Alpine Skiing

Alpine skiers streak down an icy hill at speeds of more than 130 kilometres per hour. Spectators swear that alpine is an event that television can only partially capture. But even on the small screen, the sport's excitement and electricity are clear.

The sport's racers have to pass through a series of gates on their way down a steep hill. Skiers who miss a gate must either climb back up and go through the missed gate - taking valuable time in a sport that is decided by hundredths of a second - or be disqualified.

At The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, alpine will be split into five categories: Downhill, Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G and Super Combined. Men and ladies compete in separate categories and competitors can participate in as many events as they can qualify for.

Downhill:

The downhill event features the longest course (a 1,100-metre vertical drop for men and an 800-metre drop for women) and the highest speeds of alpine skiing. Each skier makes a single run down a the course and the fastest time wins.

Slalom:

Slalom features the shortest course (180 metres for men and 140 metres for women) and the quickest turns. Each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. Both runs take place on the same day-usually the first run is held in the morning and the second in the afternoon. The times for both runs are added together and the skier with the fastest total time is the winner.

Giant Slalom:

Also known as the GS, the giant slalom has fewer turns than the slalom. This means that the turns can be wider and smoother. In this event, each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope; both runs take place on the same day. The times for both runs are then combined and the fastest total time wins.

Super-G:

Super-G stands for super giant slalom. It combines the fast speeds of downhill with the more precise turns of the giant slalom. The course is shorter than the downhill but longer than the giant slalom. Each skier makes one run down a single course and the fastest time determines the winner.

Super Combined:

Super Combined brings the downhill and slalom runs together. Skiers complete one downhill run followed by two slalom runs using a shorter course. As in the slalom events, the times are added together to determine the winner. These runs are conducted independently of the regular downhill and slalom events.

Fast Facts: 

• Austria has won more Olympic medals in alpine skiing (101) than any other country in a single sport in the Olympic Winter Games

• Norway is second with 87 in cross-country skiing

• Austrian men have won at least one alpine medal at every Games since 1948

• Austrian ladies have won a medal at every Games except 1936 and 1988

There have been five podium sweeps in Olympic history:
• 2006 slalom AUT men
• 1998 combined GER ladies
• 1994 combined NOR men
• 1964 downhill AUT ladies
• 1956 giant slalom AUT men

There have been four ties in Olympic history:
• 1998 men's super-G silver
• 1992 ladies' giant slalom silver
• 1964 ladies' giant slalom silver
• 1948 men's downhill bronze (4 medals awarded)