The launching area, which comprises about 300 400 meters, is used by the skier to gain speed, his maximum speed is obtained in the next 100 meters and the last 500 meters are used for slowing down and coming to a stop. The races, administered by FIS do not aim at gaining maximum speed but winning a particular event and that is why the starting point is chosen so that the skiers cannot go beyond 200km/h. As in a professional contest, the conditions are set to advantage of the safety than the speed. After the speed skydiving, speed skiing is the second fastest non-motorized sport in the world. Skiers reach a speed of 200km/h, with a top record 251.4 km/h, and exceed the terminal velocity of a body free-falling object in the atmosphere. For example, a skydiver in a normal free-fall position with a closed parachute reaches about 193 km/h. As for the equipment, the clothing and the separate elements are made to provide maximum aerodynamics through the descent. The ski suits of the skiers are made of special material (latex or polyurethane) in order to beat the air and wind resistance. Helmets are used for a greater aerodynamics and dense foam fairings are attached on the low part of the skiers legs to increase streamlining. On skiers back a mandatory protector is attached to provide a protection in case of a crash. The skis are of a special kind, with a length between 2.2 and 2.4 metres, maximum 10 cm width and 15 kg weight for the pair. The ski poles are twisted to shape around the body and must be minimum 1m long. The top record in speed skiing has been gradually improved through the years. In 1930, it was 105.7 km/h, but in 1999 Harry Egger reached the impressive speed of 248.1 km/h. In the late 1950s, an exciting event of speed skiing was organized at Monte Rosa glacier, which connects Italy to Switzerland. At an altitude over 3500 meters, enthusiasts used the extreme terrain under Matterhorn, which is with a gradient of maximum 62 degrees to challenge the air resistance and gravity. Later on, in 1992 the speed skiing was included as a demonstration sport in the Winter Olympic Games, held at Albertville. Since 1980, the speed skiing can be practiced by each enthusiast of high speed. If you decide that this sport becomes your obsession, first you have to take the proper ski gear, including skis that are about 2.4 meters long. The terrain where you can exercise can be of any kind, enough that the regulations are followed. It is required that the course should be off piste and with a gradient even less than 45 degrees. To become a pro and to be able to ski safely, you should obtain some special technical skills and be physically strong enough. Certain exercises are needed, most essential of which are to learn how to get into a low tuck, regardless the wind speed and coming to a stop, using the safe snow plough technique.