Alpine Skiing Research Articles

Seed dispersal limitation causes negative legacy effect on restoration of grassland plant diversity on ski slopes.

Past forest use often has a long-term negative impact on the recovery of the original plant composition of semi-natural grasslands, which is known as a legacy effect. This study investigates the impact of seed dispersal limitations on the restoration of grassland plant diversity on ski slopes with past forest use, highlighting the negative legacy effect on biodiversity recovery. Focusing on ski areas, our research contrasts the vegetation on ski slopes originally created on semi-natural grasslands such as pasture (pasture slopes) and constructed by clearing secondary forests or conifer plantations (forest slopes). We examined species richness and diversity, considering seed dispersal modes, grassland management history, and seed source proximity. We reveal that the proximity to species-rich grassland sources is pivotal for the restoration of native grassland vegetation. Particularly, wind-dispersed species show significant recovery on slopes with sustained management for more than 70 years and those with neighboring species-rich grasslands, suggesting that both the duration of management and the proximity to seed sources are critical for overcoming the legacy effects of past forest use. Meanwhile, gravity-dispersed species failed to recover their richness and diversity regardless of both the duration of management and the proximity to seed source grasslands, which their diversity recovered where seed sources neighbored. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering seed dispersal limitation and management history in the restoration and conservation of grasslands and their biodiversity, particularly in landscapes experiencing past human intervention.

Rethinking growth orientation: Do ski‐resorts' strategies fit the profiles of today's alpine skiers?

AbstractThe strategy and marketing of ski resorts in the European Alps are still characterized by growth orientation and the extension of technical snow production to ensure high snow reliability. In contrast, this study hypothesizes that besides a high‐performing ski resort, winter ski vacationists have further expectations for activities during their stay varying by their skiing skill level and personal preferences. The present study surveys 1413 Alpine ski tourists to identify their daily routines, activities, and used ski resort services. The findings uncover significant differences in the activity profiles with six clearly distinguishable guest segments. The results highlight the need for custom‐tailored product development considering the complete set of winter experiences as well as pricing strategies that specifically target the identified segments. Furthermore, the findings underline that ski resort and destination managers need to include daily changes in snow and weather conditions in their strategies considering climate and demographic change.

Athletes' Perspectives of the Classification System in Para Alpine Skiing for Those With Visual Impairment.

This study explored the classification experiences and views of Para Alpine skiers with visual impairment. Data from 11 interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to generate three themes: Suitability-The skiers questioned the suitability of the visual measurements, testing environment, and the information they received regarding classification; Exclusivity-Skiers felt certain aspects of the system remain exclusive due to the restrictions of sport classes and lack of the athlete voice; and (Dis)trust-Skiers felt distrust in those implementing the system and in other athletes due to intentional misrepresentation. Speculation surrounding this resulted in the skiers' feeling doubt in their own classification. While there is not a "one size fits all" approach to classification, understanding skiers' experiences can be a vital first step and will help to guide future research into the evolution of this sport's classification.

Evolutionary and transformational approaches in the strategic management of alpine ski resorts: prospects for digitalization and digital transformation

Evolutionary and transformational approaches in the strategic management of alpine ski resorts: prospects for digitalization and digital transformation

Gender Differences in Core Muscle Morphology of Elite Alpine Skiers: Insights from Ultrasonography.

A cross-sectional design was employed, examining ultrasound imaging (USI) in 22 elite skiers (11 male, 11 female) to assess the thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. Significant differences were noted, with male skiers displaying greater muscle thickness, particularly in the right IO and RA and left IO, EO, TrAb, and RA. These findings suggest that male and female skiers may require different training approaches to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the physical demands on elite skiers and underscores the need for gender-specific training regimens to enhance athletic outcomes and prevent injuries.

SnowMotion: A Wearable Sensor-Based Mobile Platform for Alpine Skiing Technique Assistance.

