1. Introduction to Course Setting

2. What makes a good course?

3. Key Setting Principles
Focus on safety
Set within the rules!
Set with rhythm and flow
Set to athlete’s abilities

4. Key Setting Principles
Finish gates should lead to middle of finish
Start and finish with even rhythm
Look up and down hill when setting
Set what you know, not what you think

5. Key Setting Principles
Set With A
PLAN!
Goal: Bring newly learned technical skill into gates
Goal: Prepare for a race on a hill with multiple fall-lines, your training hill is moderate with a single fall-line
Answer for Goal 1: Set basic, rhythm, distance and offset appropriate for skills practiced
Answer for Goal 2: Set changes in rhythm, move across hill with sets, vary offset and distance

6. What are some more course setting goals?

7. Setting By Discipline – USSA Alpine Officials Manual Ch 7, p. 7-8
Race courses should be set appropriate to the level of competition and are required to be set within USSA and FIS specifications regarding the # of gates, width between poles, distance between successive gates, and restrictions applied to vertical combinations.

8. Race courses should have some rhythm and the preferred line should be obvious. The challenge should not be in memorizing the race course but in selecting the best line in the set.

9. Course setters should not rely merely on complex combinations of poles, as a selection of a general line that will test a variety of normal racing skills is the first objective. Race courses should be technically challenging and the gates should require competitors to make complete turns.

10. A race course should have a variety of turns, with varying radii in and out of the fall line and skillful use of the terrain, especially for GS.

11. The final gates of a race course should lead the competitor through the center of the finish gate, and course setters should anticipate setting into the finish several gates before the end of the race course. The course setter should check to see that poles are set in firmly to the proper height.

12. Children’s Course Setting Rules
Train to Race Ratio (strongly recommended minimum)
6:1 (days)
5:1 (days)
GS/SL Race Days3 (recommended)
Max. 10 Division/State organized, all events
Max. 12 Division/State organized, all events
Max. 14 Division/State organized, all events
Max. 18 Division/State organized, all events
Downhill (DH) U1253
Distance between gates 1 X
50 m max.
As required
Vertical drop
350 m max
450 m max
Direction changes
8% of vertical drop
Slalom (SL) U1254
Combination 4-5 m, Open 5-9 m, Delay max. 15 m, distance to delay gate min. 4 m
Combination 4-6 m, Open 6-10 m, Delay max. 15 m
Combination 4-6 m, Open 6-12 m, Delay max 18 m
Max. 100 m
Max. 120 m
Max. 140 m
Max. 160 m
Additional requirements
Max. 3 hairpins, max. 1 vertical combination, max. 1 delay gate
2-3 hairpins, 1 vertical combination Max. 1 delay gate
3-5 hairpins, 1-2 vertical combinations and at least 1 delay gate
Giant Slalom (GS) U1255
Open m, Delay max. 30 m
Open m, Delay max. 35 m
Open m, Delay max. 35 m
Max. 200 m
Max. 250 m
Max. 300 m
Max. 350 m
Min. of 1 delay
Variety of terrain suggested
Variety in terrain is suggested
Super G (SG) U1256
22-35 m
25-40 m
25-45 m
Max. 450 m
Min. 12% of vertical drop
8-12% of vertical drop 2
8-12% of vertical drop
Min. of 1 jump
Training run required (U1256.4)
Training run recommended (U )
Parallel
10-15 m
15-20 m
Maximum vertical drop
60 m
100 m
Kombi - SL/GS U1259
SL 6-10 m, GS m
150 m
180 m (SL skis)
200 m (SL skis)
Kombi - GS/SG U1259
GS m, SG m
250 m (GS skis)
Other Events
All of above plus SkillsQuest events
All of the above plus combined and SkillsQuest events
Ski Recommendation - Maximum (strongly recommended)
1 pair - Multi-event
2 pair - SL, GS
3 pair - SL, GS, SG
SL, GS, SG, DH
Length - skill/size appropriate

13. Slalom
USSA ACR “The ideal SL course must include a series of turns designed to allow the competitors to combine speed with neat execution and precision of turns. The SL should permit the rapid completion of all turns. The course should not require acrobatics incompatible with normal ski technique…”
Rapid completion of turns consideration – average time per turn for World Cup male skier 2009/10 season was seconds

14. Slalom
USSA ACR
“It should be a technically clever composition of figures suited to the terrain, linked by single and multiple gates, allowing a fluent run, but testing the widest variety of ski technique, including changes of direction with very different radii. Gates should never be set only down the fall line, but so that some full turns are required, interspersed with traverses.”

