Elite riders can spin in all four directions (left side, right side, switch-left, switch-right). 5. Construction and Safety

Landing where you took off is a fundamental skill to maintain control.

Athletes typically execute 5-7 hits (jumps) in a 40-50 second run.

A competition pipe takes around 300 hours of snow grooming and 50 hours of shaping, often requiring artificial snow for consistency.

Twin-tip skis are essential, allowing for riding and landing backward (switch). They are typically shorter and stiffer than all-mountain skis to handle G-forces.

Helmets are mandatory in competition, with back protectors, knee pads, and wrist guards highly recommended due to high speeds and steepness. 4. Techniques and Key Moves

Built using high-quality artificial snow to prevent holes and ensure longevity, the surface should have a "chalky" feel. 2. Competition and Scoring

Commonly, skiers perform spins and flips, often grabbing the skis for style and technical difficulty. A high-scoring run often includes double corks (two off-axis flips).