ALPINE SKIING: In the most technical discipline of the alpine events, the men's slalom will kick off today on the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre's technical course.
After Louis Muhlen-Schulte started his Beijing Olympic campaign in the men’s giant slalom, he will be one of 88 racers competing in this event.
The course Louis will be taking on is one of the most challenging slalom courses to be run at an Olympic Games. Nicknamed ‘the Ice River’, its highest point is 1712m above sea level with a descent of 211m. The course consists of 67 gates and 64 turning gates with flexible poles that are red or blue.
Slalom demands the sharpest turns of all alpine events and is contested on the shortest alpine course.
Each skier makes two runs down two different courses on the same slope. The skier must complete the first run in full to qualify for the second run.
Both runs take place on the same day. The times of each run are added and the top athletes with the fastest total time will land on the podium.
Watch Louis in run one from 1:15pm AEDT and run two from 4:45pm AEDT. He will be the 46th athlete out of the start gate.
Shannon Knaus
#HaveAGo
Alpine Skiing
CAN YOU SKI IN AUSTRALIA?
Yes! There are 10 Ski Resorts in Australia that are easy to access.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Skiing is very affordable to #HaveAGo. You can rent all the equipment you need which is a low-cost way to try snowsports.
WHAT KIT DO I NEED?
All you need to get going is skis, poles, ski boots, a helmet, snow jacket, gloves and pants. All these items can be rented from ski shops to help get you started without having to buy everything for your first time.
