Freestyle Skiing

Originally a mix of alpine skiing and acrobatics, the first freestyle skiing competition was held in Attitash, New Hampshire, in 1966. It was an era of social change and freedom of expression and it influenced skiing. Two decades later in February 1986, the first FIS Freestyle World Championships were held in France. Freestyle moguls joined the Olympic program in 1992 and freestyle aerials in 1994. In 2010, ski cross makes its Olympic debut.

There are three Olympic freestyle skiing events for both men and women. Tricks include the twister, spread-eagle, iron cross, and the helicopter — an upright 360-degree spin. In aerials, competitors hit the jumps or 'kickers' at speeds of 60+ km/h, launch themselves some 15 metres in the air. Competitors must perform two different jumps consisting of single or multiple somersaults with or without twists. Each jump must vary by one somersault or one twist. Points are awarded for take-off (20% of score), form in the air (50% of score) and landing (30% of score). Scores of both jumps are added together for a final mark.

Mogul skiing joins aerials in the awe-inspiring category. The incredible skill, athleticism and fluidity of the world's top mogul skiers make it look easy, as they race straight down the hillside at lightning speeds. Competitors speed down the 29-degree mogul course and launch themselves off two jumps on the way down under scrutiny of a panel of seven judges. Marks are awarded for the technical quality of the skier's turns (50%), the two upright aerial manoeuvres (25%) and speed (25%). While speed is a factor, the fastest skier does not necessarily win.

Ski cross is based on a simple concept: first across the finish line wins. Four skiers race down a course of rolls, banks and ridges.

Athletes

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