Principal Sponsor

Equipment

Without doubt the single most decisive factor that allows a person with a disability access to the alpine environment and ski slopes is specialised adaptive equipment designed to maximise the mobility of the skier/rider.

Innovations such as sit skis, and outriggers allow people with a high level of disability eg. paraplegia, quadriplegia, MS, cerebral palsy, amputees, polio and associated paralysis, people with intellectual disabilities and the people with vision impairment the opportunity of enjoying Australia's winter playgrounds.

As a DWA member, skiers and riders have access to specific equipment. For more information, please contact the respective program offices.

Some of the equipment used is described below.

• Outriggers are adapted crutches with a small ski tip attached to the base which can be flipped up to use as a crutch in the lift lines or down in the ski position to assist with balance and initiation of turns. Outriggers are used by standing skiers and a shorter model is used by sit skiers.

• 4-track skiing refers to standing skiers who usually require the assistance of crutches or a walking frame to assist with balance. These skiers may also require the use of a "ski bra" or a "bungee cord" to keep the two skis together. 4-track skiing may be suitable for people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, post polio or spina bifida.

• 3-track skiing refers to standing skiers who ski on one leg with stand up outriggers, for example people with a leg amputation or post polio.

• Sit skiing involves skiing in a seated position within a modified, padded seat (a 'bucket') that is fixed to either one or two skis. A number of straps secure the skier into the bucket at the feet, knees, upper thighs and waist. Further strapping needs depend on the person and can be adjusted for everyone ranging from high to limited mobility in the upper body and shoulders. The skier uses two shortened outriggers to assist with balance and to help initiate turns .All sit skis are designed so that the ski and skier to be easily loaded onto chairlifts, with quick-release type attachments also allowing loading onto Poma or T-bar tows. The ski guide/instructor can help control the speed and direction of the sitski by holding onto the bucket. As the skier progresses, equipment such as tethers can be used that allow the guide to ski behind and offer more refined support to the skier as needed.

Sit Skiing is divided into two main areas, Bi skiing and Mono skiing.

• Bi-Ski. A Bi-Ski is named so because the bucket is attached to two skis. The Bi-ski's are stable with a low centre of gravity. These skis are designed so that the skier is positioned close to the snow and the short and wide shape of the ski provides a large snow contact area. The Bi-ski is commonly used by people with high end spinal cord injuries and first time sit skiers, and can also be used as a progression point towards the Mono ski.

• Mono-Ski. A Mono Ski is named so because the bucket is attached to one ski. The mono-ski provides for more advanced skiing, with a higher centre of gravity and a thinner, longer ski shaped for speed and agility. It is therefore less stable, but provides the skier with a greater opportunity for performance. The bi-ski design also incorporates a shock absorber and suspension system into the frame to absorb bumps, much like knee joints offer for upright skiers.

• Vision Impairment. Skiing for people who have a vision impairment, can involve various pieces of equipment including plastic poles. The most important thing for a VI skier or rider is have a guide who uses various communication techniques to support them in their skiing/riding. For reasons of safety skiers and riders with a vision impairment and their guide are required to wear an 'High vis' bib to identify them to fellow skiers.

• The Sno-wing is an adaptive training device designed to allow an instructor/guide maximum control of their participant’s movements whilst snowboarding. From loading on and off lifts, toe and heel side edging, falling leaf to connecting turns. Short tethers can also be attached to the sno-wing for more refined control by the guide. The Sno-wing offers a memorable riding experience and is becoming more widely used in DWA programs throughout the Alpine resorts of Australia.