pictures of skiers

Adaptive Equipment

Mono-Ski:

Picture of monoskierA mono-ski is a seat mounted on a single ski through a spring suspension system. Outriggers (see below) are used for balance and propulsion on flat snow. The seat and strapping system varies depending on the skier's balance. They have a mechanism for getting onto a chairlift and some people can become fully independent in a mono-ski. Mono-skis are used by people with spinal cord injury (T-4 or lower) or other lower limb impairments, who have good physical condition and reasonable balance.

Bi-Ski:

Picture of monoskierA bi-ski is a seat mounted on an articulated system on two "skis". Some "skis" used are very short and wide with exaggerated side cut to make it easier to turn. At other times normal skis are used (the skis can be changed easily and quickly). The skier moves his/her head, shoulders or hand held outriggers to turn the bi-ski. The bi-ski also has a lift mechanism for getting onto a chairlift. Bi-skis are used by people with upper and lower limb impairments such as spinal cord injury C-1 to T-3, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida or Multiple Sclerosis; and by those with lower limb impairments and poor balance. They are also used to accustom a new sitskier to the snow before moving to a mono-ski.

Outriggers:

Picture of monoskier Outriggers are metal elbow crutches with the tip section of a ski attached on the bottom. These ski tips pivot, and some outriggers have adjustable brakes attached to the back edge of the ski to help with speed control. Outriggers are used to aid balance and/or give support. They are used by mono-skiers, bi-skiers and standing skiers needing aid with balance.



Ski Link (Ski Bra):

The ski-link is a device that is clamped onto the tips of a pair of skis and prevents the ski tips from crossing or spreading too far apart. Ski links are sometimes useful for people with weakness in their legs.

Board Buddy:

Picture of monoskierA Board buddy is basically a windsurfing boom with an adjustable harness inside which attaches to the harness at four points. It is used as an introductory device until the student gets the "feel" of balancing on a snowboard and is ready to progress to the next level. Other adaptive equipment used to teach snowboarding includes tethers attached to the student's hips to control speed and direction and/or poles whereby the instructor can connect with the student and assist with turning.

Bibs:

Bibs are used by visually impaired skiers and their guides so other users of the slopes can identify them.


Other equipment may be used from time to time depending upon a skier's or snowboarder's individual needs.