Sliders start in a sitting position on the sled, grasping metal handles fixed to the sides of the track rocking back and forth to maximize launching power.

For about the first 16 feet, competitors paddle along the track using gloves with small fingertip or knuckle spikes to help grip the ice and increase momentum. As the sled picks up speed, the racers lie back, holding onto handles inside the sled, for maximum aerodynamics and speed. Raising one's head even slightly can greatly increase drag and slow the sled, so athletes must memorize the track. Athletes steer by pressing their calves inward against the front-runners and using the shoulders to press down toward the rear of the sled.

In the doubles competition, the taller racer is in front, almost blanketing the shorter athlete, which allows for a more aerodynamic ride. A strap secures the front driver to the sled.

For the start order in singles competition, competitors are divided into three seeded groups based on rankings from the previous three World Cup races. For the first run, a random draw determines the starting order within the seeded group. For the second run, the sliding order is reversed within each seeded group. The start order for the third run is based on the combined results of the first two runs, with the top competitors sliding first. The start order for the fourth run is based on the combined results of the first three runs, with the top competitors going last.

For the start order in doubles competition, the first run is based on a drawing within seeded groups based on the previous three World Cup races. The start order for the second run is based on results from the first run, with the top competitors sliding last.

Sliders must cross the finish line in contact with the sled. Athletes may not heat the runners of their sled. Officials check the temperature of the runners at the start of each run and may conduct a random check after a run. Extra weight on a sled provides greater acceleration, so sleds and athletes are weighed prior to each run and must be within the maximum weight limit for the event. The maximum weight for the sled is 50 pounds in singles and 59.4 pounds in doubles. There is no limit to the competitor's body weight.

For season long training programs, please contact one of the local clubs listed below:

Wasatch Luge Club
P.O. Box 980216
Park City, UT 84098
Tel: 435-647-3800
Fax: 435-647-3810
Internet: www.wasatchluge.org

U.S. Luge Association, National Governing Body (NGB), Western Regional Office
P.O. Box 980154
Park City, UT 84098
Tel: 435-901-2690
Fax: 435-647-3801
Internet: www.usaluge.org
E-mail: info@usaluge.org

International Federation (IF)
Federation Internationale de Luge de Course (FIL)
Rathausplatz 9
83471 Berchtesgaden, Germany
Tel: 49-8652-699-60
Fax: 49-8652-669-69
Internet: www.fil-luge.org
E-mail: office@fil-luge.org