Alpine Skiing
Often referred to as “Monoskiing”, “Bi-skiing”, or “Four-tracking”
Most commonly called Monoskiing, due to its most popular equipment configuration, alpine skiing is an extremely popular winter adaptive activity. Dozens of mountains across the US have adaptive programs offering various types of alpine skiing. People that can ambulate can enjoy four-track skiing, adrenaline junkies of various injury levels can enjoy monoskiing, with bi-skiing being a great alternative for beginners and higher level injuries, and the new tetra-ski enables skiing for high-level injuries.
Highlights
Equipment Options
Equipment choice will largely depend on your level of mobility. From monoskis for people with trunk support to tetra-skis, which can be steered by mouthpiece, there is an option for everyone.
Injury Level Considerations
The various styles of adaptive alpine make it more accessible than many sports to varying injury levels. Equipment will vary depending on leg, ab, chest, and arm mobility.
Ease of Access
If you live near skiing, there’s a good chance you live near an adaptive program that offers skiing. Signing up for a lesson is the best way to get started, and many programs offer financial assistance, equipment loans, and lift ticket deals.
Monoskis
Best suited for people with limited to full trunk support, and who wish to ski independently.
Bi-skis
Bi-skis provide more balance support than monoskis, and are a great option for beginners and those with limited to no trunk support. Bi-skis can be used independently or with assistance.
Four-track Outriggers
Four-tracking is a great fit for people with high levels of mobility, especially standing paras. “Four-track” refers to two skis + two outrigger supports, allowing for balance support without sitting.
