According to xavier kuhn

"To begin,

always make a very determined start (particularly in Les Contamines) because the race is very quick here and overtaking difficult. The slope is very demanding.

Immediately after the start one hits a line of interesting woops that can make the difference between competitors at an early stage in the race.

Speed increases immediately after the first jump that launches racers onto the course. Acceleration is almost immediate. To follow are a sequence of two bends with a relatively easy transfer (the better racers make a difference here). A long left foot bend leads into the forest. This is an important and decisive part of the race, down to millimetres! On this section the angles taken by competitors are phenomenal and extremely precise.

It is also one of the most fun parts of the race from a skier’s point of view .One of the key corners in the race is the pylon bend with an in-flight weight transfer. Exciting and exhilarating this is also one of the most dangerous because the best skiers, those that dare, take the inside of the bend in an aim to overtake.

Once one gets past here one reaches the big camel. This generally causes few problems if correctly prepared in advance. Followed by a relatively easy yet sensational step up. It is important to ski these jumps well in order to obtain a maximum amount of speed in the approach to the long flat part of the race. Poles under the arms, face down and no looking back! The course is very quick; we are already on the fourth big jump. Here there is change of pace as one prepares to enter the "Black hole". The shade here makes the relief less visible and the snow is often as hard as concrete!

The bend just after the 4th jump (right foot) is very demanding and puts the body to the test! Thighs start to burn here but one must remain concentrated to correctly approach the big jump number 5. Speed is high, the snow is concrete and there’s little visibility …..just perfect! Immediately after there is a slight left foot slide so it is incredibly important to be firmly on ones foot yet with the necessary release in approach of the corner jump. This section is rapidly linked and it is necessary to know the slope well and remain concentrated. The race starts to become physically trying at this point!

For the last part of the course it is important to find a balance between relaxation and the correct racing line. Not as easy as it sounds! If behind, it is important to slide in the tail winds right to the last minute.

The 2012 edition proposes a finish area slightly lower down. Athletes will finish in a flatter area, easier for them. Spectators will also be delighted with direct access to the course.

To summarize Les Contamines: The race to win, demanding from every point of view but above all it offers a high dose of adrenaline.
In short: An absolute must!!!!!!!! "

Xavier KUHN

According to the organizers

From the Start to the Transfer

A technical part of the race where the riders must quickly find the best trajectory, gain maximum speed and take the lead of the 4 competitors, elbow to elbow, pushing and shoving.

Ones place in the starting blocks depends on ones place in the qualifying rounds. The fastest man to qualify in each heat chooses his place in the starting gates. This is of strategic importance in terms of adversaries and their capabilities.

A good start enables racers to cut paths, accelerate on the rollers and to maintain trajectory, hence the importance of several practice runs. The race to the first corner allows the runners to get in-line without causing forbidden combativity.

2nd to 3rd Jump

This is the steepest, fastest and most risky part of the course ( 60 to 70 km / h).

A truly technical part of the race and an opportunity to move ahead or catch up. The best skiers are capable of showing how things are done here but a slight mistake can be fatal!

From the Camel towards the 5th Jump

Not quite so steep, this part of the course allows competitors to catch their breath, punctuated by the 2 biggest jumps of the course. There’s no time to relax here!

From the Corner jump to the Finish

New section in 2012. More attractive and physically challenging The stronger skiers should come out in the lead here as long as they make no technical mistakes.

The end of the race presents a number of modules built into a natural playground that appears to have been invented for the discipline hundreds of years ago! Everyone has fun, Rolland and Nico in charge of preparation, the numerous volunteers, the competitors and finally the audience who enjoy a great show.

The Finish

The finish is situated in a new enclosure amongst the audience and the marquees. The public can follow the final part of the race from here (the rest of the race can be followed on the big screen).
If this is not the final race then riders face two possibilities: If competitors finish in the first 2 then they barely have time to seek advice from their Respective coaches before jumping on the chairlift back up towards the start to prepare the next run. Otherwise, it's time to analyze the race, to review the replays on the big screen and think about the next stage of the World Cup.