Gate re-pass

What is gate re-pass

Gate re-pass is a racer’s return to a missed or incorrectly passed gate in order to pass it in the prescribed way. In ski racing, the term to return to the gateis also used; in English, you may come across the term hiking.

Correct passage is not determined by whether the racer touched or knocked over the pole. What matters is the gate line and the position of both feet and the ski tips according to Article 661.4 of the FIS rules. A knocked-over pole therefore does not in itself have to mean a fault, while going around the pole from the wrong side can be a fault even without contact.

Current FIS rule

According to the current FIS documentation and the clarification of Article 614.2.3 the following applies:

• if the racer’s skis come to a complete stop, the racer may no longer continue through the previous or any further gates;
• if the skis did not come to a complete stop, the racer may continue, but must not obstruct the following racer or be overtaken by them;
• after an uncorrected gate error, the racer should not continue farther down the course; continuing after an error or after a complete stop is among the reasons for a penalty under Article 628.8.

Classic stepping sideways or skating back uphill after a complete stop therefore is not allowed in races governed by FIS rules, not even in slalom. Older rules and some national systems used, or still use, a different exception for non-FIS slalom races. Examples include specially marked US rules for some domestic events. Such an exception cannot be automatically transferred to FIS races or to a Slovak event. The rules under which a particular competition is announced always decide.

A complete stop refers to the skis, not just a significant slowing of the body. However, the racer should not try to maintain even slight movement at the cost of a dangerous maneuver. Safety and not obstructing the next starter take priority.

This is not a rerun

Gate re-pass must not be confused with rerun (re-run) Repeated runs may be allowed by the jury under the conditions set by the rules, for example after a recognized obstruction or malfunction that affected the run. The competitor cannot grant one to themself by returning to the gate.

If a competitor requests a repeated run because of an obstruction on the course, they must follow the rules for interruption of the run and the request for a provisional repeated run. Continuing all the way to the finish may invalidate such a claim.

Children's and training context

In training, a coach may allow a child to return to a missed gate. However, this is training practice, not a competition rule. The goal may be to understand gate order, orient on the course, or complete a technical task.

Such an exercise only makes sense on a controlled training course, with sufficient spacing and clear coach instructions. A child must not ski back against the direction of travel if another skier is approaching from above. With younger children, it is more important to teach looking ahead to the next gates in time and safely leaving the course than to create a habit of saving every mistake with a sharp turn back.

Before races, the coach should explain to the children the simple rule that applies to the event. In a competition under FIS: while the skis are moving, the mistake may be corrected by a safe return; after a complete stop, skiing continues no further. The competitor then clears the course in a way that does not endanger the next starter and follows the instructions of the course officials.

Common misunderstandings

• “In slalom, I can always hike back up.” – In current FIS races, that is not valid after a complete stop.
• “When I knocked over the pole, I missed the gate.” – Not necessarily; what matters is correctly crossing the gate line.
• “If I go back, I get a new time.” – No. The time keeps running, and the return is not a repeated run.
• “The rule from children's training also applies in races.” – A coach may use returning as an exercise, but competition follows its own official rules.