Sociogenesis of Alpine Skiing

Skiing has been traced back to prehistoric times through the discovery of different sizes and shapes of wooden planks that have been preserved in Finland, Sweden, Russia, and Norway. The fragments have been carbon-dated back to 8000-7000 BC. The actual "birth" of downhill skiing is often dated to the 1850s when Sondre Norheim changed skis to have curved sides, bindings with stiff heel bands, and slalom turns. Skiing used to be only a method of transportation until the late 19th century. The first national skiing competition was held in Norway in the 1840s. Alpine skiing was added to the olympic program in 1936 and since 1988, the Olympic Alpine skiing program has consisted of five events. The events are downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and super combined. Downhill has the longest course and the highest speeds. Super-G stands for Super Giant Slalom and is longer that Giant Slalom but shorter than Downhill. Giant Slalom is a looser version of slalom with fewer and wider turns. Giant Slalom races are much smoother than Slalom races. Slalom has the shortest course and the most turns. This race requires very fast reflexes and quick feet. Lastly, Super-combined consists of a downhill course followed by a slalom run.

During the race, skiers must pass through each gate and must not lose a ski. If the skier misses a gate, he or she is allowed to hike back up to the gate that they missed and pass through it, continuing the race. If the racer fails to make a gate or loses a ski, they are DQ'd from the race. The race begins as soon as the racer passes the timing wand at the top of the hill and is finished as soon as they pass through the last gate.

There are eight parts of alpine skiing equipment:

1. Skis

2. Race suit

 3. Boots

4. Gloves

 5. Goggles

6. Helmet

 7. Bindings

8. Ski poles

http://i.nbcolympics.com/alpine-skiing/insidethissport/basic/newsid=261158.html#alpine+skiing+basics

http://www.olympic.org/alpine-skiing-equipment-and-history?tab=equipment