Alpine Course Homologation

All FIS and USSA alpine races, all events at all levels, must be conducted on FIS or USSA approved trails, referred to as homologated or registered, following inspection and favorable report.

More information about FIS and USSA homologation requirements and processes may be found by following the links found the USSA web site at: //alpine.usskiteam.com/alpine-programs/officials/homologations, as can lists of valid and expiring homologations.  The applicable rules appear in section 650 of both FIS International Competition Rules and USSA Alpine Competition Regulations.

Clubs, areas and organizers requesting homologations should familiarize themselves with the requirements per the rules for alpine courses, including the specifications for the events to be conducted – vertical drop and width in particular.

Places/venues need to determine if their interest is for FIS or USSA homologation, for which events: DH, SG, GS, SL, for full courses or entry-level/registered races (according to vertical drop). The processes, scheduling, inspection, and documentation are similar for FIS and USSA homologations - although different in some details.

The application to request homologation can be found on the USSA web site at the address above.  Additional information is included with the request form.

Initial steps of the homologation process include:

1. Completion of the application form and submission with the required fee to the USSA Alpine Courses working group chairman, preferably prior to the USSA national meetings in May when initial inspector assignments are made.  Late fees of an additional $50.00 per course apply for applications received after August 15 for FIS courses and after September 15 for USSA courses.
2. Assignment of an appropriate inspector by the working group chair, based on the information provided on the application forms.
3. Contact by the assigned inspector of the responsible person indicated on the application to review the process and rules; to schedule the required on-site inspection; and to coordinate development of the documentation and reporting.

Once the inspector has been assigned and has contacted the responsible person at the place, the process is typically completed in the summer and autumn:

1. The inspector and responsible person collaborate to compile documentation and to verify data, to organize and make the inspection, and to complete and assemble the report and the required documentation for submission by the inspector.
2. The place - area or club or responsible person - covers or reimburses inspector expenses, any reimbursement of which are due at the time of the inspection.
3. When the report with documentation is complete and expenses paid, the inspector then signs and submits the report recommending homologation - or requiring additional work - or not approving (noting reasons for not-approving)
4. The FIS or USSA courses chair accepts the report recommending approval, assigns an homologation number, issues a certificate and causes the information to be published digitally via FIS and/or USSA.