How heavy can a skeleton sled be?
Officials' detail · The sled and officials · 2 of 4The sled may weigh at most 45 kg for men and 38 kg for women. Sled and athlete together, in full race kit, may weigh at most 120 kg for men and 102 kg for women. Lighter athletes may add ballast to the sled, but never to their bodies. The athlete and sled are weighed after a heat when the jury asks.
How it works
- Men's sled: at most 45 kg.
- Women's sled: at most 38 kg.
- Men, sled and athlete: at most 120 kg.
- Women, sled and athlete: at most 102 kg.
- Ballast: fixed firmly to the frame, base plate or saddle.
- Not on the body: ballast on the athlete is banned.
- Weighing: after a heat, on the jury's request; no changes beforehand.
- Second weigh: up to 5 minutes to clear snow and ice, without help.
The glossary has the sled weight limit, the weight check, the sled, the skeleton sled parts, the race suit and the skeleton.
Tricky cases
A light athlete wants to reach the limit. How?
By fixing ballast weights to the sled.
Can an athlete wear a weighted vest?
No. Ballast on the body is banned.
An athlete is 1 kg over after a heat. Can they clean the sled?
They may ask for a second weigh and have 5 minutes to clear snow and ice.
Does the race kit count?
Yes. The combined limit includes the complete race equipment.
Why the rule exists
Weight helps speed down a track, so a combined limit evens out heavier and lighter athletes. Banning body ballast keeps athletes safe.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 45 kg sled, 120 kg total | IBSF 10.14 |
| Women | 38 kg sled, 102 kg total | IBSF 10.14 |
| Bobsleigh | Separate limits per discipline | IBSF Bobsleigh 10.14 |
From the rule book
IBSF, International Rules Skeleton (September 2026), articles 10.14 and 12.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBSF International Rules, issued each season.