Speed skiing is the sport of skiing downhill in a straight line at as high a speed as possible, as timed over a fixed stretch of ski slope. There are two types of contest: breaking an existing speed record or having the fastest run at a given competition.
These records have been registered in the official competitions organized by the different federations which have managed this sport at a mondial level, across the time (ISS, FISV, FIS, ...). Today, all the races are supervised by the International Ski Federation (FIS).
Speed skiing dates from 1898 with a run by American Tommy Todd, reported at 87 miles per hour (140 km/h). Official records began with an 89 mph (143 km/h) run by Leo Gasperl in 1932.
The Evolution of Speed Skiing Courses
Speed skiing is practiced on steep, specially designed courses one kilometer (0.62 mi) in length. There are approximately thirty of these courses worldwide, many of them at high altitudes to minimize air resistance. These records have been established on the quickest tracks of each time.
In 2022, the quickest active track is Chabrières in Vars (France).
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The first 300 or 400 m (980 or 1,310 ft) of the course (the launching area) is used to gain speed, the top speed is measured in the next 100 m (330 ft) (the timing zone) and the last 500 m (1,600 ft) (the run-out area) is used for slowing down and coming to a stop.
The start point in FIS races is chosen so that, in theory, skiers should not exceed 200 kilometres per hour (124 mph), hence competition is aimed at winning a particular event, not breaking world speed records.
In theory, speeds could continue to increase by using even longer and steeper slopes; this would eventually change speed skiing into something closer to skydiving except with skis rather than a parachute.
Canada's Fastest Skiers: Aerodynamics
Equipment and Techniques
Speed skiers wear dense foam fairings on their lower legs and aerodynamic helmets to increase streamlining. The special skis used must be 240 cm (7 ft 10+1⁄2 in) in length and at most 10 cm (3.9 in) wide, with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33 lb) for the pair. Ski boots are attached to the skis by bindings.
Beyond Speed Skiing
Otherwise, other speed sports use skis : monoski, snowboard, telemark, skibob, snowscoot.
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Notable Speed Skiing World Records
Here are some notable speed skiing world records:
| Year | Skier | Speed (km/h) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Leo Gasperl | 143 | |
| 2023 | Simon Billy | 255.5 |
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