Giant Slalom
Overview: The ‘Ski Technique’ and ‘Race Line’, outlined by the Alpine Race Method, apply to skiing Giant Slalom turns. During transitions, the body faces the next turn; a High Tuck stance is utilized to gain speed when the racecourse straightens, and longer ski poles are recommended for a stronger start.
Giant Slalom Technique
The technique for skiing Giant Slalom is described by the Ski Technique module.
Stacking and Facing the Next Turn
When skiing faster carved turns, it’s important to stack your body over the outside ski.
During the transition, continue to move your body so that it momentarily faces the direction where your next turn begins. This tactic will allow your body to return to the ‘Athletic Stance’, and enable your skis to glide flat on the snow before you start your next turn.
For a good explanation of why ‘stacking’ is essential for long-radius turns, watch the following video by Deb Armstrong.
Race Line
To learn where to ski in a racecourse, including Giant Slalom; Click below.
This picture demonstrates where the body faces during the transition between longer-radius turns.
Tom Gellie provides an excellent analysis of Mikaela Shiffrin skiing wider arced turns.
Look for opportunities to use a ‘High Tuck’ stance when the racecourse straightens, as described in the ‘Speed’ module.
Ski Poles for Giant Slalom
Ski Poles used for Giant Slalom are normally about 5 cm longer than ski poles used for Slalom. The longer poles enable you to push hard with your arms and core while skating through the first gate or two of the race.
Touching the tip of your pole to the snow is usually more effective than planting your pole when racing in Giant Slalom. This lighter, more subtle technique involves using the wrist to gently tap or brush the snow with the pole’s tip. It focuses less on stability and more on maintaining rhythm and flow through the turns.
Video — Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland wins the Solden 2023 Giant Slalom in this video. Lara skates at the start of the race and uses a High Tuck stance to gain speed. During the transition between turns, watch Lara’s body momentarily face towards her next turn.
Giant Slalom courses have panelled gates with some combinations including delay gates. To view a video describing how a Giant Slalom course is set; Click below.
Key Takeaways
The key takeaways for skiing Giant Slalom include utilizing the techniques outlined in the ‘Ski Technique’ module, which includes stacking over the outside ski. It’s also important for your body to face the direction of the next turn, to use a ‘High Tuck’ stance when the racecourse straightens, and to use poles that are about 5 cm longer than those used for Slalom.
Suggested Learning Modules
To learn how to search for ‘Speed’; Click here.
Important Note: Skiing and ski racing come with inherent risks. As such, it is imperative to ski responsibly and remain within the boundaries of your skill level and personal comfort zone.
