Alpine skiing is a kind of sports discipline in which a person descends from a mountain on skis along a specific route indicated by special signs. There are several types, each of which differs in technical parameters of the route. This is the height difference, the number of gates and the length of the track itself.
A bit of history
Alpine skiing appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Skiers composed of several people formed a group called the Pitmen. Already in 1923, the first section of skiers was created in Moscow. And 11 years later, the city of Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) met the first Russian championship in one of the types of skiing - slalom for men.
Already in 1939, women began to perform in the discipline of slalom. After 9 years, the ski federation of the Soviet Union joins the international ski federation. And in 1956, the USSR officially participated in the Olympic Games. One of the athletes, Evgenia Sidorova, wins a bronze medal in the slalom discipline, and Viktor Talyanov falls into the top ten athletes in the downhill category.
In the future, Soviet and then Russian athletes actively participated and participate in various competitions and increase the development of skiing.
Equipment for the skier
Skis that skiers use are heavier, wider, and shorter than regular skis. This feature allows you to go down the mountain at high speed, overcoming sharp turns and elevations. They are made of composite materials and are selected individually for each athlete. In this case, just the right selection of skis matters. They are the main tool of the skier. It is he who will allow the athlete to reach certain heights in his discipline, to identify strengths and weaknesses, to understand what needs to be changed in his training.
Alpine skiing competitions always mean the “right” boots, which are very important for training. The foot should feel comfortable inside the plastic boots. In the case of improper selection of shoes, the athlete will not only achieve nothing in the chosen sport, but will also not be able to train normally. If for the first time shod shoes seem uncomfortable, it is better not to use them and choose a different model.
Anchorages are a transitional mechanism between shoes and skis. He has a dominant role in the use of this equipment. He connects skis and boots, and creates a single connection that allows the athlete to win the competition. Convenience, speed and safety of the skier during the descent from the mountain depend on the design features of the mount. Probably the main feature so important for the skier is the free release of his legs in injuries. In this case, you should correctly select the response force of the mount. This is done according to special tables, which will help to choose the right parameters for the safety of the skier.
A helmet is the main “mechanism” for the safety of a skier. It protects the athlete from injuries in the event of falls and collisions. The helmet should fit snugly to the head and not cause discomfort.
Points - without this tool the skier will not go far. They not only protect the eyes from the headwind (you can imagine how much air flows into the face when descending from the mountain), but they also do not allow ultraviolet rays to affect the organs of vision.
Clothes for the skier
Clothing for skiing, as you might guess, is made of a special fabric that protects from the wind, does not get wet, retains heat and minimizes the resistance of oncoming air. Clothing, like ski equipment, should be given special attention. First of all, it is your health, and your safety. Remember, the descent from the mountain is not a ski trip in the forest. And you will have to move actively, which means that the clothes should be not only comfortable, but also free.
Under the ski suit should wear thermal underwear. It will help the body keep warm, and you will feel comfortable.
Gloves play an important role in protecting hands from the headwind. You should choose only those that can effectively protect your hands from the cold and in which you will be comfortable. Below will be considered types of skiing.
Downhill
Downhill is rightfully considered the most dangerous type among other disciplines that are “managed” by such an organization as the Alpine Skiing and Snowboard Federation. Here, not only the longest tracks are present, but also athletes develop the highest speed. According to some reports, it can reach 200 km / h. This is more than the speed of the paratrooper, which is less than 7 km / h.
Trails along which skiers go the distance are designed just for speeds up to 200 km / h. The distance is once. Who will pass faster, he won.
Interesting fact. In 2005, 328 ski skiers were officially registered, having overcome the speed on the downhill of 200 km / h.
To achieve this speed, you need not only to use special skis and a suit, but also the track must be prepared in a special way. It is located high in the mountains.
An important component of victory is all factors, not just skiing and skiing. These include not only the physical preparation of the athlete, but also his psychological attitude. And it should be noted that more often it is more important than the rest.
Determine the speed on a separate section of the route with a length of one kilometer.
Next will be considered other types of skiing.
Slalom
Slalom refers to those disciplines in which a skier descends from a mountain along a 500-meter-long track. It is marked with special gates, the width of which reaches 4 meters. The gates are two poles, or they are also called poles. The distance between the gates is up to 15 meters. Usually this value is from 7 to 15 meters. Only in the case of special tracks the nearest width can differ by a value of 0.75 meters. The height difference from start to finish is t 180 to 220 meters for men. In women, this value is less than just 120 to 180 meters.
The steepness of the slopes is located at an angle of 20-27 degrees. And the fourth part of the route has a slightly sharper angle - 30 degrees.
The speed of skiers with this discipline is low, compared with downhill, and is 40 km / h.
The discipline stipulates that the skier will pass all the gates installed on the highway. If one flag is touched, it will be removed from this distance.
In such a discipline, as in the rest, which are described below, the right clothing for skiing is extremely important.
Giant slalom
This ski discipline is also called giant slalom. Its principle is similar to the usual slalom. Only a longer track, from 1 to 1.5 km. The width of the gate is from 4 to 8 meters. The speed reaches 80 km / h. The width of the track is about 40 meters.
Competitions are held on two tracks. One for men, another for women. If possible, then the races are made in one day.
It is important to note here that skiing in Russia is developing fairly evenly (that is, all disciplines).
Super giant
This discipline occupies a higher position in technical characteristics than the giant slalom. The difference from the latter is in the length of the route, there are more elevation differences, there is a variety of falls, hillocks. Of these factors, the athlete’s high speed when descending from the mountain follows.
Super combination
Alpine skiing in the super-combination discipline combines giant slalom and downhill skiing. In such discipline, one slalom race first occurs, and after one downhill race. In the latter case, they can hold a super giant.
Arrivals are made in one day. The champion becomes the one who took less time to complete both races.
What does it take to become a skier?
Alpine skiing (photos of snow-covered slopes are simply mesmerizing) are of interest to many. Have you also thought about how to become a skier? Then it’s worth looking at the photos, then the video, in order to understand how the disciplines described above are. Understand whether you need it? If necessary, then work hard, become a champion. If you just decided to ride with the breeze, you still need to know a lot about the right choice of equipment and clothing for skiers. Saving on this aspect should not be in any case.
What does it take to become a skier? A wish. This is the first and most important. But without patience and hard work, no one can become an excellent athlete.
Desire, constant training, persistence in achieving the goal will allow you to achieve unprecedented heights, which many athletes at first do not even think about. There is a lot of work to be done on oneself, but here is the most important factor, without which nothing will work. This is a desire. It will be, it will be everything. And most importantly, work and not give up.
In our country there is a federation of skiing and snowboarding, which trains athletes and conducts various ski competitions. For those who wish to become a champion, the path is always open.