2007 National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

The mono-ski consists of a fiberglass shell which is mounted on one ski. The skier uses short outriggers (forearm crutches with ski tips attached) to steer. Geared toward users with good upper-body stability, the mono-ski provides the same exhilarating feeling and contact with snow as that enjoyed by stand-up skiers.

A fiberglass shell is mounted on two independently angulating skis on which a person can actually carve a downhill parallel turn by using arm held outriggers. There is a handle bar, or "power bar," which allows an individual who can’t use his or her arms to steer. It also has adjustable fixed outriggers near the base which give it incredible balance for skiers who require extra stability. This technology has allowed people with more severe injuries, including quadriplegics, to experience the thrill of skiing.

Three-track skiing is a method of skiing for skiers who ski on one leg. Three-track skiers use one regular alpine ski and adaptive equipment called outriggers (forearm crutches with ski tips attached) to assist with balance. Three-track skiing derives its name from the three tracks made in the snow by the two outriggers and the single ski. The recent emergence of shape ski technology has been instrumental is teaching three-track skiing by making it much easier to turn.

Four track skiing is a method of skiing for skiers who have lower extremity weakness and a wide range of disabilities. Two regular Alpine skis and two outriggers are used, creating the four tracks. The recent emergence of shape ski technology has been instrumental in teaching four-track skiing by making it much easier to turn.

Visually impaired skiers must learn the same skills as able-bodied skiers before heading down the slope, and must practice the basic skills -- turning, slowing and stopping. Blind downhill skiers always ski with guides who follow behind to watch what is happening ahead and, using clear, brief commands such as "turn right" or "stop," guide the skier down the mountain.

Cross-country skiing is well suited for persons with visual impairments. Two sets of parallel tracks allow skier and guide to ski side by side while the guide provides instruction. When a well-marked track is available, some blind skiers manage unassisted as long as a sound device such as a bell can note when a circuit is complete or warn about difficult track ahead.