Freestyle SkiingGeneral Information

Freestyle skiing is one of the most dynamic forms of skiing. The first appearance of skiing was in the 1930s in Norway, when skiers began to perform acrobatics during Alpine and cross country training.

The two main types of freestyle skiing are moguls and aerial. Moguls involves skiing down a steep slope covered with "moguls"(small bumps) and jumping off two ramps, while aerial involves jumping off a ramp and performing twists and spins in mid air. A third variety, acro, is practiced on a more limited basis. Acro is a combination of gymnastics and dance, performed on a gentle slope.

 

 

Each free style discipline has its own demands but they all require physical endurance and technical ability. Competitors in each of the three disciplines use similar gear. Acro and the mogul skiers have the full complement of waterproof and insulated clothing, poles for balance, twin tip skis, helmet and goggles. Aerial skiers wear the same clothing and skis but they don't use poles.

 

Moguls, aerials and acro are sufficiently distinct disciplines to each require a dedicated course. Mogul courses are the steepest of the three with a constant incline for the whole slope. The mogul slope has a constant gradient of 24-32 degrees. Skiers negotiate the moguls at high speed before jumping off ramps called kickers to perform aerial maneuvers.

 

The aerial slope has four stages, each at different gradients, the inrun, table, landing zone and finishing area. On the aerial course,, the takeoff slope descends at an angle of 20 to 25 degrees then flattens out at the take off area. The landing zone is built at an angle of 37 degrees while the finish area is completely flat.

The acro course is a single slope at a constant gradient.

 

 

 

 

Individual/Team	Gender	Events/Disciplines	Set of Medals
			4 Medal Events
Individual	M	Moguls	Men - 2sets Women - 2sets
Individual	M	Ski Cross
Individual	W	Moguls
Individual	W	Ski Cross