In skiing, a straightline (often used as a verb: “straightlining”) is exactly what it sounds like: skiing directly down the fall line of a slope without making any turns to control your speed.
It is the fastest way to get from point A to point B, but it requires significant skill, balance, and—let’s be honest—a bit of nerve.
Why Skiers Straightline
While it might look like someone just “forgot how to turn,” straightlining is usually a calculated choice for specific scenarios:
- Clearing Flats: On long, flat catwalks or run-outs, skiers straightline the preceding pitch to build enough momentum to glide through without having to pole or skate.
- Speed Events: In disciplines like Downhill or Super-G, athletes stay in a “tuck” and straightline as much of the course as possible to clock the fastest time.
- Narrow Chutes: In technical big-mountain skiing, some couloirs are too narrow to turn in. Skiers must “point ’em” to exit the narrow section before they have room to speed-check.
- The “Send”: In freestyle or freeride, straightlining into a jump ensures the skier has the necessary velocity to clear the landing.
The Risks and “Jerry” Moments
Straightlining isn’t always a pro move. In the ski community, it is often associated with high-risk behavior:
| Aspect | The Reality |
| Speed | You can easily hit speeds exceeding 80–100 km/h, where a small bump can lead to a catastrophic “tomahawk” crash. |
| Control | Without turning, you have no way to slow down. If an obstacle (or another skier) appears, your options are limited. |
| Etiquette | Straightlining down a crowded beginner run is a major faux pas. This is often referred to as being a “human missile” or a “Jerry.” |
Technical Mechanics
When someone straightlines intentionally, they typically adopt a Tuck. This minimizes wind resistance using the following physics:
$$F_d = frac{1}{2} rho v^2 C_d A$$
In this formula for Drag Force ($F_d$), the skier tries to minimize their frontal area ($A$) and drag coefficient ($C_d$) by crouching low and keeping their poles tucked under their arms.
Safety Note: Always ensure the “run-out” (the flat area at the bottom) is clear and long enough to bleed off speed naturally before you decide to point your skis straight down the hill!