"You don't want to go super fast because it makes it very difficult to pass. Skiers don't have a throttle to accelerate. There has to be places where a skier can pass and still be safe. When you get four people on a course, racing, anything can happen."

Designers try to keep a course to a minimum of 45 seconds.

The Deer Valley course is expected to be challenging, with good terrain options and a very steep finish.

There are many more elements involved in winning a ski cross than an alpine race. In an alpine race, the racer looks for the fastest line and where to accelerate out of a turn.

"For ski cross you need the fundamentals, especially how to accelerate out of a turn. Then you have other factors where you have to make split-second decisions. If you're behind, you think about the right line and how to accelerate, then figure out where you're going to pass and how to handle the terrain and on making clean turns so you don't lose speed," he said.

"Just because you're the best in the world, like Daren (Rahlves), you just don't come in and win. There are a lot of things to learn and figure out."

Rahlves, the all-time men's downhill and super G racer for the U.S. team, just recently made his first podium appearance.

If the racer in front falls and takes other skiers out, that's all part of racing. And, while there is bumping and contact, rules say it can't be intentional.

"And, if it is intentional, you'll know it at the bottom. Other racers will know it, and there's an unwritten code that it's not acceptable. No one wants to get hurt or see one of his friends hurt," said Shepherd.

Qualifying for this event will take place Friday. Qualifying will be based on time. The fastest 32 men and 16 women will advance to the final on Saturday.

On Saturday, the finals will start with eight four-men starts, with the top two finishers advancing. For the women, there will be four four-women starts with the top two in each race advancing.

Ski cross skiers to watch

Men
1. Tomas Kraus CZE
2. Enak Gavaggio FRA
3. Michael Schmid SUI
4. Lars Lewen SWE
5. Hiroomi Takizawa JPN
6. Stanley Hayer CAN
7. Casey Puckett USA
8. Ted Piccard FRA
9. Richard Spalinger SUI
10. Alois Mani SUI

Also
26. Jakub Fiala USA
27. Errol Kerr USA

Women
1. Meryl Boulangeat FRA
2. Ophelie David FRA
3. Karin Huttary AUT
4. Jenny Owens AUS
5. Hedda Berntsen NOR
6. Noriko Fukushima JPN
7. Sasa Faric SLO
8. Ashleigh Mcivor CAN
9. Seraina Murk SUI
10. Emilie Serain SUI

Also
33. Langely McNeal USA
40. Michelle Roark USA

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com