How do sit-skiers start a race?
A · Advanced · Racing · 1 of 3No outside help is allowed at the start. Standing skiers plant poles in front of the gate; sit-skiers plant outriggers behind it and get one push. A start is valid within 5 seconds of the start time. Start groups of up to 15 follow FIS points, and in two-run races the top 30 start the second run in reverse.
How it works
- Help: none.
- Standing: poles in front of the gate.
- Sitting: outriggers behind it; one push.
- Sit-ski gate: 80 cm high.
- Window: 5 seconds either side.
- Groups: up to 15, by FIS points.
- Level 0: best seven drawn for 1 to 7.
- Second run: top 30 reversed.
The glossary has the start procedure, the starting order, the FIS points, the AS1, the competitor categories and the race level.
Tricky cases
Can a coach push a sit-skier out?
No. One push is the skier's own.
A skier starts 6 seconds late. Valid?
No.
How are bibs 1 to 7 decided at a World Cup?
By draw among the best seven.
Why the gap after AS1 skiers?
So they nearly finish before the next starts.
Why the rule exists
A uniform start keeps timing fair. Reversing the top 30 balances course wear.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standing | Poles in front | R 409.3 |
| Sitting | One push | R 409.6 |
| AS1 | Longer interval | R 416.1 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Joint Regulations for Para Alpine Skiing (July 2026), articles 409, 415 and 416. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS para alpine rules, points rules, classification rules and equipment regulations.