Alpine skiing has been contested at every Winter Olympics since 1936, when a combined event was held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

During this period, the Olympic medalists received an additional medal of the same metal from the International Ski Federation (FIS).

At the Olympics from 1956 through 1980, World Championship medals were awarded by the FIS in the combined event.

The super combined debuted in 2010, which reduced the slalom portion to one run and the event to one day.

Since 1985, the World Championships have been scheduled every odd-numbered year, independent of the Winter Olympics.