Slalom Skiing

winter sports · racing · snow

Weaving through gates. In slalom, skiers race down a snowy slope while zig-zagging between pairs of poles called gates. The gates are much closer together than in other skiing races, so skiers have to make quick, sharp turns instead of long gliding ones.

Super fast turns. Because the gates are so close, slalom skiers need to be speedy and super sharp with their movements. They lean and pivot their skis quickly to dart through each gate without hitting the poles.

Alpine skiing style. Slalom is a type of alpine skiing, which means racing down steep mountain slopes. Other alpine events like giant slalom and downhill exist too, but slalom has the tightest, most challenging gate spacing.

Olympic event. Slalom skiing is a major event at the Olympic Winter Games and the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, where the best skiers in the world compete for medals.

Also for snowboarders. Slalom is not just for skiers. Snowboarders compete in slalom too, weaving through gates on their snowboards with the same exciting speed and technique.