After a great deal of discussion the IFSA promotes the use of five judges scoring all five categories. It is more difficult for the judges but does seem to produce a cleaner and truer score. Each category holds equal weight. However, the categories often effect each other. Competitors are given high scores for choosing a difficult line.
Difficulty is determined by steepness, exposure, snow conditions and obstacles or hazards.
This category is scored first. All other categories maximum score is directly related to line score. ANY loss of control will result in a lower score. However, a skillful recovery will reduce a penalty. Stopping, unnecessary traverses and most falls will result in a lower score.