High School Ski Racing Guide

New to high school ski racing? Learn how alpine ski racing works, what equipment you’ll need, and what to expect as you get ready for your first season.

Getting Started with High School Ski Racing

High school ski racing gives student-athletes the opportunity to develop their skiing, compete as part of a team, and experience alpine ski racing in a supportive environment. Racers range from experienced club athletes to students competing for the first time, so you do not need years of race experience to get started.

Most high school alpine racing focuses on two disciplines: Slalom (SL) and Giant Slalom (GS). Both are timed events, but the courses, turns, speeds, and equipment needs are different.

Slalom vs. Giant Slalom

Slalom (SL)

Slalom features shorter, quicker turns through closely spaced gates. Racers ski directly across the gate line, making protective equipment especially important as athletes develop more aggressive slalom technique.

• Shorter, quicker turns

• Closely spaced gates

• Typically uses shorter slalom skis

• Requires a helmet appropriate for slalom and a chin guard as applicable

• Shin guards, pole guards, and hand protection are commonly used as racers progress

Giant Slalom (GS)

Giant Slalom uses wider gate spacing and longer, faster turns. GS rewards strong carving skills, balance, and the ability to maintain speed through a longer-radius course.

• Longer-radius turns

• Wider gate spacing

• Higher speeds than slalom

• Typically uses longer GS skis

• A helmet appropriate for GS racing is required

• Chin guards are not permitted in GS competition

High School Ski Racing Equipment

You do not necessarily need to purchase every piece of race-specific equipment before your first practice. Talk with your coach about team requirements, available loaner equipment, and what should be purchased first. Proper fit is especially important for boots, helmets, and protective equipment.

Essential Ski Racing Equipment

Race Skis: Most racers eventually use event specific skis for Slalom and Giant Slalom because each discipline requires a different turn shape and ski setup. Skis should have properly functioning brakes and be maintained and inspected regularly.

Ski Boots: A properly fitted alpine race or performance boot gives the racer the support and control needed to effectively pressure the ski.

Bindings: Bindings should be appropriate for the athlete and equipment and kept in proper working condition. Binding setup, adjustment, and maintenance are important parts of a safe race setup.

Ski Poles: Standard alpine poles can work when starting out. Dedicated slalom poles can be fitted with pole guards as racers begin blocking gates.

Helmet: Racers need a properly fitted alpine ski helmet appropriate for the discipline they are racing. Helmet requirements differ between Slalom and Giant Slalom.

Goggles: Ski goggles should fit securely with the helmet and provide clear vision in changing mountain light and weather.

Gloves or Mitts: Racers need warm, durable gloves or mitts appropriate for skiing and changing mountain conditions.

Race Protection

Protective equipment becomes increasingly important as racers learn to ski a direct line through gates. Coaches can help determine which protection is appropriate for an athlete’s ability level and event.

Slalom Chin Guard: Attaches to a compatible slalom helmet to help protect the face when contacting gates. Chin guards may be used for Slalom but are not permitted for Giant Slalom competition.

Shin Guards: Protect the lower legs when clearing slalom gates.

Pole Guards: Mount to compatible ski poles to help protect the hands when blocking slalom gates.

Arm Guards: Provide additional forearm protection from gate contact and may be used across alpine race disciplines.

Back Protector: Worn by many racers for additional back protection during training and competition.

Equipment & Safety

Racers and their families are responsible for selecting appropriate equipment and keeping it in good working condition. Skis, boots, bindings, and ski brakes should be inspected regularly, and racers should talk with their coach or a qualified ski shop when they have questions about equipment setup or condition.

Helmet-mounted cameras and camera mounts are not permitted during competition. Racers should also make sure any helmet accessories or protective equipment they use are appropriate for the discipline they are racing.

Ski Race Clothing

Race Suit: A close-fitting alpine race suit reduces bulky outerwear during a race run. Requirements may vary by competition.

Race Shorts: Full-side-zip shorts can be worn over a race suit and removed without taking off ski boots.

Warm-Up Jacket: An insulated or weather-resistant jacket helps racers stay warm before and between runs.

Base Layers: Moisture-managing layers provide warmth underneath a race suit without excessive bulk.

Ski Racing Gloves or Mitts: Durable gloves or mitts help protect the hands from cold weather and repeated gate contact.

Do New Racers Need Two Pairs of Race Skis?

Not always. While experienced racers generally use dedicated Slalom and GS skis, a first-year racer may be able to begin with a more versatile setup depending on the program and coach recommendations. Before buying equipment, ask your coach what is appropriate for your athlete’s age, size, experience, and team schedule.

What to Expect at Ski Race Practice

Training is about much more than running gates. Athletes work on fundamental skiing skills, carving, balance, course tactics, starts, and progressively more advanced race technique. Coaches may use drills and free skiing before moving athletes into full Slalom or GS courses.

Conditions can change quickly during a training day. Racers should arrive prepared for cold temperatures, snow, wind, and periods of standing or waiting between runs. Extra layers, dry gloves, water, and snacks can make a long day on the mountain much more comfortable.

What to Bring on Race Day

• Slalom or GS skis for the day’s event

• Ski boots and poles

• Helmet and goggles

• Required protective equipment

• Race suit and warm outer layers

• Extra gloves and dry clothing

• Water and food for the day

• Any team-specific equipment requested by your coach

Arrive with enough time to meet your team, prepare equipment, inspect the course, and follow your coach’s race-day instructions. Coaches will help new racers learn the procedures for course inspection, start order, race runs, and team responsibilities.

Start with Your Coach

If this is your first season, you do not need to know everything before showing up. Your coach is your best resource for team-specific equipment requirements, training expectations, race schedules, and recommendations for your athlete.

Focus first on equipment that fits correctly, keeps you safe, and allows you to ski comfortably. As your skills and race technique develop, your equipment can become more specialized for Slalom and Giant Slalom.