News Release

Girdwood, Alaska - March 23, 2004

Skiers Benefit from Advancements in Technology And Training

A few things have changed since the last time Alyeska Resort hosted the U.S. Alpine Championships in 1981. Advancements in equipment -- from skis to race gear -- and training methods have elevated the sport with speed and safety in mind. Skiers at this year’s Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships are faster, stronger and safer as they carve corners at high speeds down challenging courses on Mount Alyeska.

Slalom skis are shorter (between 155 and 165 cm versus 200 cm in the past) with varying depths of side cut that gives the skis their hourglass shape. The new skis hold an edge better and arc more than the older skis, allowing skiers to take turns faster and tighter. “Everything has changed,” said Larry Daniels, general manager of Alyeska Ski Area. “The athletes, the quality of equipment and technology have made the sport faster and more exciting.”

The ski lifters -- where the bindings are located -- are now stacked higher, over the skis, to create better angles so athletes can move their bodies farther into the inside of turns. This allows the skier's center of mass to have a straighter line through the gates and produces faster times. This placement has also helped decrease injuries, such as leg fractures.

Jeff Rust, University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) assistant ski coach, said that today’s racers modify their equipment to achieve greater edge angles. These changes have prompted changes to slalom tactics and techniques. “Skis have come a long way in the last 20 years,” said Rust.

In addition to equipment changes, clothing has also improved. In earlier generations, skiers wore sweaters and little or no protection. Today, they are required to wear helmets with face guards. Some skiers also wear shin guards and padding underneath their suits.

“Skiers used to come off the hill with marks all over their bodies,” said Daniels. “The suits today protect the athletes from the gates and the elements.” In addition to protecting the skiers, the skintight suits are aerodynamic, helping skiers gain speed through the course. “Racers are going 20 percent faster today because of advancements in training techniques and gear.” In addition to their equipment and clothing, skiers’ training has evolved. Today, these top-level athletes train and compete year round. Coaches and trainers stress the importance of weight training and conditioning in the summers.

“Conditioning combined with weight training have improved so much over the years; it has completely changed the sport,” said Rust.

CONTACTS:

Gary Scott
Alyeska Resort, 754-2211
gscott@alyeskaresort.com
www.alyeskaresort.com

Megan Carle
UAA Student, PRSSA Member, 222-2915
megancarle@hotmail.com