FIS MEDIA INFO: Rules regarding cold weather in Alpine Skiing

Åre, February 8, 2007/ -- On the third day of racing at the 39th FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Åre (SWE), the famous ‘reverse effect' has finally emerged: while extreme temperatures continue to dominate in the valley, it is now approximately ten degrees warmer on the top of the mountain. For Alpine Skiing Events, there is no rule in the International Ski Competition Rules (ICR) regarding a cancellation or postponement due to cold temperature. In case of extreme cold, the Competition Jury, together with FIS and the Medical Supervisor for the Alpine World Ski Championships, must consider the risk to the health of the athletes caused by the weather during the planned competition in deciding about a potential postponement or cancellation.

"In Alpine Skiing, the competition performance is relatively short and, even in cold conditions, the risk to the health of the athletes is not significant. Obviously the athletes must dress appropriately and should not remain in the cold too long before and after the races. So far, we have only experienced small frostbites in the feet and on the cheeks; however, these pose no health risk when appropriately taken care of," notes Eero Hyvärinen (FIN), Medical Supervisor at the Åre 2007 Alpine World Ski Championships.

Per Rule 303.2.3 respectively 503.2.3 in the ICR for Cross-Country Skiing and Nordic Combined, the competition can be cancelled, interrupted or postponed by the Jury if the minimum temperature, as measured at the coldest point in the course, is -20C or lower. The Jury must also consider the additional impact by air humidity, wind or snowfall in their decision.

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