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Introduction to Skiing

Downhill alpine skiing is a competitive and recreational winter activity in which individuals use skis to maneuver down a hill. Adapted skiing requires specially-designed equipment to allow individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate. Adapted ski programs have grown due to the development of adaptive equipment for individuals with disabilities.

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability has created a series of video clips to demonstrate some of the primary adaptive ski methods. The video clips were taken at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Wirtz Sports Adapted Ski Program. The program is operated at Alpine Valley Ski Resort in Wisconsin. All volunteers used in the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Wirtz Sports Adapted Ski Program are experienced skiers with specific training and certification in adapted skiing. The program is open to anyone with a physical disability.

There are primarily five ski methods that an individual with a physical disability may utilize.

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This fact sheet was last updated on 12-23-2005.