Adaptive Snow Sports Equipment

Snow Sports NZ works to find funding for adaptive snow sports equipment to supply the adaptive programmes in New Zealand. 

This equipment has been purchased through generous donations and grants by a number of trusts. We strive to keep this equipment current and in good repair.

Adaptive members of Snow Sports NZ have priority and pay a reduced rental on this equipment. It is recommended that you contact the mountain before your visit to book any equipment you require in advance.

The following table lists the adaptive equipment that is currently available to hire at mountains in New Zealand. If you want to speak to someone about what equipment would suit you, please contact your local adaptive programme.

If you are interested in purchasing your own adaptive snow sports equipment follow this link for a list of suppliers.

2 track skis may be used by adaptive skiers

Two-Track

Stand up alpine skiing. For those that can support and balance their body weight. Bibs can be used by visually impaired skiers and their guides so other users of the slopes can identify them.

People with these impairments might 2-track: visual impairments, cognitive impairments.

An adaptive skier uses a 3 track to ski

Three-Track

Stand up skiing using one ski and two hand-held outriggers.

People with these impairments might 3-track: amputees, post-polio.

 

4 track skiing using skis and outriggers

Four-Track

Stand up skiing using two skis with two hand-held outriggers for balance. Designed for those with leg strength and/or stability issues.

People with these impairments might 4-track: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, spinal cord injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, amputees.

An adaptive skier using a monoski

Mono-Ski

A seat mounted on a single ski through a spring suspension system. Outriggers are used for balance and propulsion on flat snow. Designed to be skied independently on all terrain. Mono-skis are used by people with lower limb impairments with reasonable balance.

People with these impairments might mono-ski: brain trauma, double amputee, post-polio, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina-bifida.

A biski is a useful piece of adaptive snow sports equipment

Bi-Ski

A sit ski with a moulded bucket seat and two skis. Can be used with hand-held or fixed outriggers. The skier moves their head, shoulders or hand-held outriggers to turn the bi-ski. Generally a support person tethers the bi-ski for safety. Bi-skis are used by people with upper and lower limb impairments and with poor balance.

People with these impairments might bi-ski: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, amputees, high level spinal cord injury, severe epilepsy, Spina Bifida, severe balance impairment.

A dual ski is a sit ski with two skis under a seat, used in adaptive snow sports

Tessier Dual Ski

A sit ski with two skis under a seat, that can be skied independantly. A great solution in between a mono ski and bi ski. 

A sit ski used for adaptive cross country skiing

Nordic

A sit ski with two nordic skis under a seat. The skis run in pre-cut tracks on groomed trails, and poles are used to spike the snow to generate the skating motion. Nordic skiing can have a higher comfort level than alpine skiing as the sport is done at a lower pace.

People with these impairments might nordic ski: brain trauma, double amputee, post-polio, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina-bifida.

Snowboarding is a popular adaptive snow sport

Snowboarding

Boarders stand up, some with hand-held outriggers or poles or bars that can be used for balance.

People with these impairments might snowboard: visual impairments, cognitive impairments, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, spinal cord injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, Spina Bifida, amputees.

Outriggers are used by  skiers needing aid wi

Outriggers

Elbow crutches with the tip section of a ski pivoted on the bottom of the crutch. Some outriggers have adjustable brakes attached to the back edge of the ski to give some speed control. Outriggers are used to aid balance and/or to give support. Outriggers are used by mono-skiers, bi-skiers and standing skiers needing aid with balance.

Ski links are used in adaptive snow sports to stop the tips of the skis crossing

Ski links

A device that is clamped onto the tips of a pair of skis. It stops the ski tips from crossing or from spreading too far apart. Ski Links are useful for people with weakness in their legs.

Bibs are a useful tool for visually impaired skiers

Bibs

Bibs can be used by visually impaired skiers and their guides so other users of the slopes can identify them, and the bright colour can be easily followed by some types of VI.

Hearing impaired or groups with intellectual impairments may also want to wear a bib to identify themselves.

Prothesis are commonly used by adaptive skiers and snowboarders

Adaptation of prothesis

With changing technology significant advances are being made to adapt prothesis through the use of shocks and specialist fittings.

 Adaptive ski racer Corey Peters wears a helmet when skiing

Helmets

Recommended for all skiers or snowboarders, and required for users of mono-skis or bi-skis.