Skiing

There are many types of skiing adapted for disabled people. Whilst it is a bit harder to find a place to try, we are outlining how!

The United Kingdom may not have the best climate for skiing but a number of indoor slopes offer the opportunity to try this popular leisure pursuit without leaving the country.

Indoor centres now offer a range of disabled skiing sessions and equipment can be hired so all you need to get started are some warm clothes and a sense of adventure!

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing (also known as Nordic Skiing) is possible, places like the Clashindarroch Forest in Aberdeenshire offer specially laid out trails for cross-country skiers. 

Numerous ski clubs across the country offer the opportunity to take part in cross country skiing, often preparing tracks if there is not enough snow to ski on, while some organise trips to snowier climbs for the authentic experience.

Cross country skiing differs from skiing in several ways, as the skiing tends not to take place on slopes, but across flat terrain and up and down hill. 

Types of cross-country skiing: 

Stand-up skiers: Skiing standing allows people with amputations or physically able people to ski independently using one or two poles for balance and to propel them forward. 

Visually-impaired skiers: Visually impaired skiers will also be standing, using poles and will have a guide. That guide will often have a microphone and a speaker to ensure that communication between the pair works. 

Sit skiers: For people with spinal injuries, or those unable to stand, cross country skiing is still possible thanks to sit skis. The sit ski is a seat mounted on top of two fixed skis, often starting with a guide before getting used to the technical movement and skiing independently.  

Alpine Skiing

There are lots of ways to feel the adrenaline rush of snowsports as a wide range of equipment has been developed to suit a variety of impairments. We have listed some of the options below:

Three-track where skiers use one ski and two outriggers (outriggers are forearm crutches with ski tips mounted to the base).

Four–track where skiers use two skis and two outriggers or a walker.

Monoski where the skier is in a seated position. The moulded seat is attached to a single ski and requires balance and strength.

A Bi-ski is more stable than a monoski and also allows skiers to sit down. Outriggers can be used, which have short skis attached to the bottom to aid with balance.

Things you might need to get started: 

All equipment required can be hired at the centre and includes: 

• Ski boots 
• Skis or similar 
• Helmet 
• Warm, waterproof clothing