A Guide to Adaptive Skiing, Ski Biking, Snowboarding and Everything In Between
If you’ve been in and around the snow sports scene for some time, you likely know the phrase adaptive sports – perhaps you’ve seen sit skiers or folks in visual impairment vests where you ski or ride. But what does the term actually mean?
A dictionary definition of the term “adapt” is as follows: to make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify.
An extension of the root word, adaptive sports are simply a reimagining of the status quo of sports as they are designed for “ability normative” folks. They challenge the assumption that recreation should only be possible for some of us, as opposed to all of us – based on our positions on a wide spectrum of ability. They create solutions so that all can enjoy the slopes and trails of Utah and beyond.
When it comes to sliding downhill on snow, something we’re all quite enthusiastic about here at Ski Utah (surprise, surprise!), there are so many ways to adapt the sport to meet the needs of people of all abilities. This guide attempts to showcase all of the ways in which a person can pursue downhill snow sports, and why a particular adaptive solution might suit a particular need.
Sit Skiing
The four methods for sit skiing listed below serve different purposes based on the available strength and coordination to the skier, as well as many unique factors such as level of spinal cord injury, recovered grip strength from stroke, etc. Skiers may move through equipment along a progression to independence, or enjoy any of the below on an ongoing basis.
Monoski
When folks think of adaptive skiing, they often think of the monoski. With a single ski attached beneath the seat, the monoski is designed for independence. It does not remain upright on its own, requiring significant balance, strength, and coordination from the rider. Monoskiers use handheld outriggers to initiate turns and push through flats. The monoski uses a hinged release so that the rider can lift themself onto any standard chairlift. Resorts like Snowbird offer carts that function like wheelchairs that provide monoskiers access to the Aerial Tram. Athletes are pushing the boundaries of the monoski to new heights, showcasing the maneuverability and capabilities of this device both on and off-piste.
Biski
The biski uses two specially-designed skis that articulate beneath the seat, offering greater built-in stability for the rider than the monoski. Additional steering and stability support comes from handheld outriggers or fixed outriggers, depending on the strength and balance of the rider. It can be skied independently, or tethered with an instructor or qualified guide. The stability of the biski makes it a great entry-level option for adaptive skiers in need of a seated solution. Some may progress to the monoski, while others enjoy the versatility and balance of the biski on an ongoing basis.
Kart Ski/Snow Kart
The kart ski functions similarly to the biski, but instead of the articulating skis beneath the seat that are almost touching, it widens the base and lowers the center of gravity of the seat for increased stability. The kart ski facilitates a skier to independently control speed by the use of bilateral or unilateral hand control bars. It is designed for use by individuals with diminished functionality at or above tricep and below bicep, and requires less balance from the rider than the biski and monoski. It can be operated independently by the skier or with assistance by an instructor or guide.
Tetra Ski
The Tetra ski is a groundbreaking adaptive solution conceived and engineered right here in the Wasatch. A skier with limited strength and dexterity due to complex physical injury or illness can smoothly operate the TetraSki safely with a high degree of performance and independence, thanks to electric actuators on the TetraSki that provide independent turning and speed variability through the skier’s use of a joystick or sip and puff breath control. The TetraSki does not operate like a motor to push the ski forward or increase speed. The skier’s skills and choices alone determine how fast and which direction the ski goes. An instrucor or guide generally tethers for safety purposes.
The TetraSki was designed at the University of Utah, built by Tetradapt, and operated by TRAILS Adaptive with early and continued support by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. Learn more about the TetraSki in the Last Chair podcast by Tom Kelly!
Hybrids
Ski Bike
The ski bike is a fantastic option that fills the gap between stand-up and sit-down skiing. Because you sit on the bike and can steer the bike with your whole body, arms, feet and legs, it allows people with trouble standing for long periods of time or limited leg strength the chance to enjoy a carving motion that utilizes their legs, without relying on them for full weight bearing. This mode of skiing might work well for people with muscular, strength, or spinal cord disabilities, multiple sclerosis, limb difference, brain injuries, stroke and more. Ski bikes are allowed for adaptive use only at some resorts but are not permitted at all Utah ski areas.
