The U.S. Alpine skiing team comes into the 2018 Winter Olympics after a strong showing in both the 2017 World Cup and the 2014 Olympics. Four years ago, both Mikaela Shiffrin and Ted Ligety won gold, Andrew Weibrecht won a silver medal, and Julia Mancuso and Bode Miller took home bronze medals.
How to watch Alpine combined at the Winter Olympics: A guide to understanding and appreciating the sport
What time is alpine combined on at the Olympics? Plus all the rules, streaming information, listings, and more you need.
Photo by Alain Grosclaude/Agence Zoom/Getty Images
Also returning to anchor the women’s team is Lindsey Vonn, who missed the 2014 Olympics due to injury, but is looking to win a gold medal like she did in 2010. Here’s a snapshot of the team as a whole, from US Ski and Snowboard:
The team includes 22 athletes who qualified for the team through one or more top-three finishes, top five finishes, and top 10 finishes, and then World Cup points. Qualification included 2017-18 FIS World Cup races through Cortina, Italy and Kitzbuehel, Austria on Jan. 20-21, 2018.
What time and how can I watch?
You’ll be able to watch the Olympics on NBC and its network of channels as well as streaming live online at NBC Sports.
Feb. 12: Men’s Alpine combined, run 1, downhill (9:30 p.m. ET)
Feb. 13: Men’s Alpine combined, run 2, slalom (1 a.m.)
Feb. 22: Women’s Alpine combined, run 1, downhill (9 p.m.)
Feb. 23: Women’s Alpine combined, run 2, slalom (12:30 a.m.)
Why should I quit my job and become a lifelong devotee of Alpine combined?
This sport is fun, and there is a lot to love about it! For starters, it consists of two different runs that are scored as a whole, based on time. It involves both good ski skills, being able to go fast, but also being able to make turns on a dime.
This sport is exciting and dramatic, and it’s something anyone can enjoy.
What are the rules of Alpine combined? Follow up: What is the weirdest rule of Alpine combined?
For Alpine super combined, skiers run two times -- a downhill one and a slalom run. What’s a slalom, you’re probably thinking? It involves skiing between gates (they’re basically poles) down a course. The course times are combined, and whichever skier has the quickest time wins.
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A course typically features 55 to 75 gates for men and 40 to 60 for women. Only the skiers’ skis and boots need to go around each gate, so the body is allowed to go outside of them.
What can I talk about to impress the Alpine combined enthusiast in my life?
As far as the downhill events go it’s pretty simple -- falling or going outside of the track ends your competition immediately. When it comes to the slalom, it’s more about being precise than being fast to get through the gates. A lot of skiers touch the gates with their forearms to navigate each turn as close and precisely as possible. Honestly, saying how you’re allowed to touch the gate and even pass by the outside with your body is allowed is impressive to know, and would surely make for some engaging bar conversation about alpine combined.
Whose jersey should I buy?
For the U.S. men’s team, Ligety finished No. 12 and No. 5 in combined in both the 2014 and 2010 Olympics, and won gold in 2006. For the women, Vonn, the winningest female ski racer of all-time, recently came in fifth in the super combined in the 2017 World Cup. Mikaela Shiffrin is poised for more gold medals.
What is the sport’s AMERICA RATING?
The Americans have a shot to medal this year for both teams, especially given how experienced and filled with starpower the group is.
What’s the best GIF I can watch from Alpine combined?
Definitely when this drone fell while trying to follow a downhill skier.
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