New Speed Skiing World Record Set

A speed skiing world record is reported to have been set this morning in Vars, France.

Simone Origone is reported to have reached 252.454 Km/h (156.868mph) on the resort's Chabrières piste.

The Italian was the existing record holder, but his old record of 251.4 km/h (156.2 mph), which he broke my one kilometre per hour of speed, had stood for almost eight years, as he set in in Les Arcs, France in April 2006.

Most speed skiing events take place in the spring at venues around Europe and at Sun Peaks in Canada, North America.

The current Speed Masters event at Vars continues until this Saturday 5th April with more record attempts expected.

J2SkiNews wrote:252.454 Km/h (156.868mph)

Spring Snow not so slow then... :shock:

The Vars course is fearsome. Second place was taken by Spain-based Brit, Jan Farrell, who set a new British record. This is a record once held by a near neighbour friend who learned to ski at Glenshee!

I read a piece on the Flying Kilometre at Les Arcs and how they allow pretty much anyone to have go, sounds crazy but apparently due to the looooong skis and well prepared course is is incredibly safe.
The only downside for the pros is the red catsuit that makes you look like Britney Spears.

Not that safe historically, though hopefully they've improved things now:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/winter_sports/6581607.stm

J2SkiNews wrote:Not that safe historically, though hopefully they've improved things now:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/winter_sports/6581607.stm

To be fair that article states that the accident happened on the way to the start, a similar fate met an Italian back in 2005 as well.
There is obviously danger attached to any fast action sport but my point was that for Joe Public having a go it isn't as risky as you might think it is.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) nothing could make me look like Britney Spears.