What is Alpine Skiing?
Alpine Skiing has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1936, and is one of the Winter Olympics’ signature competitions. Often referred to as downhill skiing, it involves competitors skiing down a snow-covered mountain slope as quickly as possible. It’s held in a time trial format, as opposed to skiers racing each other. Overall, alpine skiing has five events – downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super-G and combined. Medals are on offer for both men and women in each event.
A mixed team event – a parallel slalom competition – was added for the 2018 Winter Olympics and is a part of the 2022 Winter Olympics as well.
How can I get involved?
You fix on a pair of skis to your feet, whilst wearing special boots, and glide down a slope. Many people in the United Kingdom learn the basics of alpine skiing on dry ski slopes or at indoor snow centres, which offer lessons and equipment rental. Find a club or facility near you and get involved.
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Interested in having a go? We can help set you on your Alpine Skiing journey:
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If you’re an Alpine Skier yourself, share your photos with us at: iliyana@snowsportengland.org.uk
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN I GET THERE
- Skiing is a great workout for the whole body – you can burn up to 500 calories an hour.
- Skiing is a great work out for the whole body” perhaps combining it into the first bullet point
- Snowsport centres and dry ski slopes around the country offer lessons to children as young as three.
- Skiing is open to all and anyone with a disability can compete. There are clubs and facilities across the UK offering lessons. Disability Snowsport UK has loads of advice about getting involved. They offer lessons, recreational adaptive skiing with local groups and a race league which is open to people with or without a disability.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Who can start Alpine Skiing?
Anyone can give skiing ago, and it’s great fun for all the family.
- Do I need prior experience in Snowsport?
No prior experienced is needed, and you can book lessons at a club or facility near you.
- Can I Alpine Ski if I have a disability?
Yes you can, you know your disability better than anyone so use our club and facility finder to find a lesson near you.
- One unique thing about Alpine Skiing:
The British invented modern Alpine racing, Sir Arnold Lunn was the founder 100 years ago.
- Benefits of Alpine Skiing:
Nothing beats the the feeling of flying down the hill to to give you a huge buzz. It’s also great exercise, you can learn a new skill and meet new people.
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