Editing Alpine skiing (section)

==Equipment==

[[File:SkiCollection.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Four groups of different ski types, from left to right:<br>
1. Non-sidecut: cross-country, telemark and mountaineering<br>
2. Parabolic<br>
3. Twin-tip<br>
4. Powder]]

===Skis===
{{main|Ski#Alpine}}
Modern alpine skis are shaped to enable carve turning, and have evolved significantly since the 1980s. Variants include powder skis, freestyle skis, all-mountain skis, backcountry skis, race skis, and children's skis.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/downhill-skis.html |title=How to Choose Downhill Skis |website=REI |language=en-US |access-date=December 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-21 |title=The Different Types of Skis Explained |url=https://www.curated.com/journal/20000/a-guide-to-the-different-kinds-of-skis?srsltid=AfmBOopLmLBLn6zc0HeacRgnbseFXmmbG92zAXBFHylJaL2ww_2bjagv |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=www.curated.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Powder skiing|Powder skis]] are usually used when there is a large amount of fresh snow; the shape of a powder ski is wide, allowing the ski to float on top of the snow, compared to a normal downhill ski which would most likely sink into the snow. Freestyle skis are used by skiers who ski terrain parks. These skis are meant to help a skier who skis jumps, rails, and other features placed throughout the terrain park. Freestyle skis are usually fully symmetric, meaning they are the same dimensions from the tip of the ski to the backside (tail) of the ski. All-mountain skis are the most common type of ski, and tend to be used as a typical alpine ski. All-mountain skis are built to do a little bit of everything; they can be used in fresh snow ([[Types of snow|powder]]) or used when skiing groomed runs. Slalom race skis, usually referred to as race skis, are short, narrow skis, which tend to be stiffer because they are meant for those who want to go fast as well as make quick sharp turns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/equipment/skis.html |title=Ski Equipment – Mechanics of Skiing |website=www.mechanicsofsport.com |access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

===Bindings===
{{main|Ski binding#Alpine|Ski binding#History}}
The binding is a device used to connect the skier's boot to the ski. The purpose of the binding is to allow the skier to stay connected to the ski, but if the skier falls the binding can safely release them from the ski to prevent injury. There are two types of bindings: the heel and toe system (step-in) and the plate system binding.<ref name = gamma/>

=== Boots ===
{{main|Ski boot#Alpine}}Ski boots are one of the most important accessories to skiing. They connect the skier to the skis, allowing them full control over the ski. When ski boots first came about they were made of leather and laces were used. The leather ski boots started off as low-cut, but gradually became taller, allowing for more ankle support, as injuries became more common . Eventually the tied laces were replaced with buckles and the leather boots were replaced with plastic. This allowed the bindings to be more closely matched to the fit of the boot, and offer  improved performance. The new plastic model contained two parts of the boots: an inner boot and an outer shell. The inner part of the boot (also called the liner) is the cushioning part of the boot and contains a footbed along with a cushion to keep a skier's foot warm and comfortable. The outer shell is the part of the boot that is made of plastic and contains the buckles. Most ski boots contain a strap at shin level to allow for extra strength when tightening the boots.<ref name = gamma/>

=== Poles ===
{{main|Ski pole}}Ski poles, one in each hand, are used for balance and propulsion.

=== Helmet ===
{{main|Ski helmet}}
Ski helmets reduce the chances of head injury while skiing. Ski helmets also help to provide warmth to the head since they incorporate an inner liner that traps warmth. Helmets are available in many styles, and typically consist of a hard plastic/resin shell with inner padding. Modern ski helmets may include many additional features such as vents, earmuffs, headphones, goggle mounts, and camera mounts.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/equipment/helmets.html |title=Ski Helmets Guide – Ski Equipment – Mechanics of Skiing |website=www.mechanicsofsport.com |access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

=== Protective gear ===
The protective gear used in alpine skiing includes: helmets, mouth guards, shin guards, chin guards, arm guards, back protectors, pole guards, and padding. Mouth guards can reduce the effects of a concussion and protect the teeth of the athlete. Shin guards, pole guards, arm guards and chin guards are mainly used in slalom skiing in order to protect the body parts having impact with the gates. Back protectors and padding, also known as stealth, is worn for giant slalom and other speed events in order to better protect the body if an athlete were to have an accident at high speeds.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://my.ussa.org/alpine-programs/parents/ski-racing-101/equipment |title=Ski Racing 101 – Equipment |website=www.my.ussa.org |access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:20170213 HIRSCHER MARCEL C6864.jpg |thumb|200px|[[Marcel Hirscher]] competing in the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2017 – Men's alpine combined|combined slalom]] at the [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships|World Championships]] in [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2017|2017]]]]