How do guides work in para alpine skiing?
I · Intermediate · Racing · 5 of 5A vision impaired skier races with a licensed sighted guide of the same nation, who leads by voice and must pass every gate. The guide stays within four gates in slalom, three in giant slalom and two in speed events. Any contact disqualifies. Guides wear a G bib, and one guide gets a medal.
How it works
- Guide: licensed, same nationality.
- Voice: leads the skier.
- Gates: must pass through all.
- Slalom: within four gates.
- Giant slalom: within three.
- Speed: within two.
- Contact: disqualification.
- Bib: G, pink, yellow or orange.
The glossary has the guide, the guide distance, the guide position, the changing guides, the guide bib and the Bluetooth headset.
Tricky cases
Can an AS1 skier ski in front of the guide?
At level 2 and 3, by choice before each run.
Can a guide change between the two runs?
No.
Can guide and skier hold a pole between them?
No. Contact through equipment is banned.
Do guides get medals?
One guide does.
Why the rule exists
Close guiding keeps blind skiers safe at speed. Banning contact makes the skier do the skiing.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Slalom | Four gates | R 1303.1 |
| AS1 at levels 2 and 3 | May lead | R 1302.6 |
| Headsets | Allowed | AE 1.8 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Joint Regulations for Para Alpine Skiing (July 2026), articles 1302 and 1303, with the adaptive equipment regulations, article 1.8. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS para alpine rules, points rules, classification rules and equipment regulations.