DISCIPLINES
Since the creation of the Critérium in 1955, all Alpine skiing disciplines have been contested, including slalom, giant slalom, Super-G, downhill, and alpine combined. Only parallel events, a “new” discipline in Alpine skiing, have never been held as part of the Critérium de la Première Neige.
Here is a description of each discipline:
1. THE DOWNHILL
Speed Event
Downhill is the fastest discipline in Alpine skiing and is considered the sport’s premier event. Athletes race down a specially prepared course featuring steep gradients and long turns at very high speeds. Downhill focuses on speed control, the athletes’ commitment, and their ability to maintain momentum throughout the run. Races are decided in a single run. Before each downhill event, mandatory training sessions are held to allow skiers to familiarize themselves with the course at race speed.
2. THE SUPER-G
Speed Event
Super-G is a discipline that combines elements of downhill and giant slalom. The gates are set further apart than in giant slalom, but closer together than in downhill. This event requires outstanding technical skills, precise course reading, and the ability to adapt and anticipate. Unlike downhill, skiers do not have training runs before the race. They are only allowed to inspect the course beforehand by skiing down it at a controlled speed, allowing them to anticipate key sections and identify potential “traps” along the route. Super-G is contested in a single run.
3. THE SLALOM
Technical Event
Slalom is an Alpine skiing discipline characterized by tight and closely spaced turns. It is considered the most technical discipline in the sport. Skiers complete a series of quick, sharp turns, requiring exceptional agility, coordination, and responsiveness. Slalom is contested over two runs. Only the top 30 skiers from the first run qualify for the second run. In the second run, skiers start in reverse order of their ranking from the first run. The final results are determined by adding together the times from both runs.
4. THE GIANT SLALOM
Technical Event
Giant slalom is a discipline that combines speed and technical precision. Skiers race down the course while navigating through gates set farther apart than in slalom, requiring long, sweeping turns and excellent speed control.
This discipline highlights essential skills such as precise edge control and smooth, fluid movements. Athletes train on specially prepared courses to refine their technique. Giant slalom is contested over two runs, with the final standings determined by the combined times of both runs.
5. THE ALPINE COMBINED
Alpine combined is an event that traditionally combines a downhill race and a slalom race. The times from both races are added together to determine the final standings. This discipline tests a skier’s versatility, requiring excellence in both the speed of downhill and the precision of slalom.
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