Disciplines
Since 1955 and the creation of the Critérium, all disciplines have been raced: slalom, giant slalom, super-g, downhill and alpine combined. Only parallel skiing, a “new” discipline in alpine skiing, has never been practiced at the Critérium de la Première Neige. Here is a description of each discipline:
THE DESCENT
(Speed event)
The downhill is the fastest discipline in alpine skiing and is considered the queen discipline. Athletes race down a specially prepared track with a steep incline and long curves at high speed. Downhill focuses on speed control, skier commitment and the ability to maintain speed. Runs are contested over 1 run. Before each run, training sessions are organized and compulsory so that skiers can get to grips with the piste at real speed.
SUPER-G
(Speed event)
Super-G is an intermediate discipline between downhill and giant slalom. The gates are spaced wider apart than in giant slalom, but narrower than in downhill. This discipline demands excellent technique, precise reading of the track, and the ability to adapt and anticipate. Unlike downhill, skiers don’t have to train before the race; they are only allowed to reconnoitre the course before the race (slowing down the course to anticipate key passages and the “traps” of the course). The super-G is contested over a single run.
SLALOM
(Technical event)
Slalom is an alpine skiing discipline characterized by tight, close turns. Slalom is considered the most technical discipline. The skiers make a series of fast, tight turns. Slalom requires great agility, exceptional coordination and responsiveness. The slalom is contested over 2 heats, with only the top 30 finishers in the first heat qualifying for the second. In the second run, skiers start in the reverse order of the first run (the 30th starts first and the 1st from the 1st run starts last). The final ranking is determined by the cumulative time of the 2 runs.
See you on Sunday, December 15, 2024 for a men’s slalom on the Face de Bellevarde.
THE GIANT SLALOM
(Technical event)
The giant slalom is a technical alpine skiing event that combines speed and agility.
Skiers race down a slope in a single run, navigating between widely spaced gates, requiring long turns and excellent speed control.
This discipline emphasizes essential skills such as edge control and fluidity of movement.
Athletes train on specially designed slopes to perfect their technique.
Join us on Saturday, December 14, 2024 for a giant men’s race on the Face de Bellevarde.
ALPINE COMBINED
The Alpine Combined is an event that generally combines a downhill and a slalom. The times of the two races are combined to determine the final ranking. This discipline tests skiers’ versatility, as they have to excel in both downhill speed and slalom precision.
