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Travel insights from Jenna Buege, associate editor of The Compass
Adaptive Adventures: Accessibility on the Slopes
Dating back to 1942, accessible skiing got its start when Paul Leimkuehler, a WWII vet and below-knee amputee, invented the outrigger adaptive ski from a pair of sawed-off crutches. Since then, adaptive ski (and even snowboarding) equipment has come leaps and bounds giving differently-abled travelers equal access to some of the best ski resorts in the world.
If you’re just learning about the magical world of adaptive snow sports or are looking for more reputable destinations to add to your accessible travel checklist, keep reading for a brief overview of the sport, equipment and top U.S. destinations.
How Does Adaptive Skiing Work?
There are several ski and snowboard adaptations designed for disabled winter sports enthusiasts including bi-skis, two-track skis and snowboards, three and four-track equipment, guides and more.
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Here’s a bit more info about each.
Bi-skis
Bi-skiing is a sit-down option that utilizes a bucket-like seat with two skis attached beneath it. Bi-skis are commonly used by wheelchair users, people who experience difficulty standing and balancing and those with lower extremity and/or trunk weakness. As for technique, skiers can opt to ski independently using handheld outriggers or they can ski with the help of an instructor who uses fixed outriggers and tethers to help control the equipment.
Two-track Skis
Often paired with tools like tethers, spacers and tip clamps, two-track skis are a good option for skiers who stand on two skis but need assistance with leg strength. Many below-knee amputees ski using the two-track ski method in combination with carbon fiber prosthetics. This method is also suitable for people with visual and hearing impairments and for those with developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Three-track and Four-track Equipment
Three-track skiing is a stand-up method that uses one full-size ski and two handheld outriggers to aid in balance and support. This technique gives the skier three points of contact with the ground and is great for people with above-knee amputations or single limb weakness. This method can also be appropriate for people with muscular dystrophy, MS, cerebral palsy, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and more.
Similarly, four-track skiing uses two skis in combination with two hand-held outriggers for balance and support, giving skiers four points of contact with the ground. In addition to outriggers, skiers might use tip clamps or ski stabilizers to aid in further control.
Guides
Visually impaired skiers can get in on the action with the help of specially trained guides. Using this method, skiers and their guide will work together to determine the best game plan before hitting the slopes. There are typically two options; one, the guide precedes the skier providing verbal instructions as the skier follows, or two, the guide skis behind the skier providing instructions as the skier navigates the course.
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Where Can I Find Accessible Ski Resorts?
There are accessible ski resorts and adaptive ski programs around the world including some of the most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding in the U.S. and Europe. However, there are a few things that visitors with special needs will want to consider before planning their alpine adventure.
Many places require students and skiers requesting adaptive equipment to complete reservations and paperwork in advance. For the smoothest experience, travelers will want to research the best way to notify their resort of choice as some places require weeks of advance notice while others can accommodate visitors within a day or two. Skiers should also consider what kind of lesson they’ll need. Are they new to adaptive skiing or have they hit the powder before? Each skier's experience level will impact the type of lesson and/or equipment that they receive.
Here are four highly recommended resorts and programs for adaptive skiing in the U.S.
Winter Park, Winter Park, CO
Home to the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), Winter Park is a top U.S. destination for adaptive skiers and snowboarders. NSCD’s adaptive ski school is sure to meet every traveler’s need for winter fun with lessons in alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski bike and cross-country skiing. And the excitement doesn’t stop there, throughout the year NSCD offers a variety of classes, day camps and programs to connect disabled outdoor enthusiasts with the activities that they love. From camping and hiking to rock climbing and sailing, NSCD has it all.
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NSCD describes itself as such on the Winter Park website, “Our exhilarating adaptive outdoor experiences help participants discover a renewed sense of confidence, reignite the pure joy of play and find motivation to try new things, meet new people and believe in their own abilities. With industry-leading adaptive equipment, renowned coaches, instructors and volunteers and unmatched mountain and metro programs, we change the perceptions of athletes of all levels and help them, and the world, #RethinkAbility.”
Massanutten Resort, Shenandoah Valley, VA
Home to the south’s first full-service adaptive snow sports program, Massanutten Resort, in collaboration with Therapeutic Adventures, offers visitors a unique, individualized approach to adaptive snow sports instruction. Beginners will love the resort’s Adaptive Snow Sports Mastery System® program, a class designed to walk skiers and snowboarders through the basics and stick with them until they’ve achieved their most advanced level of independence.
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After completing a few lessons, students who are looking to take their skills to the next level — with a competitive edge — will have the opportunity to participate in the Independence Cup, a 21-year-strong tradition that takes place at Massanutten Resort each year. The race is open to anyone who partakes in the resort’s educational programs and gives adaptive athletes the opportunity to show off the skills they’ve developed throughout the season.
Utah: National Ability Center, Various Locations, UT
For the best in adaptive snow sports and a little bit of everything else outdoorsy, too, travelers who visit the great state of Utah will want to investigate the National Ability Center (NAC). Located in Park City, NAC focuses on, “empowering individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs.”
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As far as adaptive skiing goes, NAC’s alpine skiing and snowboarding classes will have students feeling ready to conquer the region's 7,300+ acres of skiable terrain. Students have the option to ski or ride with NAC at two popular resorts — Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain — where they will master the ins and outs of adaptive techniques of their choice led by well-versed instructors. Once students feel comfortable, NAC sends them off with friends and family to hit the slopes independently.
Camelback Resort, Poconos, PA
Home to an impressive adaptive ski program in partnership with the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports, Camelback Resort offers skiers and snowboarders a fun and safe experience using state-of-the-art equipment. Visitors will experience some of the tallest peaks in the Pocono Mountains as they explore the resort’s 39 ski trails and 166 acres of slopes. The resort even offers a yearly weeklong ski camp where youngsters and young adults alike can enjoy daily adventures led by supportive instructors.
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In an article for Thrillist, Judy Morrison, ski camp program director said the following, “Most students come back year after year. Many started when they were quite young, and they continue to come back well into adulthood. Some go on to become instructors in the program.” It’s clear that the camp plays a large part in students’ lives, fostering connections and the joy of discovering a lifelong hobby.
About the Author
Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure.
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