FIS and SRS meet, GS radius cut from 40 to 35

Key representatives and technical professionals of FIS, led by FIS President Gian Franco Kasper, and the Ski Racing Suppliers’ association (SRS), headed by its President Dr. Michael Schineis, met today (Aug. 24) to discuss the details of the new specifications for alpine equipment. These new specifications were proposed following extensive research and prototype testing conducted in cooperation with SRS, and confirmed by the FIS Council in July 2011. Specifically, today‘s meeting in Oberhofen focused on exploring mutually beneficial solutions to address concerns raised by the industry, along with leading World Cup athletes and coaches of the World Cup teams.

The meeting participants jointly agreed that the goal of the entire equipment review process is to only implement new rules that are scientifically proven to enhance athlete safety and reduce risk of injury. Conducted in a highly cooperative spirit, the participants agreed to precise the specifications for the radius of the giant slalom skis for both men and ladies. The revised specifications entail a minimum radius of 35 meters for the men’s giant slalom skis and 30 meters for the ladies’ giant slalom skis.

Concerning the timing of the implementation of the new regulations, FIS and SRS confirmed that the new specifications will apply at World Cup and European Cup levels from the 2012/13 season onwards, as already communicated. For all other racing levels, i.e. other Continental Cup series (Nor-Am, Far East), FIS level races and the FIS Junior World Ski Championships, the new rules will apply from the 2013/14 Northern hemisphere season onwards, for the Southern hemisphere beginning with the summer of 2014.

Finally, it was also agreed that the new rules for downhill and super-G skis will be implemented as already communicated. However there will be a further review by FIS of the final timeline for implementation of the new maximum 45mm standing height rule (ski/plates/binding).

Photo of Dr. Michael Schineis by Gepa