Adaptive Skiing - Finding Friendly Mountains Near You
By Scott, Tom; Action Magazine,Publication Date: January 16, 2009
Article describes equipment for adaptive skiing, discusses adaptive programs at ski resorts across the United States, and offers safety tips for skiers with disabilities. Adaptive ski equipment described includes walker-mounted snow sliders, adapted forearm crutches called outriggers, sit-skis, ski bikes, and adaptive snowboards. A program at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is outlined that provides affordable accommodations to adaptive-skiing beginners, especially children, through the partnership with Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS), which supplies equipment and volunteers. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports has a volunteer program which trained over 400 volunteers for the 2008 to 2009 season in three sessions teaching skills such as guiding visually impaired and blind skiers, adapting a sit-ski for wheelchair users, and teaching adaptive skiing and snowboarding. In partnership with the Adaptive Sports Foundation, Ski Windham in New York State offers adaptive skiing and snowboarding lessons 7 days a week from December through March. Skiing safety tips offered include making sure to avoid skin burns if using electric warmers, taking a break from the action every few hours to regulate core body temperature, rehydrate, and free the body from equipment and heavy clothing, and taking lessons from professionally-trained individuals. A resource list of select mountains and adaptive ski organizations is appended.
Published by: United Spinal Association (Website:http://www.unitedspinal.org)
Link to text: http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2009/01/16/adaptive-skiing%e2%80%93%e2%80%93finding-friendly-mountains-near-you/
