Giant Slalom
Giant slalom pairs technical turning with more speed, using gates set farther apart than slalom so skiers make longer, rounder, carved turns.
Overview
Giant slalom, often shortened to GS, sits between slalom and the speed events, combining technical turning with noticeably higher speeds.
Its gates are spaced farther apart than in slalom, so skiers make longer, rounder turns and rely on clean carving through each arc.
Like slalom, it is commonly decided over two runs on different courses, with the combined time determining the result.
What defines it
- Gates are set wider apart than slalom, producing longer, rounder turns.
- Rewards smooth carving and edge control at higher speeds than slalom.
- Bridges the technical and speed ends of the discipline spectrum.
- Typically contested over two runs with combined times.
Getting started
- 1Build confidence linking rounded, carved turns on gentle, groomed runs.
- 2A coach or club session can introduce wider gate setups once basic carving feels comfortable.
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- 2026-07-09
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