Skiing technique and performance improvements are crucial for athletes and enthusiasts alike. This study presents SnowMotion, a digital human motion training assistance platform that addresses the key challenges of reliability, real-time analysis, usability, and cost in current motion monitoring techniques for skiing. SnowMotion utilizes wearable sensors fixed at five key positions on the skier's body to achieve high-precision kinematic data monitoring. The monitored data are processed and analyzed in real time through the SnowMotion app, generating a panoramic digital human image and reproducing the skiing motion. Validation tests demonstrated high motion capture accuracy (cc > 0.95) and reliability compared to the Vicon system, with a mean error of 5.033 and a root-mean-square error of less than 12.50 for typical skiing movements. SnowMotion provides new ideas for technical advancement and training innovation in alpine skiing, enabling coaches and athletes to analyze movement details, identify deficiencies, and develop targeted training plans. The system is expected to contribute to popularization, training, and competition in alpine skiing, injecting new vitality into this challenging sport.

Evaluation of Oral and Dental Health Results and Competition Stress Levels of Adolescent Athletes in Different Winter Sports Branches.

The aim of the present study was to examine the findings of the intraoral examinations of the 12-16 years old novice (control) and elite athletes across the winter sports branches, which were alpine discipline skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, ski jumping, and ice hockey. Besides, the study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-group relationships by comparing the athletes salivary stress biomarker levels at precompetition, during-match, and post-competition stages. Ninety-one athletes (71 elite, 20 novice) participated in our study. Oral health status of the athletes were evaluated. In addition, cortisol levels in the saliva samples obtained at pre-competition (rested before the competition), during-match (just before the start), and post-competition (competition ending moment) stages were measured. The data were analyzed statistically with a significance level of 0.05. Ice hockey athletes were the most affected by untreated dental caries (27.3%). No signs of dental trauma caused by sports activities were found in the winter sports branches. Basic erosive wear examination scores of the ice hockey athletes were similar to the ski jumping athletes and lower than other groups (P=.034). The mean cortisol values between sports branches were listed as: biathlon <snowboarding > alpine skiing < ice hockey < ski jumping (P < .001). Test results of the winter sports athletes' saliva samples revealed that their salivary stress levels might vary in accordance with the sports branches, and there was a negative relationship between the levels of salivary stress biomarkers in competitions and oral health. In winter sports activities, measures for improving oral health should be disseminated.

Jump performance and movement quality in 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Injury rates in competitive alpine skiing are high. With current methods, identifying people at risk is expensive and thus often not feasible at the youth level. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the jump performance and movement quality of youth competitive alpine skiers according to age and sex, (2) to compare the jump distance among skiers of different sexes and movement quality grades, and (3) to assess the inter-rater grading reliability of the qualitative visual movement quality classification of such jumps and the agreement between live and video-based post-exercise grading. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study is based on an anonymized dataset of 301 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers. The skiers performed two-legged forward triple jumps, whereby the jump distance was measured, and grades were assigned by experienced raters from the frontal and sagittal perspectives depending on the execution quality of the jumps. Furthermore, jumps were filmed and ultimately rated post-exercise. Differences in jump distance between various groups were assessed by multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Reliability was determined using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. Results The jump distance was significantly greater in U16 skiers than in U11 skiers of both sexes and in skiers with good execution quality than in those with reduced or poor execution quality. Overall, jump distance in U16 skiers significantly differed between female (5.37 m with 95% CI [5.21, 5.53]) and male skiers (5.90 m with 95%CI [5.69, 6.10]). Slightly better inter-rater grading reliability was observed for video-based post-exercise (strong agreement) ratings than for live ratings (moderate agreement). Conclusion In competitive alpine skiers aged 7 to 15 years, jump performance increases with age, and around puberty, sex differences start to manifest. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating both jump distance and movement quality in youth skiers. To improve test-retest reliability, however, a video-based post-exercise evaluation is recommended.

Managing Alpine Skiing Injuries: Focus on Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear Prevention in Adolescent Athletes.

The Article Abstract is not available.

