08 April 2003 - 17:09 Alpine Racing - Technical Statement 6 (by SvetSki) Racing Line Details & Terms

Rise Line
The rise line is an imaginary line extending from the turning pole of the inside panel, following the fall-line. The rise line is generally thought of as the point at which the racer begins his/her turn. (preparation takes place prior to intersecting the rise line)

Delay
Delay: Waiting for the rise line to start the turn. (see diagram) In extreme cases, the rise line may shift. Higher speeds may cause the theoretical rise line to slant backwards, from the turning pole, away from the skier.

High-Line Heading
A high-line heading will generally be used in steeper sections of the course. Usually, in these steeper sections, the course setter will be required to set the course in a more "turny" fashion, with bigger offsets, to control the racer's speed. A racer on a high-line heading will often aim for the outside panel of the gate and begin the turn at the rise line, well above the panel. Notice in the diagram that the turn is completed near the turning pole with significant direction towards the new gate.

Come from Behind
Another term to describe the high-line heading. When using the high-line, the skier will approach the gate from "behind" the gate, aimed at the new heading.

Direction
Term used to describe the angle of approach and distance above the gate. The high-line heading is "more direction" and is used when the gates are very offset. Direct approach is used when the gates are lined up with little offset, shown here as "low-line heading."

Middle-line Heading
With less-steep terrain, the course setter is able to utilize more moderate turns and gate spacing. The racer would then take a heading that is aimed at a point roughly at the two-thirds point of the line between the panels as shown. Notice that the turn is allowed to "run-out" a bit, heading a little more directly at the next gate.

Low-line Heading
With flatter terrain, the course setter will usually set the gates with less offset (straighter line) in order to maintain the racer's speed. The skier should take a more direct approach to the gate. The turn is started at the rise line but is allowed to run-out below the gate with only enough direction to make the next gate.

 Rise Line scheme

by SvetSki