What’s downhill racing?

There are four types of downhill (alpine) races. They vary in the type and scale of the course to be covered. (Downhill, Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super Giant Slalom)

In one type of race, generally referred to simply as downhill racing, the object is to move down a sharply descending slope in the fastest possible time in essentially a straight line. This requires balance and coordination because speeds of up to 129 km/hr (80 mph) are sometimes reached. The skier is held to the packed and prepared course by a series of gates, made up of poles with marker flags, placed in pairs, through which the racer must pass; these gates vary in width and placement. Knocking down a pole does not matter provided the racer has passed through the gate.