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U.S. Ski & Snowboard has released its annual summary of alpine rule changes for the coming season, covering both FIS and USSS racing. The updates include safety equipment requirements, competition format adjustments, and rule changes affecting start limits.
For FIS speed events, airbags are now required at the World Cup and Europa Cup levels, but not for NorAm competitions. In USSS racing, U18 athletes no longer face start restrictions, giving them broader racing opportunities. Additionally, at U14 races and younger, online timing will not be available during runs. However, unofficial results from each run can be posted online once the run is complete.
We share this summary so athletes, coaches, and parents are aware of important changes before the season begins. The list of rule updates is included below.
USSS Alpine rule changes
U18 Start Limitation – The U18 FIS start limitation of 30 technical events for first-year athletes and 35 technical events for second-year athletes was repealed (U607.2).
Out-of-Region Quotas for FIS Events – Flexibility was allowed for U.S. Ski & Snowboard regional directors to expand out-of-region quotas beyond 10 when possible, depending on field size and race organizer approval.
Live Timing at U14 and Younger Races – Real-time “live timing” services will not be allowed during U.S. Ski & Snowboard races with U14 and younger athletes. Unofficial results can be posted online after the completion of a race run.
Gate Height for U14 Athletes – Flexibility was allowed for 72-inch slalom gates to be used at events with U14 athletes.
Alternating Gate Colors – Flexibility was allowed for gates to be contrasting and alternating colors, not just red or blue (680.2.1.1).
Officials Education – Alpine Official (AO) updates will be required annually beginning with season 2026.
TD Daily Allowance – The daily allowance for National Alpine TDs will rise from $120 to $150.
A Reminder of Previously Reported FIS Changes
- For Season 2025-26, to be implemented starting with the Base List for Season 2026-27:
- An 8-point adder will be applied to the calculated penalty of Level 2, 3, and 4 FIS events
- An athlete’s FIS seed points in SL and GS will be calculated by the average of the best three results in that event
- Additional shin pads are not allowed to be worn inside the boot. To treat medical issues, additional protection pads, as soft padding, can be approved by FIS. To protect athletes dealing with medical issues, soft and flexible pads remain allowed but must meet strict guidelines. Approved padding must:
- Be made from soft materials such as gel or foam
- Remain flexible in all directions
- Avoid any preformed or curved shapes
- Stay within the height and width of the boot tongue.
- For the 2025-26 season, using an Airbag is mandatory in DH and SG at World Cup, Olympic Winter Games, and Europa Cup events. Airbags are strongly recommended in DH and SG at South America Cup, NorAm Cup, Far East Cup, and World Junior Championship events. Currently, there are two manufacturers, Dainese and In&motion
- Cut-resistant lower-body underwear, rated three stars or higher, is required for all Level 0 and 1 FIS events.
- Starting in the 2025–26 season, FIS will require cut-resistant undergarments at all Level 0 and Level 1 alpine races. These include the World Cup, World Cup Qualification, World Championships and level 1 competitions, Continental Cups, Europacup Qualification, Junior World Championships, and Universiade.
- *Note* due to logistical problems, the implementation in the South American Cup (SAC) & Australian New Zealand-Cup (ANC) will be postponed to October 15th, 2025.
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