INTRODUCTION: A high capacity of anaerobic performance is essential to achieve good results in alpine skiing (Bosco et al, 1994; Bacharach, 2003). The test of 30" continuous Jumps (30"Cj) seems to be an effective measurement of this capacity (Andersen et al, 1990; White & Johnson, 1991) although there are other tests to measure it (Raschner et al, 2003). We have compared the values of blood lactate in different physical tests with those obtained in alpine skiing competition. METHOD: Nine girls (17.3 ±1.16 years) from the Spanish National Ladies' Team were evaluated during the 2006-2007 season, using various tests: 300 m flat, 30"Cj and Giant Slalom (GScomp) in FIS and National Championship competition. The sample was divided into two groups according to the skier's FIS ranking (G1: 43.5 ±4.5 FIS points, n=4 and G2: 78.9 ±7,9 FIS points, n=5). The values of resting blood lactate concentration were measured and compared (0', 1', 3', 5', 7', 11') in tests and in competition. RESULTS: G1 obtained higher average values of maximum lactate than G2 in the 300m test and in the GScomp, but not in the 30"Cj. G1 obtained better performance results than G2 in 30"Cj and GScomp and similar values in 300m (Table 1). The average values of maximum lactate are higher in GScomp than in 30"Cj and 300m, with high levels (>10 mmol/l) for longer. DISCUSSION: The higher ranked skiiers (G1) had better anaerobic performance in specific tests (GScomp), and obtained higher lactate peaks, these results agreeing with those found in the literature consulted. Higher-level sportswomen (G1) gave a more stable physiological response than those in G2. The 300m and 30"Cj tests produced a slightly different anaerobic response from that of GScomp, due to the shorter duration of the effort. CONCLUSION: The training of anaerobic capacity is a determining element in junior alpine skiing performance. The tests used to measure the development of this capacity must be optimized to achieve a physiological response that matches the needs of competition,. The data of the 300m test are not sufficient to confirm its validity as a performance predictor in alpine skiing.
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