Speed Skiing: Winter Sports, Michael Milton, Skiing Downhill And Skiing Equipment

Speed skiing is an exhilarating and thrilling winter sport for amateurs and professionals alike. As the name implies, speed skiing is skiing downhill at extremely high speeds. Professional skiers reach speeds in excess of terminal velocity in which athletes ski downhill at approximately 200 miles per hour. It is the second fastest non-motorized sport in the world next to speed skydiving, and is one of the most remarkable winter sports to watch as well as participate in.

Speed skiing requires the skier to go downhill as fast as they possibly can. The athlete skis in a tucked position for aerodynamic and balance purposes, down a drastically curved course. In order to accelerate as quickly as possible off the line, the skier must maintain the perfect position: Their skis must be completely flat, and the skier must remain absolutely tucked to create optimal downward momentum. Once the skier gets past the ski trap, they will have to start slowing down. Because this requires the skier to brake by standing up, this can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly.

Because of the stringent demands required to speed ski, there are very few speed skiing courses worldwide that can host World Cup events. Speed skiing events are usually held in late winter, because the snow is wetter and has less friction.

Because speed skiing requires skill and precision, the right skiing equipment is essential. Speed skiing equipement consists of ski racing suits, helmets, and the proper speed skis. Ski racing suits are usually made of polyurethane or spandex, and are designed for durability and speed. Helmets are designed with maximum safety in mind, and are made of the same durable Kevlar fiberglass used in bulletproof vests. The most important piece of equipment is going to be the skier's skis. Speed skis are approximately 240 centimeters in length, are specifically made for the sport.

Those who are not quite convinced they could attempt speed skiing might be motivated and inspired by one of the most talented speed skiers in the world: Michael Milton. Milton is a paralympic skier who has won twelve gold medals from the World Championships and the Paralympics. He continues to push himself to break new records, and is training to qualify for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

While not everyone can be as talented at speed skiing as Michael Milton, his story serves to inspire skiers of all ages to attempt one of the most electrifying winter sports on earth. Although it requires skill and talent, very few things are as thrilling as skiing downhill at terminal velocity. With the right equipment and practice, one can learn to enjoy this incredible winter sport.


Sources:
"Speed Skiing." Wikipedia. 15 May 2007. 10 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_skiing
Michael Milton. 10 June 2007. http://www.michaelmilton.com/
Ski Racing Suits .Ice Beams. 16 Sept 2003. 10 June 2007.http://www.icebeams.com/ad%20ski%20racing.htm
Equipment. SpeedSki.com. 10 June 2007. http://www.speedski.com/equipment.htm
SPEEDSKIING HELMETS. Composite beat engel. 10 June 2007. http://www.composite-be.com/speedskiing.html
Skis. Good Sports. 10 June 2007. http://www.good-sports.co.nz/atomic_skis.htm
Ski Equipment. GearDirect.com. 10 June 2007. http://www.geardirect.com/geardirect/ctl3981/cp206 59/cl1/Ski_Equipment?iorb=4764
Doyle, Mike. “Speed Skiing Season Opens.” About.com: Skiing. 2007. About, Inc. 19 June 2007. http://skiing.about.com/b/a/251536.htm
Plueddeman, Charles. “The Mechanics of Speed Skiing.” Speedski.com.  Feb. 1994. 19 June 2007. http://www.speedski.com/PopularMechanics.htm