Angiogenic Regulators during Alpine Skiing Training

Purpose: The present study evaluates angiogenesis response through the determination of acute changes in hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin and endostatin levels measured after both slalom and giant slalom trainings. Material and Methods: A total of 20 volunteer male athletes over the age of 18 years with no health problems, and with international alpine skiing competition experience were included in the study. At the outset, the height, body weight and VO2max values of the volunteers was measured, and a giant slalom training lasting 2.5 hours was performed after a week on a giant slalom course. The volunteers were then asked not to exercise for a week, and slalom training was performed lasting 2.5 hours on a slalom course. The endostatin, erythropoietin, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels of the volunteers were examined from 5 ml venous blood samples drawn into biochemistry tubes 20 minutes before and as soon as trainings over both the giant slalom and slalom trainings. Results: A significant increase was determined in the hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin and endostatin levels after both the giant slalom and slalom trainings (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: These increases observed in the angiogenesis markers suggests that a single unit giant slalom and slalom trainings induces angiogenesis responses.

Simulation of Downhill Skiing Areas

Based on video analysis of downhill skiing areas a model for ski traffic is developed. The video analysis uses PeTrack to determine the trajectories of individual skiers which are then statistically analysed. A stochastic cellular automaton model is proposed that can reproduce the basic observed features. The empirical data are used for validation and calibration of the model. In the future, the model may help to analyse comfort and safety on skiing slopes, especially the risk of collisions.

Nutritional Supplements in Alpine Skiing: Enhancing Performance and Managing Risks

Alpine skiing, a sport rooted in ancient history and evolved into a competitive discipline in the late 1800s, imposes significant physical demands on athletes. Negotiating varied terrains and environmental stresses, skiers face unique physiological challenges. This review explores tailored nutritional supplements for alpine skiers, examining their potential to enhance endurance, reduce fatigue, and prevent injuries. Synthesizing current research, it provides insights into effective supplement use for optimal performance and well-being in the demanding alpine environment.

An Intervention into Imagery and Self-Efficacy: Enhancing Athletic Achievements of Alpine Skiers

Psychological preparation has taken on a crucial role in today’s sports practice. Effective resolutions to the challenges inherent in athletes’ psychological preparation require a comprehensive understanding of the key components that constitute the psychological preparation process. This quasi-experimental study aims to first, assess the interrelationships among imagery abilities, physical self-efficacy, and sport performance among a sample of alpine skiers. Secondly, this study sought to assess the effect of a psychological intervention on imagery and self-efficacy, and its impact on their task performance. The proposed hypothesis suggests that integrating imagery and self-efficacy interventions into the training process of alpine skiers will enhance athletes’ achievements on the slalom ski track. Seven leading Latvian youth alpine skiers with an average age of M = 17.14 (SD = 1.77) participated in a three-month psychological skill intervention targeting imagery and self-efficacy enhancement, alongside control training sessions on a slalom ski track to evaluate its effectiveness on sport performance. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using questionnaires, revealing significant improvements in imagery abilities and self-efficacy (p &lt; 0.05). Notably, positive interrelationships between imagery abilities, self-efficacy, and sport performance were observed. These findings underscore the efficacy of integrating psychological interventions into the athlete training process and highlight the importance of psychological readiness in optimizing athletic achievements, particularly in dynamic sports like alpine skiing. The study results provide novel theoretical and practical psychological insights into the training process of athletes in sports.

Identification of the optimal racing line for top male athletes on a segment of a World Cup downhill alpine ski slope using tracking data

Using tracking data we can identify the optimal racing line for top male athletes on the famous S-curved segment (Brueggli-S) of the downhill FIS world cup track “Lauberhorn” in Switzerland. For this, we have measured and analysed training runs, measured on a single day, of 10 world class athletes. Based on curvatures derived from the tracking data, a large variation in racing lines adopted by the athletes was observed. Each of the detected racing lines share a similar pattern: The maximum curvature in the first curve is strongly correlated with the minimum curvature of the second curve. We have found that, for the athletes under investigation, the overall best racing line is characterized by a defined ratio of the maximum curvature of the first to the second curve. We claim that the observed correlation, as well as the optimal ratio of curvatures, is universal for a class of athletes with nearly identical performance levels. If and how this ratio varies for different classes of athletes (i.e. U10, U12 or U16 athletes) is an as yet unanswered question and remains open to further investigation.

