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Kinetic energy (E_kin) increases with speed by the power of 2 and is considered a major risk factor for injuries in alpine ski racing. There is no empirical knowledge about the effect of ski geometry on E_kin. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sidecut radius on the progress of E_kin while skiing through a multigate section in giant slalom (GS).

5 European-Cup level athletes skied on three different pairs of GS skis varying in sidecut radii (30, 35 and 40 m). Each athlete's position over time within a six gate section (including flat and steep terrain) was captured by the use of a differential Global Navigational Satellite System. E_kin, speed, time and path length were analysed for each pair of skis used.

When using skis with greater sidecut radius, average E_kin was significantly lower over the entire six gate section, but not locally at every turn cycle. Particular …