Alpine Skiing

Background

• Alpine skiing is a popular sport worldwide, with approximately >200 million participants per year.

• High speeds, variable terrain, and weather conditions, combined with equipment, can create a significant opportunity for getting injured.

• Equipment changes have changed the nature of injuries, but with more recent studies showing some decline in injury rates.

• Lower extremity injuries are the most common, but upper extremity injuries are also frequent.

• Head injuries and chest wall/abdominal trauma are also of great concern because these injuries can be life threatening.

• Medical issues include cold exposure, sun exposure, altitude issues, and general travel-related problems.

Levels of Competition

• Alpine ski racing at its highest level is governed by Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS).

• US Ski & Snowboard Association is the governing body in the United States.

• The US national team is divided into four groups: A–D. Athletes are ranked according to skill, with elite skiers in the A team, down to the development team (D team).

• Junior levels are divided by age groups (U21, U19, U16, U14, U12, U10, and U8).

• Often, there is overlap between collegiate levels, high school levels, and junior race clubs.

• Levels U12–U21 may compete locally, regionally, and nationally, with the best skiers competing internationally. U10 and younger usually compete locally and occasionally regionally.

• Recreational skiers can compete in the National Standard Race (NASTAR). The NASTAR is a program wherein recreational skiers of all ages and abilities can test their skills on courses set up at resorts across the country. Times and scores are compared under a universal handicapping system similar to that used in golf.

Events