FIS Orders Longer Alpine Skis to Prevent Injuries

The International Ski Federation has passed a new rule requiring Alpine racers to use longer skis to help prevent serious injuries.

Giant slalom skiers face the biggest changes when new rules imposed after a six-year injury research project take effect in the 2012-13 World Cup season.

FIS says the minimum length for men’s GS skis will increase by 10 centimeters to 1.95 meters. Women’s GS skis must be 1.88 meters, 8 centimeters longer.

Downhill skis also will be longer – at least 2.18 meters for men and 2.15 meters for women.

A FIS panel led by Pernilla Wiberg of Sweden, the 1992 Olympic champion in women’s GS, worked with researchers in Norway and Austria to develop prototype skis which were tested last season.