Torino Winter Olympics 2006 - Sestriere

The area around Sestriere is rich in a history that goes back to the Roman Empire. Near Sestriere is Forte di Fenestrelle an ancient fortified town that sits on the top of a hill. The view from the fort is spectacular and on winter nights the fort is lit up making it visible for miles around. From the fort you can look out at the impressive number of steps that lead to the top of the mountain. Close to Forte di Fenestrelle is the Fort di Exilles which offers a grand view of Val di Susa.

So, what will be happening in Sestriere during the Torino Winter Olympics? Some of the most daredevil athletes on earth will be hurtling themselves down a mountain at speeds that are often close to 100 mph. The fastest speed a skier has reached is close to 150 mph, though that was not in an alpine event.

People have been skiing for thousands of years but recent technology has allowed the speed that the skiers can reach to greatly increase. With the focus now on skiing as a recreational sport it is difficult to remember that skiing once had a practical application. In both Scandinavia and Russia skiing was a means of transportation and a way to hunt.

There are five alpine skiing events for men and five for women, each having the same rules. The times are measured to .01 seconds with the fastest times determining the winner in each event.

The most exciting alpine ski event is the downhill which takes place on the longest course and is where the fastest speeds are achieved. Skiers fold themselves in a tuck position and hurtle down the mountain as fast as they can. To win, it is simply a matter of getting to the bottom of the mountain faster than everyone else while staying upright.

The slalom has the shortest course of all alpine ski events with the skier making quick, tight turns around strategically placed gates. It is a test of balance, agility, technique and speed. Each skier completes two runs on two different courses on the same slope on the same day. The times for the two runs are added together.

The giant slalom is similar to the slalom except there are fewer turns and the course is wider. Each competitor completes two runs on two different courses on the same slope. The two runs take place on the same day and the times are added together.

The super giant slalom (also called the super G) combines both speed and the ability to make tight turns around gates. The course is much longer than either the slalom or giant slalom.

The combined event combines the best of all the events. There is one downhill run followed by two slalom runs. The times for the three runs are added together.

To reach Sestriere by train take the Torino-Bardonecchia line to the Oulx station. During the Olympics there will be shuttles at the station to take you to Sestriere.

To reach Sestriere by car take the A-32 via the Frejus tunnel and exit at Oulx. Follow the directions for the park and ride and take the Olympic shuttle to Sestriere. Sestriere is approximately 70miles west of Torino.

Mark your calendars for the Torino Winter Olympics in 2006. The Men's Downhill (February 12) and the Men's Super G (February 18) will be held in Sestriere Borgata. The Men's Combined (February 14), Men's Giant Slalom (February 20), Women's Slalom (February 22), Women's Giant Slalom (February 24) and the Men's Slalom (February 25) will be held in Sestriere Colle. Several women's events will be held in San Sicario Fraiteve.