After returning home from the Second World War, Europeans with disabilities became the first to discover adaptive skiing. War injuries led them to seek other avenues for rehabilitation and outdoor recreation.   A man by the name of Franz Wendel proved that having an amputated leg would not stop him from skiing. He started by fastening a pair of crutches to short skis, which enabled him to ‘crutch ski.’ He was also the first person with a disability to enter a skiing competition.     By the late 1940s, adaptive skiers reached a turning point when the Austrian Ski Association created a new division for skiers with disabilities. Soon after, military hospitals across Europe and the United States began similar programs. An increase in injured war veterans encouraged developments in adaptive skiing, equipment and facilities.   Adaptive skiing continues to grow today, even though it received its start from war injuries. People who acquire disabilities later in life by way of car accidents or other means are also eager to find a winter sport suitable for them.   The year 1983 gave way to another beginning when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sanctioned the Third World Winter Games for athletes with disabilities. This added credibility to adaptive ski programs and also allowed fundraising efforts and program development worldwide.   Then in 1992, the IOC established an international competition for athletes with disabilities, including skiers. The Paralympics has become an elite venue for all adaptive sport athletes. And whether they compete on wheels or with prosthetics, every one of them possesses the iron will and determination to be the best that are expected of Olympians.   Back on the slopes, people with disabilities have found a variety of programs that offer success and fun in adaptive skiing.   8

Types of Adaptive Skiing and Equipment   Three-Track – Developed for single-leg skiers, this method can be used with or without a prosthetic. A standard alpine ski and two *outriggers (three points of contact with the snow) allow for balance and added support.    Disabilities: polio, developmental or muscular disease that affects one leg and not the other, or stroke and brain trauma.

Bi-Ski – By mounting a molded seat to two short, wide skis, people who are not ambulatory but have moderate upper-body strength can ski using outriggers. For beginning and novice skiers, a tether connected to an instructor provides additional stability.   Disabilities: cerebral palsy, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and multiple amputations.

Mono-Ski – Similar to the bi-ski, the mono-ski differs in that it is mounted to a single ski.  This method calls for held outriggers. The mono-ski is primarily for seated skiers with good trunk control.   Disabilities: people with double amputations, lower-level spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy.

Four-Track or “Stand-Up” – For skiers who have mild to moderate mobility impairments, outriggers, or walkers, provide balance and stability. This method allows people who are ambulatory, but who may have mobility impairments, to ski in an upright position. . Disabilities: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or those who have lower extremity amputations.   Skiers with vision impairments typically use ordinary rental equipment.   *Outriggers: Adapted forearm crutches with ski tips mounted on the bottom aid skier with balance, mobility, and turning. They can also be used as crutches when not on the snow. There are two types of outriggers. Handheld outriggers are held directly in the hand, while fixed outriggers are attached to the base of the skis. Fixed outriggers are used mainly for beginners and skiers who need more assistance.

Photos/Content courtesy of Adaptive Adventures

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