What are the rules of slalom skiing?
B · Beginner · The events · 5 of 7Slalom is the shortest and most technical event. Gates are two poles, alternating red and blue, 4 to 6 metres wide and 6 to 13 metres apart. It is always decided over two runs on two different courses, times added. Racers start at irregular intervals, so the next racer may start before the last has finished.
How it works
- Vertical drop: men 180 to 220 m at the Olympics, women 140 to 220 m.
- Gates: two poles, or one turning pole where there is no outside pole.
- Colours: consecutive gates alternate blue and red.
- Width and spacing: 4 to 6 m wide; 6 to 13 m between turning poles.
- Combinations: open and closed gates, hairpins, vertical combinations and delayed gates.
- Two runs: always, on two different courses; times added.
- Start: irregular intervals; a racer must start within about 10 seconds of the signal.
- Flex poles: the turning pole bends when hit.
The glossary has the slalom, the slalom gate colours, the hairpin and vertical combinations, the turning pole, the single pole slalom and the combined time.
Tricky cases
Can a slalom racer knock poles out of the way?
Yes. Flex poles fold, and racers often clear them with the shins or hands; only the skis and feet must pass the gate line.
Can the second run use the same course?
No. A slalom needs two different courses.
A pole is knocked out before the racer passes the line. Then what?
The skis and feet must still pass where the gate stood, shown by marks in the snow.
What is a single-pole slalom?
A slalom with no outside poles, except at the first and last gates, delayed gates and combinations.
Why the rule exists
Tight, varied gates test quick edge changes. Two different courses mean no racer gains from learning a single setting.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics, men | 180 to 220 m drop | FIS 801.1.1 |
| Youth | 100 to 160 m drop | FIS 801.1.3 |
| Entry level | Three runs allowed | FIS 806.1 |
From the rule book
FIS, ICR Book IV: Joint Regulations for Alpine Skiing (edition July 2026), articles 661.4, 800 to 807. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIS ICR, revised by the FIS Council each season.