Wherever your skiing dreams might be, Skiing is more and more no longer a sport of the athletic and able, as adaptive equipment and programs, specialized resorts, are now making such adventures accessible for all.
The push for accessible skiing has gained momentum over the years, driven by advocacy groups and resorts committed to inclusivity. Adaptive snowsports programs now cater to a wide range of needs, from physical disabilities to sensory and cognitive challenges.
Skiing is a sport for everyone,” explains Sarah Johnson, director of an adaptive skiing program in Colorado. “With the appropriate equipment and proper support, everyone of all abilities has a chance to enjoy the excitement and the freedom of the mountains.”
Adaptive Equipment: Opening Doors to the Slopes
Modern technology has greatly contributed to opening the doors to the slopes. Some of the most popular equipment used include:
- Sit-Skis: These skis are meant for people with little or no use of their legs. It allows the skier to have control over the movement while sitting.
- Outriggers: This is a pole with small skis on the ends, which helps skiers who need extra support for balance and turning.
- Tandem Skis: This is used by a guide or instructor so that the skier can feel safe and be in control.
Adaptive equipment has become much more accessible at ski resorts, and many offer rentals as well as personal fitting services.
Accessible Ski Resorts
Many U.S. and international ski resorts have embraced accessibility by offering adaptive programs, equipment rentals, and trained instructors.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado: Breckenridge has a long history of an established adaptive skiing program, with private lessons and specialized equipment rentals.
- Park City Mountain, Utah: This resort partners with the National Ability Center to offer full adaptive snowsports programs.
- Whistler Blackcomb, Canada: Whistler Blackcomb offers adaptive skiing lessons and camps and is one of the leaders in accessible snowsports. It considers accessibility also out of classrooms into accommodations, accessible chairlifts, and customer services friendly to those.
Adaptive programs for skiing promote the confidence of each individual. Adapted instructors work specifically with the challenged people and facilitate each according to their requirements for learning.
Though expensive and not necessarily well-known, there are still some hopeful adaptive skiers struggling with cost and awareness issues. Non-profit organizations such as Disabled Sports USA and Adaptive Adventures offer scholarships, loaner equipment, and outreach programs to break down these barriers.
Skiing is no longer an elite sport. Thanks to adaptive equipment, specialized programs, and welcoming resorts, it is now open to people with disabilities to experience the fun and freedom of the slopes.
The slopes wait, and for sure, that is what proves skiing is a sport for all if all are willing enough to take a challenge. Is it the first try or the back-to-the-slopes skier who has long been in their mountains, that growing accessibility allows winter adventures now to be more diverse than ever.