15. START Single Pole Slalom First gate has outside pole Single pole
First gate out of the start is set with an outside pole. Where there is an outside pole (first and last gate, delay gate and combinations – hairpin, vertical art is valid.
Single pole

16. Single Pole Slalom FINISH Single pole Single pole
Last gate has outside pole
FINISH
Last gate prior to FINISH is set with an outside pole Where there is an outside pole (first and last gate, delay gate and combinations – hairpin, vertical art is valid.

17. Delay Single pole Delay has an outside pole Single pole
Single pole slalom with a delay is set with 2 poles. Where there is an outside pole (first and last gate, delay gate and combinations – hairpin, vertical art is valid.

18. Hairpin Single pole Hairpin has two poles Single pole
Hairpins and flushes are set with 2 poles per gate. Where there is an outside pole (first and last gate, delay gate and combinations – hairpin, vertical art is valid.

19. Flush Single pole Single pole
Hairpins and flushes are set with 2 poles per gate. Where there is an outside pole (first and last gate, delay gate and combinations – hairpin, vertical art is valid.

20. Slalom
Single Pole
Where there is no outside pole, both feet and ski tips must have passed the turning pole on the same side, following the natural race line of the SL. If the racer has not correctly passed the imaginary line from turning pole to turning pole and does not follow the natural race line, then he has to climb back up and pass around the missed turning pole (804.3).

21. Slalom Distances Vertical combinations 4-6 meters U10 4-5m
0.75m-1m between gates
Delays
6 meters to delay gate
U10 4m
12-18 meters from turning pole to turning pole
U14/U12/U10 max 15m
World Cup trends: Average distances 9-10m, haven’t seen over 12m in years and not often over 10m. Combinations are rarely set at 6m, generally 5-5.5m. More frequent into-combinations, multiple combinations in a row.
For Juniors – FIS races, set 10m or less on average, don’t always max distance in combinations
U14 & under – Set 10m or less, don’t be afraid to go down to 7-8m for sections, combos accordingly can be less than 6m, since tactics is less of a focus here we don’t encourage confusing gate combinations or intos for race sets, though they should be practiced on occasion
U14 & under use stubbies, brushes, short gates to accomplish proper technique in courses
TRAINING – set a greater range for adaptability; COMPETITION – set to age-appropriate norms

22. Slalom Distances Open gates 13m max for FIS and U18 & older USSA
Gate count (turns) 30-35% of vertical drop
Normal distances 9-11m
Children’s rules – open gates
U10: 5-9m
U12/U14: 6-10m
U16: 6-12m
World Cup trends: Average distances 9-10m, haven’t seen over 12m in years and not often over 10m. Combinations are rarely set at 6m, generally 5-5.5m. More frequent into-combinations, multiple combinations in a row.
For Juniors – FIS races, set 10m or less on average, don’t always max distance in combinations
U14 & under – Set 10m or less, don’t be afraid to go down to 7-8m for sections, combos accordingly can be less than 6m, since tactics is less of a focus here we don’t encourage confusing gate combinations or intos for race sets, though they should be practiced on occasion
U14 & under use stubbies, brushes, short gates to accomplish proper technique in courses
TRAINING – set a greater range for adaptability; COMPETITION – set to age-appropriate norms

23. Additional Requirements
Children’s rules
U10: Up to 3 hairpins, up to 1 flush, up to 1 delay
U12: 2-3 hairpins, 1 flush, up to 1 delay
U14/U16: 3-5 hairpins, 1-2 flushes, at least 1 delay
USSA scored/FIS
At least 3 hairpins, 1-3 flushes, 1-3 delays
World Cup trends: Average distances 9-10m, haven’t seen over 12m in years and not often over 10m. Combinations are rarely set at 6m, generally 5-5.5m. More frequent into-combinations, multiple combinations in a row.
For Juniors – FIS races, set 10m or less on average, don’t always max distance in combinations
U14 & under – Set 10m or less, don’t be afraid to go down to 7-8m for sections, combos accordingly can be less than 6m, since tactics is less of a focus here we don’t encourage confusing gate combinations or intos for race sets, though they should be practiced on occasion
U14 & under use stubbies, brushes, short gates to accomplish proper technique in courses
TRAINING – set a greater range for adaptability; COMPETITION – set to age-appropriate norms

24. Slalom gates Brushes Stubbies Youth gates 25mm or 27mm diameter
54” or 60” shaft length
Full-size gates
USSA 27mm diameter, 69” shaft length
FIS 30 or 31mm diameter, 69” shaft length

25. Giant Slalom
USSA ACR “The terrain should preferably be undulating and hilly. The skillful use of the ground when setting GS is more important than for a SL, since combinations play a less important role owing to the prescribed width of the gates and the greater distances between them. It is therefore better to set mainly single gates, while exploiting the ground to the utmost.”

