ABSTRACT
In most sports activities, motion is the result of muscular activity alone. In downhill skiing, two sources of energy are involved in the dynamics: gravity provides speed and forward motion while muscles allow the body segments to maintain equilibrium under external forces. For the athlete to remain in balance constant movement and adjustment is necessary. The ensemble of these complex movements in combination with forces and resistances involving edge control, pressure control and pivoting constitutes the mechanics of skiing. A world class skier has to handle this matter when skiing along a given course and at the highest speed possible. In order to ski faster, they must conserve kinetic energy and perform balancing movements in total harmony with forward motion.
