If you have a disability and a love for snow sports, there are several ways for you to get involved. Snowsports is becoming increasingly accessible and inclusive particularly to people with different disabilities. Disabled skiing, snowboarding and other snow and winter sporting activities have become more widespread and in the coming years will become more visible and far more centre stage. The 2018 Paralympic Winter Games played a catalyst role in bringing disabled winter sports to the fore. With British athletes bringing home 7 medals ( 1 gold, 4 silvers and 2 bronze medals), it has been recognised as the most successful Paralympics so far in British history. While this is something to celebrate, it also serves as fuel and motivation to other aspiring disabled athletes and most importantly, disabled people who have not considered getting involved in snow sports. The level of awareness brought about by events like the Winter Paralympics every year helps to improve the facilities at ski resorts and see’s them becoming more inclusive and adaptive to disabilities of the skiers.
The term adaptive skiing is now more commonly used to describe disabled skiing as it suggests the snowsports ability to adapt to the physical challenge faced by the skiers. Each passing year sees an improvement in the development of the equipment used by disabled skiers and we see how much more adaptive the equipment gets. The most relatable adaptive skiing equipment most likely to be used at the ski resorts will probably be the sit skis and mono ski’s. Sit Skis are manufactured specifically to allow skiers with physical limitations which do not allow them to stand and ski upright. It is made with a bucket seat for the user to sit in. The seat is mounted on a supporting shock absorber which links the seat to the skis via a frame. The ski’s can either be bi-ski’s ( two short skis under the frame) or a mono ski ( one slightly broad ski). Bi-ski’s are traditionally great for beginners as they offer a bit more balance. Mono ski’s used more frequently with advanced skiers. The poles are shorter and each has a blade-like head for added balance and control. The beauty of sit ski’s that they afford people with physical disabilities the opportunity to feel the thrill and adrenaline rush of taking part in snowsports, whether it is on a snow park or tearing down the slopes.
It goes without saying that disabled skiing certainly requires far more attention across the snowsports community. There is still a lot of work to be done across the Alps in becoming more adaptive toward physically limited individuals. Apart from showing empathy and trying to understand the challenges of adaptive skiing, there must also be a proactive approach to the challenges in the form of innovation. Though nowhere near enough, some positive signs are emerging. Ski resorts are increasingly conforming to become more accommodating towards adaptive skiers. There are a number of chalets, hotels and apartments that are making accommodations to become more wheelchair-accessible in the rooms, lounge area and other places across the accommodation buildings. Several resorts also have discounts on disabled ski passes and there is also an increasing number of adaptive skiing lessons in the Alps. Whilst these are great strides, we should be looking at the future and plan on taking leaps and not just strides in our journey towards becoming more adaptive. It must go beyond having wheelchair accessibility in the hotels and restrooms and must cross over to other crucial areas for example shuttle and transfer vehicles having specialised access to accommodate wheelchairs; spa areas and wellness centres having the facilities to welcome adaptive skiers, larger door sizes in public and commercial buildings across the Alps to accommodate wheelchairs.
If you or a family member requires information regarding booking a ski holiday for an adaptive skier, please do not hesitate to contact us. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned sit skier or first time attempting to sit-ski, we are more than happy to help. There are accommodation providers who have specialised adaptive accommodation. We will listen to your requirements and will be able to find the right resort and accommodation to cater your needs.
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