#adaptive skiing

In Maine there's an adaptive outdoor education center! And they have accessible trails and cabins!! And even stuff like ADAPTIVE SAILING, SKIING, AND CLIMBING!!!

I've been trying to find a place that has adaptive sailing in the states because I've always wanted to learn how to sail, I'm so excited there's a place here, ON THE EAST COAST too!

I'm going to definitely save up and see if I can go up there this spring or summer! (Also gives me an excuse to visit Maine which is on my bucket list)

This is me today. It wasn’t at elevation (comparatively, it’s still a mile above sea level but 4797 ft vs 13,010ft is a big difference ), it was a short trip on a very short hill and I’m on a beta blocker now, but I got in several runs and my heart rate stayed SUPER low. We decided on the bi-ski this time which is more stable and slower than the mon-ski but I think the more recumbent design really benefited me.

For comparison…

65 bpm is my resting heart rate laying down

75-85 bpm is normal for me sitting

100-120 bpm is my average standing/walking HR

150-180 bpm is a normal peak for most days

210 is my all time high

It's a sit ski! Sit skis, a type of mono ski with two outriggers, are adaptive equipment designed to bring the joys of skiing to individuals with physical limitations that make standing while skiing impossible. This one was ridden by Washingtonian Shannon Bloedel in the 1992 Winter Paralympics, where she won Silver.

In recent years, the skiing industry has seen a surge in interest in adaptive skiing. Adaptive skiing (also known as handiskiing or paraskiing) refers to skiing for individuals with disabilities, and aims to provide them with the opportunity to experience the thrill and freedom of skiing and snowboarding. It has become an increasingly popular way for people with disabilities to stay active and engaged in outdoor sports.

It was invented during World War II as a rehabilitation procedure for injured German and Austrian soldiers. Franz Wendel (an amputee) pioneered adaptive skiing by attaching small skis to the end of his crutches to enable him enter a competition with other able-bodied skiers. This was also the earliest version of outriggers, although their design has changed over the years.

Adaptive skiing programs vary widely, but most offer a range of equipment and instruction designed to meet each individual's needs. Adaptive skiing uses specialized ski equipment that is tailored to the requirements of each individual skier. One example is sit-skis, which is a type of adaptive ski that allows skiers to sit while skiing. These skis are designed to provide stability and control to skiers who may not be able to stand or maintain balance on their own.

Mono-skis are another type of adaptive ski that consists of a single ski mounted on a frame. Skiers sit on the frame and use their upper body to control their direction and speed. Outriggers are poles with small skis on the bottom that are used for balance and control.

In addition to specialized equipment, adaptive skiing programs provide customized instruction to help skiers learn the techniques and skills they need to enjoy the sport safely and confidently. Instructors work with each skier to assess their abilities and develop a specific training plan that will help them achieve their goals.

Adaptive skiing is not only a great way for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the sport, it also offers various physical and emotional benefits. Skiing can improve cardiovascular health, build strength and endurance, and boost confidence and self-esteem. For people with disabilities, adaptive skiing offers an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and emotionally, and to connect with others who share their love of the sport.

The growth of adaptive skiing has also led to increased accessibility at ski resorts. Adaptive ski programs are available at many ski resorts in the US and around the world. Some ski resorts offer adaptive ski lessons and rentals at discount rates, and the Adaptive Sports Association and other nonprofits offer scholarships and financial assistance for individuals who cannot afford the cost of adaptive equipment and lessons.

In addition, the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah, provides adaptive ski and snowboard lessons for individuals of all abilities, including those with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. They also offer scholarships and financial assistance to help cover the cost of adaptive equipment and lessons for those who need it.

As the popularity of adaptive skiing continues to grow, ski resorts and organizations continue to work toward making the sport more inclusive and accessible to everyone. By providing adaptive equipment and instruction, and improving accessibility to the slopes, the skiing industry can continue to promote the physical and emotional benefits of skiing to individuals with disabilities.

Vermont Adaptive Files for Permit to Build New $2 Million Adaptive Sports Facility at Sugarbush Resort’s Mt. Ellen

Ray Hamilton, Veteran Ventures: “Vermont Adaptive makes the things you think are impossible, possible. I never thought I would see kids who are blind skiing or biking, but Vermont Adaptive makes it happen.” On top of learning to snowboard, becoming a volunteer snowboarding coach, and getting outside every single week, Ray said that being with Vermont Adaptive has taught him more about himself,…