What is it?
Super-G stands for super giant slalom and is a cross between the downhill and the giant slalom events. It marries the wide, long turns of giant slalom to the steep slopes of downhill. For this reason it's often nicknamed the slow downhill or fast giant slalom. The top skiers almost glide through the long turns without losing any momentum.
Rules
One run, fastest down the mountain wins. Just like the giant slalom you get disqualified if you don't stay within the gates marking the course.
History
Super-G is a modern concept in Alpine racing and only became part of the FIS World Cup circuit in 1985. The discipline became an Olympic event in 1988.
Random fact
The course is shorter than downhill but longer than a giant slalom course. At Olympic level any piste must have a minimum of 35 changes of direction for the men's race and at least 30 changes of direction for the women.
The lowdown
- It's one of the most technical Alpine disciplines demanding precise, technical turns at very high speeds.
- Super-G is often raced without any training runs. The competitors just get to inspect the piste on race day.
- Marcus Wasmeiner won the first men's overall super-G title in 1986.
- Italy's Daniela Ceccarelli is the current Olympic women's champion, while Norway's Kjetil Andre Aamodt holds the men's title.
The one to beat
Austria's Renate Goetschl is the most consistent ladies' super-G racer in the world. She's fast, aggressive and has been a fixture in the world's top five since 1998.
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