Comparative analysis of Ski Edge Load Distribution in different Slalom disciplines and correlation with real skiing loads

As a skier makes his way down the mountain, an intense load interaction takes places between the snow and the skis and between the skis and the skier. All these loads are generated to counterbalance the skier weight and the inertial forces that occurs during the descent. This study aims to explore the loads acting while skiing at the snow - ski interface and at the ski - leg interface with a combination of laboratory-based experiments and field-based Slalom and Giant Slalom measurements. Through a dedicated testbench, the Edge Load Profile of different skis will be determined and confronted. Then In field data will be analyzed with a general method and the global Ground Reaction forces and the Center of Pressure trends will be determined. Finally, the real skiing loads measured during Slalom and Giant Slalom in field test sessions will be confronted with the loads applied at the testbench to see if there is correlation between the two.