Adaptive Skiing
Gear Considerations
Types of Adaptive Skis & Equipment
-
Outriggers are metal elbow crutches with small skis on
the end of them. These adaptive ski poles provide extra points of contact
with the snow.
- Outriggers are used with mono-skis and bi-skis to help with balance and support.
- A mono-ski is a sit-down ski with one ski blade.
- A mono-ski is designed to be skied independently.
- A mono-ski is used with hand-held outriggers.
- A bi-ski is a sit-down ski with two ski blades.
- A bi-ski can be skied with the help of a partner
using tethers that are attached to the back of the bi-ski.
- Skiers turn by moving their head and shoulders.
- A bi-ski is used with a combination of hand-held
outriggers and tethers that are attached to the back of the bi-ski.
- Skiers turn by using the hand-held outriggers.
- A bi-ski can be skied with the help of a partner
using tethers that are attached to the back of the bi-ski.
-
Tethers can be used in either stand-up skiing or with a
bi-ski.
- In stand-up skiing, tethers, or reigns, are used to assist leg strength to help in stopping and/or steering the skis.
- The tethers are attached to a fixed ski bra, or strap, that is placed on the tips of both skis.
- A teacher skis behind the skier with a tether in each hand.
Getting Started
- Spinal cord injury
- Spina bifida
- Cerebral palsy
- Debilitating muscular disease
- Amputation
- Visual impairment
- Rare disorders, such as Hunter or Hurler syndromes, that could impede mobility or balance
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delay
- Seizure disorder
Use and Care
- The person should check with his or her primary care clinician before joining an adaptive ski program or skiing on his or her own.
- The ski gear should be checked with each use for fit, safety, and needs of the skier.
- The skier should tell the teacher about any discomfort from the gear that could cause skin irritation or bruising.
- Temperature should be watched closely in people with temperature regulation issues.
- The skier should call his or her medical home for any
non-emergency issue after skiing.
- If emergency care is needed while skiing, the adaptive ski program will arrange for care.
Funding and Costs
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
National Ability Center
The National Ability Center empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills
through sport, recreation and educational programs. Located in Park City, Utah; serves people from all over the country.
What is Adaptive Skiing and Sports
An overview of different types of adaptive skiing.
Adaptive Exam Guide
An official guide, with detailed information, for adaptive ski instructors. Appendix #4 contains descriptions of equipment.
Services for Patients & Families in New Mexico (NM)
Service Categories | # of providers* in: | NM | NW | Other states (5) (show) | | ID | MT | NV | RI | UT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adaptive Sports and Recreation | 23 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 18 | 18 | 61 | |||
Assistive Technology Equipment | 512 | 34 | 60 | 42 | 41 | 39 | 59 |
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.
Helpful Articles
Laskowski ER.
Snow skiing for the physically disabled.
Mayo Clin Proc.
1991;66(2):160-72.
PubMed abstract
An overview of the origin and benefits of adaptive skiing.
Barbin JM, Ninot G.
Outcomes of a skiing program on level and stability of self-esteem and physical self in adults with spinal cord injury.
Int J Rehabil Res.
2008;31(1):59-64.
PubMed abstract
Improved self-esteem and self-worth in participants in adaptive skiing program.
Sterba JA.
Adaptive downhill skiing in children with cerebral palsy: effect on gross motor function.
Pediatr Phys Ther.
2006;18(4):289-96.
PubMed abstract
Improved motor function after a 10-week skiing intervention.
Nasuti G, Temple VA.
The risks and benefits of snow sports for people with disabilities: a review of the literature.
Int J Rehabil Res.
2010;33(3):193-8.
PubMed abstract
Johnson CC.
The benefits of physical activity for youth with developmental disabilities: a systematic review.
Am J Health Promot.
2009;23(3):157-67.
PubMed abstract