Dynamic modeling of speed skiing

Abstract

The equations of motion that describe a skier descending a speed-skiing hill are solved both analytically and numerically. The model is shown to agree well with actual official results but only when the hill profile is considered. A sensitivity analysis reveals which parameters most affect the skier’s exit speed. Other factors, such as scaling effects and wind gusts, are included to determine whether these need to be considered in official results. One surprising result is that, under certain conditions and hill profiles, maximum skier speed is attained prior to entry into the timing zone—thus bringing into question the optimum placement of the timing gates.