26. Giant Slalom
USSA ACR “A GS consists of a variety of long, medium and small turns. The competitor should be free to choose his own line between the gates. The full width of a hill should be used wherever possible.”
Full width is a good rule of thumb, but if multiple courses are being set on the hill for the race, courses should be set such that there will not be unnecessary crossing of ruts – set generally within a lane

27. GS
Single Pole
Same slide as previous only now GS. Explain how a “normal” (2 poles/gate) GS works for gate passage. Then explain the gate passage with the “natural race line”.

28. Slalom Single pole SL Delays Flushes Trends World Cup
J3/J4 suggestions
Distance, rhythm, length
Stubbies, brushes, J4/J5 gates
World Cup trends: Average distances 9-10m, haven’t seen over 12m in years and not often over 10m. Combinations are rarely set at 6m, generally 5-5.5m. More frequent into-combinations, multiple combinations in a row.
For Juniors – FIS races, set 10m or less on average, don’t always max distance in combinations
U14 & under – Set 10m or less, don’t be afraid to go down to 7-8m for sections, combos accordingly can be less than 6m, since tactics is less of a focus here we don’t encourage confusing gate combinations or intos for race sets, though they should be practiced on occasion
U14 & under use stubbies, brushes, short gates to accomplish proper technique in courses
TRAINING – set a greater range for adaptability; COMPETITION – set to age-appropriate norms

29. Delay
Same slide as previous only now GS. Explain how a “normal” (2 poles/gate) GS works for gate passage. Then explain the gate passage with the “natural race line”.

30. Giant Slalom Distances
USSA scored/FIS
Minimum 10 meters, no max
Total number of gates (turns) 11-15% of vertical drop
Children’s rules
U10/U12: 15-22m (open)
U14: 15-25m (open)
U16: 15-27m (open)
U10/U12: Delay max of 30m
U14/U16: Delay max of 35m
Minimum of one delay
World Cup trends: Average distances 9-10m, haven’t seen over 12m in years and not often over 10m. Combinations are rarely set at 6m, generally 5-5.5m. More frequent into-combinations, multiple combinations in a row.
For Juniors – FIS races, set 10m or less on average, don’t always max distance in combinations
U14 & under – Set 10m or less, don’t be afraid to go down to 7-8m for sections, combos accordingly can be less than 6m, since tactics is less of a focus here we don’t encourage confusing gate combinations or intos for race sets, though they should be practiced on occasion
U14 & under use stubbies, brushes, short gates to accomplish proper technique in courses
TRAINING – set a greater range for adaptability; COMPETITION – set to age-appropriate norms

31. Kombi
USSA ACR U1259 “The children’s Kombi consists of a mixture of standard turns and gates. The event meets developmental needs for children, creating a tactical awareness by blending sections of different gates in a flowing, rhythmical, constantly changing pattern…The course should test the skier’s ability to react and adapt to an ever changing rhythm and radius, but allow the competitors smooth transition between the various sections of gates.”

32. Kombi Rules Include a minimum of one jump
Use the entire slope and natural terrain, skiing across the fall line as often as possible
Gates may consist of one or two poles
Recommended to have 3-5 different sections
One section should consist of stubby gates

33. Kombi Distances SL/GS Kombi U10-U16 SL 6-10m GS 12-20m
SL skis should be used
GS/SG Kombi
U12-U16
SG 18-28m
GS skis should be used

34. Super G
USSA ACR 1003 “It is recommended to set the gates to make the best use of the terrain. A SG should contain a variety of long and medium turns. The competitor should be absolutely free to choose his own line between the gates. It is not permitted to set only down the fall-line of the slope. Where the terrain allows it jumps may be set.”

35. Super G Seek more learning, opportunities Start gradual – progression
Familiarity of hill
Importance of flow
Set to security installations in place
Factor the physical and psychological characteristics of the athletes
SG for young skiers (U12-U16) should emphasize longer turns, and terrain. Safe jumps (upper part of course, not tactically challenging, steep landing, no uphill takeoffs) should be encouraged. Speeds not all that high – consider skis they are on

36. Corridor
Same slide as previous only now GS. Explain how a “normal” (2 poles/gate) GS works for gate passage. Then explain the gate passage with the “natural race line”.

