A racer must be able to slide down the entire course with out using poles, it must be clear of stones and stumps. Control gates can be set to force skiers to slow down, these gates must be 8 meters wide and set at right angles. T he Slalom race is two timed runs on the same steep slope but different courses. The racer with the lowest aggregate time is the winner. There is anywhere from 40-60 gates .75 meters apart.
Emphasis is fast, tight, controlled turns.
The racers skis move around the gate while their body pushes the gates aside. This has resulted in the use of plastic flex poles, which bend but don't dislodge. They must wear protective gear for safety reasons. If they miss even one gate they are immediately disqualified. T hen there is the Giant Slalom which is also two time runs on the same slope but different courses.