The race had a lengthy delay when Sweden's Patrik Jaerbyn, the 29th starter and oldest man in the race, crashed heavily on the upper part of the slope.
The 40-year-old, competing in his fifth Olympics, lost his balance and flew through the air before landing on his back and then cartwheeling further and coming to rest limply on his side.
A team spokeswoman said he was conscious, suffering from mild concussion and bruises to his face.
Jaerbyn moved his hand as he was brought gently down the hill on a stretcher before being taken to hospital by helicopter.