ADAPTIVE SKIING

“Adaptive Nordic”

WHAT IS IT?
With adaptations to equipment or the assistance of trained and knowledgeable guides,
adaptive Nordic skiing is a magical way to enjoy winter months with friends and family on
groomed ski trails. It can be a casual social meander through the woods, or the intense
physical challenge associated with competition.

WHO
For individuals/family/friends with long-term physical limitations or temporary immobility due to injury or surgery.

Vision Impairments

With communication from a trained guide, those with vision impairments
can find independence and freedom on well-groomed nordic tracks. Individuals can leave their dogs and canes behind as they learn to “see with their feet” and navigate
through nature.

Mobility Impairments
Stand-up - Those individuals with upper extremity amputations/weakness, or below-knee amputations can ski in a traditional standing manner with technique adaptations that emphasize forward momentum and control while on skis.

Sit-down - Those individuals, with (but not limited to), spinal cord injuries, amputations, and balance/coordination challenges, can utilize a sit-ski. The sit-ski, a low seated frame mounted onto skis, allows skiers to pole themselves along trails with or without assistance from friends or trained volunteers.

WHERE
In addition to Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park, accessible trails are now available at a in Spokane. Urban parks will be groomed on a weekly basis, with adequate snow coverage.
These flat areas are ideal for beginners or those working on technique. Current
grooming is done at Dwight Merkel Park and Indian Canyon. See

https://my.spokanecity.org/recreation/outdoor/groomed-trails/

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EQUIPMENT AND GUIDES
Spokane has a growing team of volunteers who enjoy sharing their love of the
outdoors with others. With advanced notice, equipment and training can be available to
participants and their families/friends. “Sit-ski Celebration” and blind-skiing events are soon to be announced!

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RESOURCES

US Paranordic coaching staff created their own instructor guide with basic concepts to help nordic communities address the growing interest in adaptive nordic. Their mobility impairment instruction is excellent.

teamusa.org/usparanordicskiing/resources

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Ski for Light, (where many of our SNSA members have guided), has an excellent step-by-step instructor guide for teaching skiing to a person with a vision impairment. They also have created a new video that accompanies the guide.

sfl.org/events/next/guide-handbook/

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For info or to volunteer, email: info@spokanenordic.org