Six features of Olympic skiing that you should know - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Sam Farmer

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The world of Olympic skiing is filled with intricate details that many fans may not fully appreciate. From the blue lines painted on courses to the specialized nets used for safety, there’s more to this high-speed sport than meets the eye. These features are designed to enhance performance, ensure safety, and adapt to the challenging conditions faced by racers. Understanding these elements provides deeper insight into what makes Alpine skiing such a thrilling and technically demanding discipline. One key feature is the blue dye lines on the snow, introduced in 2001 to help skiers navigate courses, especially during speed events like downhill and super-G. These lines act as visual guides in low-visibility conditions, allowing racers to maintain confidence while carving through gates at breakneck speeds. While some skiers dislike the slight softening effect of the dye, most agree it’s a valuable tool for maintaining accuracy and control. The gates or poles that define the course are another critical element. Known as “gates,” these structures are hinged in slalom events, allowing them to bend when hit by racers but snapping back into place. Skiers often intentionally knock down these gates with their arms or shins, protected by shin guards, to take the most direct route to the finish line. Accidental contact, however, can lead to crashes, as seen in Lindsey Vonn’s incident. The preparation of the snow itself is a meticulous process aimed at creating optimal conditions for racers. Weeks before races, courses are sprayed with water and frozen overnight, turning them into hard ice sheets. This creates a faster surface but also increases difficulty, requiring skiers to have razor-sharp edge control, especially in technical events like slalom and giant slalom. Finally, the nets

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/15/2026