at a time: racers start at set intervals and are timed from start to finish.
- Gates: every gate must be passed correctly, or the racer is disqualified.
- Speed events: downhill and super-G, with long, fast courses and one run.
- Technical events: giant slalom and slalom, with more turns and two runs.
- Combined: a speed run and a slalom run, times added.
- Parallel: two racers side by side on matching courses, in knockout heats.
- Timing: to a hundredth of a second; a tie is a shared place.
- Rule book: the FIS International Ski Competition Rules, which the Olympics also use.
The glossary has the downhill, the super-G, the giant slalom, the slalom, the gate and the timing.
Tricky cases
Two racers have the same time to the hundredth. Who wins?
Both share the place. The results list the one with the higher start number first.
Does every event have two runs?
No. Downhill and super-G are usually one run; giant slalom and slalom always have two.
Can a racer who falls get up and finish?
Yes, if they have not missed a gate or come to a complete stop and turned back.
Who sets the rules for Olympic ski racing?
The FIS, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
Why the rule exists
Racing one at a time against the clock lets every skier face the same course. Splitting events by speed and turns rewards different skills, from courage at speed to quick technique.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Speed events | One run, long courses | FIS 706, 1006 |
| Technical events | Two runs | FIS 806, 906 |
| Ties | Shared place | FIS 617.3.3 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book IV: Joint Regulations for Alpine Skiing (edition July 2026), articles 614, 617, 700 to 1242. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council each season.