What is it?
The most explosive Alpine discipline, with rapid turns on steep, short courses. Specially developed gates, hinged at the base, mean competitors literally go through rather than around them as they do on the downhill and super-G.
Rules
Two runs, the fastest aggregate time wins. The course is often changed after the first run but both runs take place on the same section of mountain. It's instant disqualification if you miss a gate.
History
Slalom is one of the oldest Alpine disciplines, with competitive races first held early in the 20th century. The first Olympic slalom was held in 1948, the event having previously been combined with the downhill. Slalom has been an FIS event since the World Cup circuit began in 1967.
Random fact
In the past three years the equipment has changed radically and racers now use much shorter skis - typically around 160cm. The skis now have a deep side cut to aid turning.
The lowdown
- Racers wear body armour to protect their head, legs, arms and hands as they plough straight through the gates.
- Past winners of the World Cup slalom standings include Croatia's Ivica Kostelic and Sweden's Pernilla Wiberg.
- Depending on the difficulty of the course, racers can hit speeds of up to 56kmh.
The one to beat
Olympic champion Janica Kostelic is dynamite. No-one on the women's slalom circuit can match her for speed or aggression. The Croatian's not bad at giant slalom either - she's world number one and Olympic champion.
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