Stand Up Skiing
Stand Up Skiing and Snowboarding: Unmodified
It is important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Local adaptive sports organizations work with many disabilities that utilize standard ski and snowboard equipment. For this reason, an adaptive skier with a mental or developmental condition (such as PTSD or autism spectrum) may use an unaltered equipment setup.
Stand Up Skiing and Snowboarding: With Modification to the Equipment
Standard ski and snowboard equipment can also be modified in countless ways – from lifting bindings using risers to accommodate limb differences, to using tethers attached to the skiers boots so that a guide or instructor can assist with control.
Stand Up Skiing and Snowboarding: Use of Prothestetics
Some adaptive skiers and snowboarders with limb differences use ski and snowboard-specific artificial limbs to pursue their sport of choice. These prothsetics can employ shock and suspension systems to improve the skiing experience.
Ski brand Salomon recently launched a specialized line of ski and snowboard boots designed for folks with limb differences:
Visual Impairment: Guided Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiers and snowboarders with visual impairments utilize a number of solutions to enjoy their turns. From headset systems that allow skiers and riders to take direction from an instructor or guide, to tethering and use of outriggers that function like a white cane. Folks with visual impairments will often wear reflective vests when out on the snow with guides and instructors.
Tethering with a rounded outrigger:
Skiing using a radio system:
Snow Slider
The snow slider was originally developed from a standard walker mounted on skis. The walker design provides great stability for individuals who have challenges standing up due to disabilities that affect balance, strength or endurance. The stand-up skier uses their own boots and skis with the metal frame as support. This can be used long term or in a progression towards three track or four track skiing.
Three Tracking
Three-track skiers use one full-size ski and two hand-held outriggers giving them three points of contact on the snow. The outriggers have short guiding ski tips creating three tracks in the snow behind the skier. The outriggers are used for balance and turn initiation. Three track skiing is often utilized by people with limb difference or leg amputations.
Standing-length outriggers can also be used by adaptive snowboarders for balance and an additional point of contact:
Four Tracking
Four-track skiers use two full-size skis and two hand-held outriggers giving them four points of contact on the snow. The outriggers have short ski tips at the end creating four tracks in the snow behind the skier. As it is with the single outrigger for three-track skiers, the four-track outriggers are used for balance and turn initiation. Four-tracking is most commonly utilized by individuals with disabilities of the lower extremities. This may include individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis or those who have lower extremity amputations. Many folks who walk with canes or crutches choose to ski four-track.
What's Next? More Innovation!
The amazing thing about adaptive sports is that they are always evolving. People in this field are constantly striving to get more folks with disabilities outdoors and empower them with the right equipment to succeed. The TetraSki is an amazing example of this kind of innovation that aspires to put the participants in control of their goals and skiing experience. For that reason, it won't be long until this list is outdated with the addition of the newest cutting-edge adaptive solution on the scene, a testament to the incredible community pushing to make the slopes accessible for all in Utah and beyond.
For Further Reading
Did you know that 1 in 4 people have a disability? From physical to mental to developmental disabilities, visible and invisible, the disability community deserves to enjoy the Greatest Snow on Earth® and the myriad of benefits that come with outdoor recreation as much as anyone.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 as the world’s first comprehensive civil rights legislation requiring accommodations for and prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. While there’s been much progress in the nearly 25 years since its inception, there is still so much work to do to ensure that infrastructure within the sphere of outdoor recreation is designed with people of all abilities in mind.
Help local adaptive organizations provide a welcoming experience for our neighbors with disabilities right here in Utah. Consider making a donation to or volunteering with a local adaptive sports organization to ensure that Utah’s resorts are a welcoming place for all people. Read more about Utah's adaptive sports organizations here!
