Downhill skiing's biggest hurdle? Friction.

How skis meet snow be the difference between winning gold or silver. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Every ski and snowboarding event at the 2026 Winter Olympics is won through a combination of sheer athleticism, quick thinking, creativity, and persistence. But like so many other sports, competitors know their choice of equipment can mean the difference earning the gold or silver medal. A ski is built for function over form, and manufacturers have spent decades adapting and honing their products to ensure wearers get the best results.