Skiing is a great and challenging activity for athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, you will find enjoyment after each run. If you’re new to the sport, start off with a few lessons from the mountain’s adaptive ski program. The time is well spent with a trained adaptive ski guide and instructor. If you’re an advanced skier with a trained guide, be sure to give the resort a call to make sure you’re meeting the requirements of the mountain’s safety program before heading out on the slopes.
If you’re interested in alpine racing, there are four disciplines: downhill, slalom, giant slalom and the super-G. You and your guide will need to join a local racing team to gain additional experience. Check with your local adaptive skiing program about how to start racing.
Learn more:
U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing Athlete and Sport Program Plan
U.S. Paralympic Alpine Skiing Events
U.S. Paralympic Alpine Skiing IPC Licensing
U.S. Paralympics Alpine Facebook page
Make sure you also get to the Nordic Centers and give cross-country skiing a try. Again, a lesson or two will be worth the time to learn the nuances of Nordic skiing. Interested in Nordic skiing & biathlon? Here are some steps to help you get started:
If you’d like to compete nationally against your peers, the U.S. Paralympic Alpine and Nordic National Championships are events you should consider annually. If you aspire to wear the red, white and blue for Team USA at the Paralympic Games, check out the following resources for information, requirements and opportunities.
Learn more:
U.S. Paralympics Nordic webpage
U.S. Paralympics Nordic YouTube Page
U.S. Paralympics Nordic Facebook page
U.S. Paralympics Nordic Instagram
Contacts
Jessica Smith, U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing
719-866-2082
jessica.smith@usoc.org
Martin Benes, Coach
719-358-1952
uspnordic@gmail.com
Eileen Carey
Director, U.S. Paralympic Nordic Skiing
eileen.carey@usoc.org