Skiing has different techniques and strategies to help skiers at all expertise levels. Skiing speed is one of the crucial aspects that must be learned and mastered by skiers. Many novice skiers need clarification about their speed, whether it is average or beyond. So, what is the average ski speed?
Different categories of skiers enjoy skiing. People ski for leisure and also as a sport. Therefore, generalizing the ski speeds and giving an average figure will be unfair.
Not knowing about skiing speed, what improves it or affects it, and ways to control it can be risky for skiers. So it is good to be well-informed on this topic before you start skiing. Read on to learn more.
Related: How To Properly Break In New Ski Boots?
The Average Skiing Speeds In Downhill Competitions

In downhill competitions, skiing varies according to expertise levels. The speed of downhill skiers can reach 81 mph. Even on the world’s steepest slopes, the fast-moving skiers will drive their skis straight downhill.
The beginner skiing speed varies a lot. For those who join ski competitions, the speed can be somewhere between 40 to 50mph. The skiers at the Olympics have an average of about 80mph.
Lately, downhill skiing speeds have increased in competitions. It is all thanks to innovations in design and material in the skiing industry and manufacturing companies. The new speeds have been around 75 to 90mph for men and 60 to 75 mph for women.
What Is The Expert Skiing Speed?
According to the consensus, Olympic skiers have 80 miles/hr speeds. Some have gone up to 95 mph. It does not mean skiers continuously ski at this high speed. While skiers descend, they reach this mark at some point while skiing.
What Are The Average Skiing Speeds For Novice Downhill Skiing?
The average skiing speed of a skier on a skiing trip is around 20-40 mph. Skiers who love to participate in downhill skiing for fun have a vast difference in speeds from those engaged in skiing competitions.
Their speeds are also lower than the skiers who participate in the Olympics. The average speed depends a lot on the run.
What Factors Impact The Skier’s Speed?
The skiing speeds depend on different factors. When driving a car, you cannot maintain a single pace throughout your journey due to traffic, vehicle condition, mood, etc. However, it is similar to skiing. Here are a few factors that can affect a skier’s speed:
Your Skill Level
The most significant is, of course, the skier’s skill level. Experts can ski at much higher speeds compared to beginner-level skiers. In addition, experts are more likely to take risks and increase their speed downhill with better confidence than novice skiers.
Wearing Proper Gear
If you wear proper equipment while rushing down the powdery slope, you will have a boost of confidence. You will know you are well-protected and ready to zoom your heart out. In addition, it will give you a sense of security that you will have a higher chance of survival due to your high-quality gear in an off chance of an accident.
Air resistance
Disbalance is another aspect of concern. Air resistance plays a significant role in your balance. You can reduce air resistance by having a tight and strong tuck. You may also use curved poles that remain around the body for better mobility.
How To Control Your Skiing Speed?

You can try different skiing techniques to improve your skiing speed and some changes you can make to ski equipment. Following is a list of some things you can give a try:
Curve Instead Of Skidding
Try to take a curved turn instead of a skidded or zigzag one. Skidding creates friction and slows your speed. However, to master this technique, you may need to take lessons from a ski instructor to help you with this.
Practice In A Racecourse
Try practicing speed in racecourses. You can follow the path carved out by the previous skier’s skis to help you as a guide. Furthermore, the gates will make the perfect line for you to follow. Keep looking at the gate before you turn, and stay on the quickest line easily.
Stay fit
You will need a lot of strength in your muscles to accelerate during skiing, especially your back, abdominal, and leg strength are crucial for handling high-speed turns. Therefore, ensure to add a little strengthening exercise for your body.
For example, you can try hip thrusters, air squats, jumping jacks etc. You can also do some exercises for your core like knee planks, stationary running, etc.
Well-Fitted Boots
Good boots will let you manage high skiing speeds. However, if you wear ski boots that have an ill fit, you will stay distracted towards your feet instead of your skiing skills.
Well-Maintained Skis
It would be best if you used skis in good condition so that they do not give you any trouble while trying to break your speed record. If you are skiing on hard and dry snow, it will help to get your skis tuned before your trip.
Wax the skis and sharpen their edges regularly. Maintaining your skis will help you increase your skiing speed and skills.
How To Monitor Your Skiing Speed?
There are multiple ways of tracking your skiing speed. Downhill skiers typically use a range of equipment to monitor their speeds:
- One of your friends can stand on the sidelines and measure your speed using an effective speedometer.
- You can also use advanced and the latest skiing apps on your smartphone to track your speed. These apps can also measure the vertical feet, and the distance traveled while skiing.
Final Word
Ski speed is an essential aspect of skiing, whether for recreational skiers or athletic ones. However, speed depends on the skier’s expertise level, ability to task risk, and gender. Improving speed can help skiers participate in skiing competitions, and it can be fun to show off in front of your friends on your next ski trip.
It will be best to consult a ski instructor and learn proper techniques to increase your speed instead of zooming downhill without the right plan and getting injured.