No matter what your disability there is no excuse for staying off the slopes. There have been many advances in equipment in recent years which has made the sport even more accessible for anyone who wants to have a go

Basic adaptive skiing methods and equipment:

Three-track:
Individuals use one ski and two outriggers, which are forearm crutches with ski tips mounted to the bases. Primarily used by people who have one stronger leg. Disabilities might include leg amputations, post-polio or trauma that affects primarily one leg.

Four-track:
Individuals use two skis and outriggers or a walker. A metal "ski bra" or a bungee cord between skis often gives more control to feet and legs. Outriggers and walkers help people with lack of lateral control; inability to walk without assistance of crutches, cane, etc.; tendency to fall forward, walk on toes or lean heavily on crutches or walker; or pronounced backward lean.

Disabilities might include cerebral palsy, post polio, spina bifida, arthrogryposis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, congenital defect or traumatic injury.

Bi-ski:
Individuals ski in a rigid seat mounted to two asymmetrically cut skis. Some students use hand-held outriggers, while others ski with fixed outriggers attached to the bi-ski. This equipment provides greater stability than a mono-ski and is used by people who use wheelchairs or ambulate with difficulty using crutches, canes or walkers.

Disabilities might include cerebral palsy, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, multiple amputations.

Mono-ski:
Individuals sit in a moulded seat that is mounted to a single ski and use hand-held outriggers. The mono-ski is the most difficult sit-down equipment to use because it requires the greatest balance and strength. It is designed for people with double amputations and spinal cord injuries.

Other disabilities might include spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.

Racing
The British Adaptive Ski Team (BAST) is part of Disability Snowsport UK and is controlled by Snowsport GB, who are responsible for all British competitive ski teams.

The British team and development team race in the World cup and Europe cup competitions. The team attends Squad training throughout the year.

If you would like to start skiing or Snowboarding or are an existing skier who would like to start competing, please see contacts below.

For more information about how to start please contact:

British Ski Club for the Disabled

Disability Snowsports UK

Southern Ski Club for the Disabled: www.sscd.org.uk

Most slopes and clubs also have facilities for disabled skiers, contacts can be found on the facilities and club locater.

Click here to visit our facilities and clubs pages