There's pretty much no excuse for staying off the slopes – no matter what your disability. In fact, many skiers with disabilities have been known to rave about the incredible sense of freedom they get from the sport something they haven't been able to find elsewhere.
What makes skiing so good? Easy – ski lifts get you to the top, and gravity gets you back down again.
High-tech kit
Skiing's always been about tinkering with the equipment to get another leap forward in performance. The same goes with modifications for people with disabilities – we're talking about technology which allows you to really take part in the sport on your own terms.
Want some examples?
People with visual impairments can use two-way radio set to communicate with guide skiers. People with a leg amputation can use special outriggers – crutches with skis mounted to the base. People who can’t walk without a lot of assistance can use four track equipment, which includes a bungee cord to stop the skis drifting apart. And the mono ski is a moulded seat attached to a single ski – but supported with hand-held outriders.
In other words, we're pretty sure there's a technique just right for you.
More about skiing with a disability
Find out more – visit the Disability Snowsport UK website.
A number of specialised organisations provide help and run programmes at dry slopes across the UK and on snow in Scotland and abroad. They have developed the teaching skills, programmes and equipment to take full advantage of the total accessibility of Snowlife.
Disabled skiing competitions
Most competitions for disabled competitors involve Alpine and Nordic skiing – but expect to see more variations in the years to come.
The Winter Paralympics is The Big One, and this season the British team will compete in Turin after the 2006 Winter Olympics.