Estimating ski orientation using IMUs in alpine skiing

Ski-snow interaction is the essential component of alpine skiing. To understand how a skier manipulates his ski to turn, we need to develop methods to measure the orientation of the ski throughout a complete run. Recent studies tried to use IMUs to estimate edge angle (EA) during skiing. We introduce and validate a method on how to calibrate and employ IMUs to precisely and accurately measure roll angles (RA) as a matter of changing orientation of the ski around its longitudinal axis in 3D space during skiing. Static orientation measurements on an inclined plane perfectly correlate (r2 = 1) with 3D motion capturing: RMSE = 0.18° and 0.24° respectively. Bland Altman showed a mean bias of 0.23° (95% CI: -0.16°, 0.63°) and 0.21° (95% CI: -0.3°, 0.73°). Accuracy and drift tests against constant standardised rotational velocities showed no drift behaviour over time, but RA estimation accuracy is reduced with increasing angular velocities (SD @ ±300°/s: 0.57°, max. difference from average at ±300°/s: 2.7°). During skiing on a ski ergometer the comparison of maximum RA against Vicon showed a mean bias of 0.13° (95% CI: -0.86° to 1.1°). Even though ski ergometer skiing has a similar frequency and angular velocity profile like outdoor skiing, there are more rotational degrees of freedom in outdoor skiing. The foundation is provided in this paper. To understand how a skier manipulates the ski on snow and to understand RA and EA progression during a turn in detail, further research should validate the method in the field and additionally look into RA progression within individual turns.

“I Live With and By Nature”: Swedish Alpine Skiers Reflect on Professional and Lifestyle Skiing, Nature, and Snow, 1964–2023

Alpine skiing has been a popular activity since the 1950s. However, global warming leads to milder weather, melting glaciers, and reduced snowfall which deteriorates possibilities to skiing. The purpose of this paper is to sketch a contemporary history of alpine skiing and environmental awareness in Sweden through the narratives of ten alpine skiers. A temporal and spatial perspective contributes to make changes over time and meaning of places visible. The skiers share a fixed narrative: nature as central for skiing. This is not unproblematic since nature has been more adapted and modified and resulted in a crowded landscape. Nature is a space to be preserved but also as a space to enable skiing. In this constructed landscape, over time snowmaking is reconstructed to being normal, albeit not natural. A way to handle these changes is to care more for nature, travel less, ski more local, and show environmental awareness.

Tumor-Like Distal Femoral Cortical Irregularities of the Knee in Adolescent Competitive Alpine Skiers: Longitudinal Assessment Over 48 Months

Background: Tumor-like distal femoral cortical irregularities (DFCIs) are a frequent incidental finding on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are common in young competitive athletes. Purpose: To assess and compare the morphology and prevalence of DFCIs in competitive alpine skiers over 48 months during adolescence. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Adolescent competitive alpine skiers were prospectively recruited in 2018 and received bilateral 3-T MRI of the knee at baseline and after 48 months. All MRIs were evaluated for the presence and location of DFCIs, which were marked at 1 of 3 anatomic positions: (1) the femoral attachment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, (2) the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle, or (3) the attachment of the adductor magnus aponeurosis. The size of the DFCI was measured by 2 radiologists independently. The measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cohen Kappa. Results: A total of 63 athletes (mean age at follow-up, 19.6 ± 1.2 years; n = 25 female) were included in the study. At baseline, DFCIs were detected in 84 out of 126 knees (67%). At the 48-month follow-up, DFCIs were found in 88 out of 126 knees (70%), with multiple DFCIs in 3 knees and no significant difference between male and female patients (n = 24 male, n = 19 female; P = .71). No significant increase was detected for the number (P = .21) and size of the DFCIs between the baseline and the 48-month follow-up (mean size: baseline, 3.7 ± 0.8 mm; 48-month follow-up: 3.6 ± 0.9 mm; P = .66). The interrater agreement for the mean size measurements of DFCIs was good to excellent (ICC 0.88). Conclusion: DFCIs remain a frequent finding on knee MRI in competitive alpine skiers after skeletal maturation and do not disappear during adolescence. The DFCI size was constant in athletes aged between 15 and 19 years. Moreover, DFCIs should not be mistaken for a pathologic finding.

