Course Inspection
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Overview: Inspecting the course before a race will improve your result and safety. You won’t have time to actively think about every turn during the race. Instead, focus on the main features of the course including delay gates and flushes and changing snow conditions and visualize the line you want to take through these features.
Course Inspection
World Cup racers explain how and why inspecting and visualizing a racecourse is so important.
Shiffrin’s Inspection Strategy
Mikaela Shiffrin’s “Keys to Inspection” that help her prepare for a race are as follows:
- Memorize rhythm and rhythm changes including changes in distance between gates.
- Observe terrain features and when they change.
- Consider offset — horizontal distance between gates.
Watch Mikaela describe her approach to course inspection in her following video.
Visualize
For a step by step guide for how to visualize a racecourse; Click below.
Cara Brown, Europa Cup racer, explains how she inspects a Giant Slalom course.
Prepare for a Gate Below a Ridge
When the race course transitions from a flat to a steep section, it’s common for the first gate over the pitch to be obscured from view. This situation can present challenges, but with the right tactic and technique, you can navigate it successfully.
Daron Rahlves, former member of the U.S.A Ski Team, explains how to inspect a course where a gate is not visible as you ski towards a ridge.
The strategy demonstrated by the above video is summarized below:
- During your course inspection, stand by the gate at the top of the steep section pointing your skis in the direction of the next turn.
- The tips should point towards the snow above the next gate where you will start pressuring the new outside ski.
- Now look up the hill and visualize the arc of the turn that will place your skis in the same direction you are standing.
- Try to inspect the course with someone and take turns placing your skis in the direction you want to ski so you can visualize the shape of the turn from above and below.
Tip for New Ski Racers
Inspect the course with more experienced racers, take note of their strategies, and see if you can incorporate some of their methods into how you will ski the course.
Key Takeaways
- Course inspection is crucial for improved race performance and injury prevention. Focus on the main features of the course, such as delay gates, flushes, and changing snow conditions, and visualize the ideal line through these features.
- Mikaela Shiffrin’s “Keys to Inspection” include memorizing rhythm and rhythm changes, observing terrain features and changes, and considering gate offset.
- When transitioning from a flat to a steep section with obscured gates, use the tactic of standing by the gate at the top of the steep section, pointing your skis in the direction of the next turn, and visualizing the arc of the turn. Inspecting the course with more experienced racers can also provide valuable insights for racers new to the sport.
Suggested Learning Modules
Return to Race Line or Experienced Adult Racers