37. Super G Rules USSA scored/FIS
Minimum 25m between turning poles (no max)
Minimum 15m between gates in corridor
Minimum number of direction changes: 7% of vertical drop
USSA Children’s rules
U12: 22-35m between turns, min 12% of VD
U14: 25-40m between turns, 8-12% of VD*
U16: 25-45m between turns, 8-12% of VD
U14/U16: Should have a jump

38. Downhill
USSA ACR “A DH is characterized by the five components of technique, courage, speed, risk, and conditioning…Before difficult jumps and difficult passages the speed should be controlled by appropriate course setting where possible.”

39. Mix it up! Adjustment tools for the course setter: Vary offset
Vary vertical distance
Set a delay
Set a combination
Possible challenges:
Thin snow/rock in line
Rotten snow
Accidentally set 2 gates in a row of the same color
Have participants rehearse on a whiteboard or flip chart

40. Environmental factors
Terrain
Use it, if you don’t have it, simulate it
For less experienced skiers, terrain should be in transition between turns
Control speed before a breakover rather than after
Caution – turns in compression
Talk about strategies to control speed around terrain

41. Environmental factors
Course length
Gate count issues flat venue vs. steep venue
Alpine Training System – factors by age
Long hill vs short hill
Snow conditions
Soft snow
Ice
Cross ruts
Accumulating snow in the venue
Reminder that gate count is no longer an issue for non-scored events, just must stay within new maximums for distance between gates
Course length recommendations by age are explained in the Alpine Training System course setting recommendations handout
Snow condition variables:
Soft snow – set rhythmic and control speed
Ice – use sufficient offset to control speed, pay particular attention to fall zones
Cross ruts – avoid setting such that skier line crosses ruts in a perpendicular way at a point of pressuring in the turn
Accumulating snow – keep resets within the track, move slightly uphill, not downhill within track to keep berms from getting into low line

42. Environmental factors
Weather/visibility
Foggy, heavy precipitation
Sun to shade considerations
Safety & obstacles
Safety available dictates your set – your set plan doesn’t trump safety and time factors
End courses high enough for plenty of finish room
Setting around lift towers, tree islands, etc.

43. Safety systems Where are the fall zones? Purpose for fencing
Setting B-net in a system
Space
Maintenance
Coaches are responsible for the protection on the hill for training and in races. With the possible exception of very young children, B-nets must be set in a system to work (2 nets interconnected, or weaved net for obstacle like tower).

44. Additional considerations
Different gate options
Setting outside of range for a training purpose
Duals/Parallel
Course setting and the race jury
In order to set at a USSA race, you must be a current USSA coach member and a current certified referee

45. Competition Setting Plan
Junior Championship qualifier
Open council race
First race of the year
Championship race
Jr Champ qualifier: suggestion to set technically challenging, but not tactically confusing, particularly for J4/J3, focus on technical skills; high finish rate but challenging course; set for the level of skier who will be at the bubble for qualification
Open council race: Set to middle of field, reasonable technical challenge, fairly basic tactically
First race of year: Similar, test technique over tactics considering mileage in gates
Championship race: Technically challenging, tactically challenging without being “gadgety”, think rhythm changes but still good flow and good finish rate, set for more of the top of the field

46. Review How many gates are in a flush?
What is the maximum distance between open SL gates?
How far apart are gates in a hairpin?
What is the minimum distance between a delay gate and the turning pole above it in SL? In GS? In SG?
What is the maximum distance between gates in GS?
How is a Kombi set?
Max SL distance: 13m scored races, 12m U16, 10m U14/U12, 9m U10
Gates in hairpin: 0.75 to 1m between gates, 4-6m between poles in a gate (except U10’s 4-5m)
Min distance to delay gate: SL 6m, GS 10m, SG 15m (except U10 SL 4m)
Max distance in GS: None in scored events (must meet gate count requirements for hill), 27m for U16, 25m for U14, 22m for U12 & under

47. Review How might you adjust your course set for very soft snow?
What is your most important consideration when setting a course?
What are the different gates you can use?
What member of the race jury can change the course set?

48. Level 200
Next step is Level 200 clinic. We re-aligned these clinics so that candidates can go into the Level 200 with some course setting experience, so they will be more ready to learn how to set the drill courses and training aids covered at this clinic. Clinic is 3 days and covers skiing fundamentals in gates to include tactics.

49. Questions?