Neurological outcome of cardiac arrest patients in mountain areas: An analysis of the Northern French Alps Emergency Network

BackgroundMountainous areas pose a challenge for the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) chain of survival. Survival rates for OHCAs in mountainous areas may differ depending on the location. Increased survival has been observed compared to standard location when OHCA occurred on ski slopes. Limited data is available about OHCA in other mountainous areas. The objective was to compare the survival rates with a good neurological outcome of OHCAs occurring on ski slopes (On-S) and off the ski slopes (OffS) compared to other locations (OL). MethodsAnalysis of prospectively collected data from the cardiac arrest registry of the Northern French Alps Emergency Network (RENAU) from 2015 to 2021. The RENAU corresponding to an Emergency Medicine Network between all Emergency Medical Services and hospitals of 3 counties (Isère, Savoie, Haute-Savoie). The primary outcome was survival at 30 days with a Cerebral Performance Category scale (CPC) of 1 or 2 (1: Good Cerebral Performance, 2: Moderate Cerebral Disability). ResultsA total of 9589 OHCAs were included: 213 in the On-S group, 141 in the Off-S group, and 9235 in the OL group. Cardiac etiology was more common in On-S conditions (On-S: 68.9% vs OffS: 51.1% vs OL: 66.7%, p < 0.001), while Off-S cardiac arrests were more often due to traumatic circumstances (OffS: 39.7% vs On-S: 21.7% vs OL: 7.7%, p < 0.001). Automated external defibrillator (AED) use before rescuers' arrival was lower in the Off-S group than in the other two groups (On-S: 15.2% vs OL: 4.5% vs OffS: 3.7%; p < 0.002). The first AED shock was longer in the Off-S group (median time in minutes: OffS: 22.0 (9.5–35.5) vs On-S: 10.0 (3.0–19.5) vs OL: 16.0 (11.0–27.0), p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, on-slope OHCA remained a positive factor for 30-day survival with a CPC score of 1 or 2 with a 1.96 adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–3.75, p = 0.04), whereas off-slope OHCA had an 0.88 adjusted odds ratio (95% CI, 0.28–2.72, p = 0.82). ConclusionsOHCAs in ski-slopes conditions were associated with an improvement in neurological outcomes at 30 days, whereas off-slopes OHCAs were not. Ski-slopes rescue patrols are efficient in improving outcomes.

Multi-Phase Trajectory Optimization for Alpine Skiers Using an Improved Retractable Body Model

Multi-Phase Trajectory Optimization for Alpine Skiers Using an Improved Retractable Body Model

Biomechanics of alpine skiing and the forces that affect it

The result in alpine skiing depends on the interaction of the athlete’s body and equipment with the snow. Therefore, to get the best results, you need to use the equipment in such a way as to get the necessary reaction from the snow, because turns and braking occur due to the impact of snow on the skis. At the same time, the athlete must constantly remain in balance to avoid falls. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the biomechanical apparatus of an alpine skier and the main forces that act on him during the passage of the track. To achieve this goal, the method of theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature was used. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the motor aspects and mechanics that affect athletes in alpine skiing. The article discusses the biomechanics of alpine skiing, its features and the main forces that act on an athlete while overcoming a ski slope. The article also discusses some specific terminology of skiing, which is closely related to the biomechanics of motor actions and the impact of physical forces on the athlete. Another crucial aspect of success in skiing is feeling. This article discusses the problem of using the information of sensations in skiers, obtained through musculo-articular channels and tactile senses of the athlete, the sense of time to assess the quality of downhill control. The study is important for training and preparation of athletes, where the analysis of biomechanics of movements allows to optimize the skiing technique and minimize the risk of injury. Understanding of these aspects helps to improve training strategies and develop more effective methods for improving skiing skills. The results of the research can contribute to the improvement of technique in amateur skiing, the improvement of technical training of athletes and the development of more effective training methods for achieving success in alpine skiing.