Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding
We believe everyone should get to feel the freedom, exhilaration and unbridled joy that skiing & snowboarding have to offer. Through a wide range of specialized equipment tailored to each skier’s ability and one on one time with our programming team, adaptive skiing and snowboarding enables students with disabilities to embrace the thrilling feeling of carving up the slopes.
Adaptive Equipment and Instruction
Maine Adaptive offers a wide range of adaptive equipment and instruction that enable individuals of all abilities and backgrounds to experience the excitement and freedom of snow sports.
Adaptive equipment and instruction can be costly, but donations and volunteers make it possible. Thank you to all our supporters for making sure every athlete has access to the tools they need.
Two Track
Two-tracking is for skiers with mild motor deficits or those who are visually or hearing impaired. A two tracker will use two skis. Other equipment may include; poles, tethers, tip retention device, or a visually impaired or hearing impaired bib.
Three Track
Three-tracking is for skiers with one sound leg. A typical three-tracker is an above the knee amputee, but there are other people who three-track as well. The three-tracker will use one ski and a pair of outriggers.
Four Track
Four-tracking is for skiers with moderate motor deficits. Four-trackers may have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or below the knee amputation. The four-tracker will use two skis and a pair of outriggers. Other equipment may include tethers or tip retention devices.
Slider
Slider skiing is for skiers with moderate motor deficits or those with balance or strength deficits. Disabilities may include cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. The slider provides a very stable base of support for the skier and has an infinite number of adjustments to accommodate a variety of skiers. The slider skier uses a pair of skis and the slider. The slider is tethered from behind by an instructor and can be taken on the chair lift.
Mono-Ski
Mono-skiing is for skiers who need to ski in a seated position. The skier must have good upper body strength and good sitting balance. A mono-skier may have lower extremity amputations, spinal cord injury, spina bifida or a neuromuscular disease. The mono-ski has a molded seat in a ski frame which is mounted directly onto a single ski. A mono-skier will use hand held outriggers. Most mono-skis have a lift assist mechanism to allow the skier to independently load a chairlift.
Bi-Ski
Bi-skiing is for skiers who need to ski in a seated position. The bi-skier may have a more involved disability than a mono- or dual-skier. A bi-skier may have spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury or brain injury. The bi-ski seat and frame are mounted onto an articulating device mounted on two skis. Adding fixed outriggers and/ or handlebars allow for a broader range of bi-ski participants. The bi-ski is often tethered and has a hinging mechanism that allows the bi-ski to be loaded and unloaded from the chairlift.