Women's and men's alpine skiing became an Olympic sport in 1936. The sport began in the European Alps over 150 years ago. Alpine Ski events are divided by two categories, technical and speed. There are five events that constitute Alpine Skiing: Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Super Combined.

Downhill
As the name suggests, the downhill event for men and women is judged by how fast an Olympian can speed down the slope in a single race. The course is specially groomed to make it more slick so skiers can move faster down the slope. The equipment is also slightly different from other ski events. The skis are longer with rounded tips to increase stability. The poles are also curved to fit around the body better.

Slalom
A slalom is a gate made of two poles that competitors must ski through as they speed down the slope. Each set of poles is 30 feet apart (vertically) and there are 55 to 75 gates for men and 40 to 60 gates for women.

Giant Slalom
Similar to the Slalom event, the Giant Slalom has gates spaced farther apart. The skis are longer for this event compared to the slalom, but not as long as Super-G skis.

Super-G
The Super Giant Slalom, which is also called the "Super-G," is a combination of downhill skiing and the Giant Slalom race. Competitors must race down the slope for the fastest time as they weave through slalom gates (35 for men and 30 for women).

Super Combined
For multi-talented Alpine skiers, the Super Combined event is a combination of one run of downhill and two runs of slalom. The collection of times for the races are added together. The fastest total time wins.