Courchevel Méribel 2023: World Ski Championships

Downhill skiing demands extreme speed and technical mastery. Top speeds can be up to 140km/h with average speeds around 100-115km/h. On these two iconic Courchevel and Méribel runs, the athletes are confronted with jumps, impressive turns and very steep sections. The snow is highly compacted, even icy, to avoid the deterioration of the piste during the race, and to ensure that the first and last racers can ski on the same quality of snow.

Considered as test of speed like the downhill, the SUPER-G is challenging in that there is only one run! The gates of the Super-G are the same as those in the giant, but spaced further apart. Speeds can exceed 100km/h. This discipline is a test that fits between downhill and giant.

Technical, physically challenging and demanding extreme precision: that’s giant slalom! With two rounds, the giant slalom is a complex discipline which requires the athlete to be quick in their movements on fine, precise skis which allow maximal separation between the upper and lower body.

Explosive and aggressive – the keywords for this alpine discipline which is the most technical of the races. The route is very short, comprising many gates which are close together. Over two runs on different courses, the skier with the best cumulative time over the two rounds is the winner.

The combined comprises two rounds of different disciplines: one speed and one slalom. Both technical and physical versatility are demanded of these racers. Often a race with surprising results with the most ‘complete’ skier taking home the trophy.