Bobsleigh
Bobsleigh vs luge vs skeleton: What are the differences?
At major competitions, it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between disciplines in the same family. As winter approaches, we take a look at bobsleigh, luge and skeleton.
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We've all turned on the television to find ourselves both amazed and instantly hooked by the image of one or more human bodies being launched at high speed down a half-tube of ice. Barely a few centimetres above the frozen surface, the athletes hurtle down the slopes at over 100 kilometres an hour on their machines.
As well as taking place on the same mountain slopes, bobsleigh, luge and skeleton have many things in common – the success of Italy's Valentina Margaglio in both bobsleigh and skeleton is proof of this. Not least of what they share are ultra speeds, tight turns and huge adrenaline rushes. But these three sports also represent different approaches. Now that we've taken a look at bobsleigh and how it works, it's time to tackle the differences between bobsleigh, luge and skeleton.
Bobsleigh, the F1 of the snow
It's a tight squeeze in a four-man bobsleigh
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
Even though we're talking here about crazy speeds (sometimes in excess of 150kph) and crystal-clear curves, we're talking about a discipline that Max Verstappen doesn't (yet) practice.
Originating in Switzerland, this team sport traditionally involves two or four riders, though the monobob is a more recent addition. It consists of pushing a bobsled – a steerable sled – down a winding ice track as quickly as possible. The start resembles a sprint, with all team members running together on ice, requiring perfect coordination to minimise time lost. Once in the sled, the driver bears the crucial responsibility of maintaining a centred position through the bends, while at the finish, the brakeman brings the sled to a stop.
The sport is based on power, aerodynamics and precision. It combines teamwork and technical innovation.
Luge, at full speed on your back
Hannah Prock is pure speed while training in Innsbruck
© Mirja Geh/Red Bull Content Pool
Unlike in bobsleigh, luge athletes lie on their backs with their feet pointing forward. At the start, they begin from a seated position and propel themselves using only the strength of their arms. Because the sled is so light, steering is achieved simply by shifting body weight – pressing with the shoulders and legs – to adjust the angle through the bends. Speeds typically range from 120 to 145kph, making their partly instinctive steering both precise and critical, especially given the minimal protection they have.
Skeleton, head first
Valentina Margaglio slides down Lillehammer's skeleton course
© Daniel Tengs/Red Bull Content Pool
The third discipline rounds out the podium: skeleton. In this event, athletes descend the track alone, lying face down with their heads pointing forward. Like the other sliding sports, the start is absolutely crucial – in skeleton, it’s a standing start. The athlete sprints before diving onto the sled, carefully avoiding any off-line movements that could slow them down.
Once underway, as in luge, navigating the bends relies on careful distribution of body weight. Athletes can also touch the ice to adjust their trajectory or apply pressure with their knees or shoulders. To slow down, they press their feet against the ice to brake.
Valentina Margaglio
© Daniel Tengs/Red Bull Content Pool
Here, too, athletes reach speeds exceeding 130kph. Adding to the thrill – and the risk – the sled measures only 80 to 120 centimetres, leaving their feet and face just inches above the ice. In short, skeleton is an extreme sport not for the faint-hearted.
With the strength of bobsleigh athletes, the precision of lugers and the bravery of skeleton specialists, you’ve got all you need to impress the next time someone asks about your favourite winter sport. But are you ready to follow in Valentina Margaglio’s footsteps? That part is up to you.
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