Skiing and disabilities
The different types of skiing
More and more disabled skiers are taking to the slopes as the constant improvements in equipment and the growing number of qualified instructors allow ever-greater numbers of people to revel in the pleasures of the pistes.
Skiing for the vision impaired
Blind and vision-impaired people can ski accompanied by a guide, who gives precise instructions about the terrain and the manoeuvres to make. Some "skiing couples" use a radio link. In all other respects, the equipment is the same as for other skiers.
Complete trust is needed between the two skiers, who are immediately recognisable by the special bibs they wear. Ski instructors tailor their lessons to meet each skier's specific needs.
Seated skiing
When trying seated skiing for the first time, it is essential to take instruction from a qualified instructor. Seated skiers, whatever their ability level, must be accompanied by a competent able-bodied skier who can provide assistance in case of need.
Newcomers to seated skiing are advised to:
- Join a beginner's course, most of which last one week.
- Organise a holiday in one of the 32 resorts in Savoie Mont Blanc that has a ski school with suitable equipment and qualified instructors.
Most resorts have reduced-price ski passes for mobility-impaired skiers and their guides (information available from the ski-pass offices in each resort).
