Ski mountaineering words · Beginner

A race up and down mountains on skis: athletes climb on skis with skins, climb some sections on foot with skis on their backpack, then ski down. Races range from sprints of about three minutes to individual races of over an hour.

The world governing body for ski mountaineering, based in Lausanne. It writes the Rules & Guidelines and runs the World Cup and World Championships.

A short loop with two climbing sections on skis split by a foot section, then a descent through gates, raced in a timed qualification and then heats, semifinals and a final of six athletes. The best take about 2:30 to 4:30.

A single climb on skis with no foot section: 500 to 700 m of ascent for seniors, at an average gradient of at least 15 per cent.

The long technical race, off-piste where possible, with three to seven climbs and descents. Seniors climb 1,300 to 1,600 m (men) or 1,150 to 1,400 m (women), and the winner takes at least 1 hour 15 minutes. At least 85 per cent is raced on skis.

A long race for teams of two (three in some cups) of the same gender and nation who must stay together. Seniors climb 2,100 to 2,400 m (men) or 1,800 to 2,100 m (women).

A relay for one woman and one man from the same nation, who each race the loop twice, taking turns. A timed qualification sets the 12 teams for the final. It is one of the two Olympic events.

Set by age on 31 December of the season's second year: U18 (17 and 18), U20 (19 and 20), Senior (19 and over), with U23 a subcategory of seniors (19 to 23). Younger and masters categories exist too. U18 athletes cannot race in the World Cup.

Removable strips stuck to the base of the skis so they grip the snow when climbing. They must not come from wild animals, and adhesive tape on them is banned. When not on the skis, skins must be stowed in the race suit or backpack.

The marking that tells athletes how to move: green flags mean skis with skins on; yellow flags mean on foot, skis on the backpack; red flags mean skiing down without skins, boots locked.

A part of the track climbed on foot, with the skis fixed to the backpack with two straps. If the skis come loose, the athlete must stop and refix them.

A closed area between an entry and an exit line where athletes change mode: skins on or off, skis on or off the backpack. Every change must be done inside it, poles first placed on the ground.

The kit every athlete must carry or wear: skis, bindings, boots, poles, skins, helmet, gloves, backpack, clothing layers, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, survival blanket, eyewear, whistle and ID. On secured slopes in good weather the Technical Jury can drop some items for vertical, sprint and relay races.

A device that sends a signal so a buried athlete can be found. It must meet standard EN 300718 at 457 kHz, have three antennas and be worn in a zipped pocket inside the race suit. It must stay on until the athlete leaves equipment control at the finish.

A certified helmet worn with the chin strap fastened from start to finish.

All athletes start together in rows of up to eight; the usual start for vertical, individual and team races. The best World Cup athletes start on the front rows (pole position).

Any visible movement after "Set" and before the start signal. Athletes are not stopped: the penalty is added at the finish, 3 minutes in long races and 30 seconds in short ones.

Time is taken at the first line; athletes must cross a second line 3 m beyond before stopping. Under 0.2 seconds apart, the photo finish decides on the front foot. A team finishes on its second member.

Time added to the result, on two scales: individual and team races use 30 seconds, 3 minutes or disqualification; vertical, sprint and relay races use 3 seconds, 30 seconds or disqualification.