INTRODUCTION: Alpine skiing is a sport that presents significant physical, technical, and tactical complexities and challenges. The intricacies of adapting turning techniques to diverse terrain, slope configurations, gate setups, and snow conditions necessitate a thorough biomechanical analysis of the factors that influence elite performance and safety [1]. Historically, researchers have examined various kinematic and kinetic parameters such as time, trajectory, turning radius, speed, ground reaction forces, aerodynamic drag, ski-snow friction, energy dissipation, and joint torques as well as their interactions with turning techniques, tactics, and equipment. In this presentation, I will focus on the evolution of the most widely utilized biomechanical measurement techniques in alpine skiing, with an emphasis on what we can anticipate beyond the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games in 2026. DISCUSSION: The foundations of modern biomechanics of human locomotion were laid in Göttingen by the Weber brothers in the early 19th century. While progress was initially slow by today`s standards, Eadweard Muybridge`s development of photogrammetry before the end of the 19th century provided the groundwork for modern kinematics. In alpine skiing, 3D kinematic analysis began in the late 1970s. Given the sport's complexity, it is unsurprising that innovations in kinematic and kinetic measurements from other fields were rapidly adopted in skiing research. Techniques such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras [2], and infrared cameras with markers [3] quickly became staples of ski biomechanics. Due to the spatial limitations of video-based measurements, high-resolution GNSS systems were subsequently introduced, later enhanced with inertial motion capture suits [4]. These wearable devices have evolved to become smaller, lighter, and more efficient. Recently, markerless motion capture systems powered by artificial intelligence have gained traction [5], offering not only advanced motion capture capabilities but also data processing potential [6]. Since kinetics is crucial for understanding motion, measuring ground reaction forces has become a cornerstone of biomechanical research [7]. This involves assessing forces in three dimensions, determining the centre of pressure, and miniaturizing systems to make them lighter and more portable. CONCLUSION: Considering the latest advancements in sports technology, including stretchable electronics for smart patches [8], AI-based 3D motion capture and data analysis tools, two distinct pathways for "outdoor laboratories" emerge. On one hand, ultra-light, thin, compliant inertial mocap; on the other, AI-driven video-based kinematics, both supported by AI-automated data processing. Combined with lightweight and unobtrusive GRF measurement systems, these technologies will enable seamless musculoskeletal modelling, pushing the boundaries of biomechanical research in the field beyond the Milano-Cortina 2026.
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