What is Ski Cross?
Have you ever watched dirt bike racing? Well Ski cross is like that on but on skis and snow. Ski cross was modeled from boarder cross. There are training runs for the athletes so they can see and ski on the track before the timed qualifying runs. To qualify to race you have to be in the top 16 for women and top 32 for men. These are then followed up by heats of 4 racers in a “knock out” style of race. That means the top two from each heat move on to the next round until the finals, which would involve the top 4 racers from the heats. If you are between racers 5 and 8 you would end up in the small finals.
What do you wear?
In Ski Cross you get to wear ski pants. That’s right unlike alpine you get to wear ski pants. They can be as baggy as you want. Instead of having a maximum of size there is a minimum bagginess rule of 60mm. This is measured anywhere around the circumference of the mid thigh, the knee, the top of the ski boot, on the lower body and around the elbow and the bicep on the upper body. Ski suits must be two pieces (pants and a separate top). Form-fitting speed or downhill suits are not permitted.
What skis do you use?
Usually GS skis are used in Ski Cross. The approximate lengths are for women 184 cm and for men 191 cm.
Describe a typical race?
First there is an inspection of the course where all the athletes will observe and analyze the track. We look at the jumps, turns, bumps, and potential passing zones.
This is followed by training runs. This is where the athletes get to ski the track without other competitors. If they chose to do so they also have the option of running the track with other competitors on it as well. The purpose of the training runs is to get a feel for the track and how it “runs”.
Next comes qualifying. That is where each athlete gets two runs at the course. Their position is ranked off of their best run from the two runs. From this they are then seeded into their heats. This determines the head to head races. They will now race other athletes to see who will move on to the next round. Top two from each heat advances to the next round. Usually 16 women qualify and 32 men qualify for the heats. The heats are normally 4 racers in each but sometimes 6 are in a heat.
Is it fun?
It is extremely fun!!! Not only to race but also to watch. Its high action skiing. You got to watch it if you never seen it before be prepared for everything and anything.
Is it in the Olympics?
Yes, it is now a full Olympic sport it will debut in the Vancouver 2010 games. Please check the information section for some of the press releases on ski cross.
Is it on TV?
Yes, it’s starting to get more and more coverage and media exposure. People are interested in this high action, fun sport and it is catching on as a great spectator venue. Keep an eye out for it and don’t miss it!!
How big is the sport?
The sport is rapidly growing. There is more and more interest as people find out about it and talk about the sport. They are wanted to know about the sport and share it with others. Rumor has it; it has sold out for the Olympics already in Vancouver.
Are there National teams or is it do it on your own kind of sport?
Last season Canada was the only team to have a national team. Following the success of the Canadian team many other countries have now put together National teams leading up to the Vancouver 2010 games.
Is there a Canadian National Championship?
Yes, there is a Canadian National Championship. In 2007/2008 the first National Championship was held at Red Mountain in Rossland, BC. Chris Del Bosco and Anik Demers-Wild were the winners. The 2008/2009 Championship will be help in Calgary at COP (refer to the schedule for the date). Come on out and watch some great action.