The best stacks, smashes and crashes from Sochi 2014

THE best faceplants, wipe-outs and just plain bodacious blowouts seen so far at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

AS anyone who has strapped on a pair of skis and tried to make it down the bunny slope can attest, snow is slippery stuff.

And anyone who has tried to make it down Perisher’s front valley in ‘spring conditions’ could tell you that ice is slipperier still.

So it’s no surprise that, despite being the best of the best, the athletes at Sochi have taken the odd stack here or there.

Here’s our pick of the best faceplants, wipe-outs and just plain bodacious blowouts seen so far at the 2014 Winter Olympics (and don’t worry — every athlete stood up and shook these off so you don’t even have to feel bad for enjoying the view).

France's Marie Marchand-Arvier crashes into safety netting during the women's downhill at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

Switzerland's Nadja Jnglin-Kamer crashes near the finish line during a women's downhill training run.

China's Jia Zongyang crashes in the Men's Freestyle Skiing Aerials finals.

Bobby Brown of the United States crashes during the men's ski slopestyle final.

China's Wu Chao crashes on landing during men's freestyle skiing aerials.

Greece's Massimiliano Valcareggi arrives in the finish area on one ski after crashing in the men's super-G.

Switzerland's Simon Ammann lies on the course after crashing during the men's large hill ski jumping training session.

Monique Angermueller of Germany crashes during the women's 1,000-meter speed skating race.

Shaun White tries to bend it like Beckham.

Maylin Wende and Daniel Wende of Germany.

Italy's Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise.

From left, Li Jianrou of China, Emily Scott of the United States, and Shim Suk-Hee of South Korea, crash out as they compete with Jorien ter Mors of the Netherlands in a women's 1500m short track speed skating final.

From left, Li Jianrou of China, Emily Scott of the United States, and Shim Suk-Hee of South Korea.

Li Jianrou of China, left, Emily Scott of the United States, right, and Kim Alang of South Korea crash.

Li Jianrou of China, left, Emily Scott of the United States, centre, and Kim Alang of South Korea.

Eduardo Alvarez of the United States, right, and Charles Hamelin of Canada crash out in a men's 1000m short track speed skating quarterfinal.

Eduardo Alvarez of the United States, right, and Charles Hamelin of Canada crash.

Eduardo Alvarez of the United States, left, and Charles Hamelin of Canada crash.

Eduardo Alvarez of the United States, left, and Charles Hamelin of Canada crash.