Giant Slalom

Kristofffersen/Image by I.P.A Srl/Alamy

Overview

  • During transitions, the body faces the next turn.

  • The High Tuck stance is used to gain speed when the racecourse straightens.

  • Longer ski poles enable a strong start.

  • Experience Parallel Giant Slalom racing.

Giant Slalom Technique and Race Line

Stacking and Facing the Next Turn

  • When skiing wider arced turns, it’s important to stack your body over the outside ski.

  • During the transition, continue to move your body so that it momentarily faces the direction where your next turn begins. This tactic will allow your body to return to the ‘Athletic Stance’, and enable your skis to glide flat on the snow before you start your next turn as demonstrated in this picture.

Photo by Ron LeMaster/Graphics by ARM

For a good explanation of why facing the next turn and ‘stacking’ is essential for longer radius turns, watch the following video.

Video by Deb Armstrong and SkiStrong

Tom Gellie provides an excellent analysis of Mikaela Shiffrin skiing wider arced turns.

Video Produced by Big Picture Skiing

Ski Poles and Poling Action

  • Ski Poles used for Giant Slalom are normally about 5 cm longer than ski poles used for Slalom. The longer poles enable you to push hard with your arms and core while skating through the first gate or two of the race.

  • Touching the tip of your pole to the snow is usually more effective than planting your pole when racing in Giant Slalom. This lighter, more subtle technique involves using the wrist to gently tap or brush the snow with the pole’s tip. It focuses less on stability and more on maintaining rhythm and flow through the turns.

Learn more about poling actions when skiing: Pole Plant and Touch

Marco Odermat of Switzerland wins a Giant Slalom in this video. Marco skates at the start of the race to gain speed. During the transition between turns, watch Marco’s body momentarily face towards the next turn.

Video by FIS Alpine

Parallel Giant Slalom

Watch this video to experience this exciting race format.

Video by FIS Alpine

Key Takeaways

  • The technique and line presented in the 'Ski Technique' and 'Race Line' modules apply to Giant Slalom.

  • It’s important for your body to face the direction of the next turn, to use a ‘High Tuck’ stance when the racecourse straightens, and to use longer poles than those used for Slalom.

  • A pole touch rather than a pole plant is usually most effective.

Suggested Learning Modules

  • Learn how to search for Speed 

Important Message: Skiing and ski racing involve inherent risks. It’s essential to ski responsibly and stay within your skill level and personal comfort limits.