Slalom is considered the fastest event among alpine skiing. Competitors ski down a slope that has a vertical descent of 180m to 220m for men or 140m to 180m for women.

Skiers pass through ‘gates’ or two plastic poles. Each gate has a minimum width of 4m and a maximum of 6m. Skiers often knock over the poles in order to find the fastest route. Slalom skiers have to pass through two courses. Eliminations take place after the first course based on timings. The competitor with the lowest combined time across the two courses is declared the winner.