INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this analysis is to explain "Alpine Skiing" with the help of system-theory-based considerations in their practical and theoretical dimensions, thus integrating theory and practice in regard to the sport "Alpine Skiing" (Haag, 1994; Haag, 2004). METHODS: The design of the research is based on the descriptive approach. The data are texts, which are gathered by the technique of data collection, referred to as "content collecting," in connection with content analysis as a technique of data analysis. RESULTS: Models were developed for both the practice and theory of "Alpine Skiing," which explain these as the result of a larger system of sport practice and sport science. This will be illustrated with tables in order to clarify the self-understanding of "Alpine Skiing" in its practical and theoretical dimension. DISCUSSION: The results of the analysis offer a possible answer to the long lasting discussion of the relationship of theory and practice in regard to sport science. By using the example of "Alpine Skiing," the need for an integrated theory-practice approach as part of the self-understanding of sport science may be better understood. CONCLUSION: A main implication of this analysis can be an enlarged view of the scientific base of the theory "Alpine Skiing". It also may be a result that highly qualified research can and should be connected to a sport like "Alpine Skiing". The application of this analysis can be a necessary paradigm shift of sport science, dealing more intensively with the practice of sport in connection with its theory as expressed in various Sports, in this case "Alpine Skiing".
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