How to Time Ski Race Results

It is relatively easy to time a ski race.

Ski races can take many forms, including simple downhill races, slalom races and combined events; but the name of the game is always to get to the bottom of the run as quickly as possible. As the timer, it will be your job to be in the correct vantage point and correctly time each skier's run from start to end.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Stopwatch

Instructions

1. Note the bib numbers of the athletes taking part in the ski race. Timing the race can be relatively simple, but it is important to be able to differentiate between the competitors. Noticing the brightly colored bibs, with numbers displayed clearly, is by far the most effective way to tell the competitors apart.

2. Position yourself in a lofty position, where you have an excellent view of the whole course -- particularly the Start and Finish line. Having a good view of the beginning and end of each run is the most vital aspect of the timing process.

3. Start the stopwatch when the skier crosses the starting line.

4. Stop the stopwatch the moment the skier crosses the finish line. This will give you the precise time of the run. Repeat this with all of the competitors to provide the results for the whole ski race.

References

• Trails: How to Time Ski Race Results
• GBSki: Rules
• Split second timing: USSA Alpine Race Timing Software Overview