With the increase in adaptive ski programs throughout the country and the advances in equipment, adaptive skiing is fast becoming one of the most popular sports. Adaptive skiing provides people with disabilities the opportunity to ski using specialty equipment (sit-skis, outriggers, etc.). It is a sport that is truly universal for those with disabilities.

As more and more people with disabilities get involved with the sport, there are several key thoughts to be considered before hitting the slopes, according to Disaboom.com, the largest online community/support network for people with disabilities, the first consideration is equipment.
Understand the types of skis and which ones are best suited for you. Then, it's time for fashion with function. Gear up with clothing and apparel that are both warm and look good on the slopes--Finally, find a trusted source to teach you how to get going.

Types of Adaptations for people with disabilities

Mono ski--The skier sits in a molded bucket-style seat that is mounted to a frame attached to a single ski. A shock absorber between the bucket and the ski cushions your ride. Since good upper-body strength and balance are needed, good candidates for the mono ski are typically lower extremity double amputee, spina bifida, spinal cord injury levels T6 and below (although exceptions occur).

Bi Ski--The skier sits in a rigid shell that is attached on top of two wide specialty skis. The two skis allow for a wider base ensuring more stability for the skier. The bi ski does not have a suspension system. Good candidates for the bi ski include beginner skiers, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and higher-level spinal cord injury.

Dual ski--The dual ski is a system designed to bridge the gap between the mono ski and bi ski. It sits like the mono ski, but it is attached to two skis. Those who have advanced past the bi ski but are not yet ready for the mono ski are most appropriate for the dual ski.

3-Track--These skiers require one regular ski and two hand-held outriggers, hence the three points of contact to the snow. Good candidates would be amputees, post polio, hemiplegic, those who ambulate with or without assistive device, do not have full use of one leg, but have one strong non-impaired leg.

How to Get Started

When looking for a good adaptive snow ski program, the National Sports Center for the Disabled offers this advice:

* Ski instructors should be PSIA certified (Professional Ski Instructor of America)

* Instructor conducts a personal evaluation of your goals and specific needs

* Ask what is included in the lesson (rentals, lift ticket, etc.)

* Find out about accessible buildings and how to get to and from the slopes

After you are paired with your qualified instructor and volunteers and you have discussed your goals and needs, you will be fitted for your ski. Then, your training begins. They will most likely take you to a flat area to practice methods for balancing and using outriggers. You will most likely fall during this process, but it is a good opportunity to learn how to get back up. In the lesson you will learn techniques for controlling speed and chairlift procedures. The instructors hold a tether attached to the ski to help control speed and turns. Getting on and off the chair lift frightens even non-disabled beginners; however, there are several factors that make this process easier. Some skiers are strong enough to push up on the chair using their outriggers, but in time that can wear your shoulders out. Majority of people will need some assistance loading on/off the lift. Your instructor and volunteer will lift you safely onto the chairlift until you are able to safely do it yourself. Mono skis and other custom skis come equipped with a hydraulic or mechanical system that raises the bucket seat high enough to clear the lift. Once you are safely on the lift, sit all the way back in the chair and enjoy the views.

Disability should not interfere with the exhilaration and experience of alpine skiing. First, you have to believe in yourself. The right attitude is very powerful in the road to recovery. Disaboom.com is helping to dismantle negative stereotypes and empower people with disabilities.