Alpine Skiing

Downhill racing started as a demonstration event at the 1980 Paralympic Games in Geilo, Norway.  The giant slalom was first a demonstration event in 1984, and mono-skiing was introduced in the alpine and Nordic events in 1988 at the Games in Innsbruck, Austria.

The alpine disciplines include the same events contested in Olympic competition:  downhill, slalom, giant slalom and super-G.

Paralympic alpine skiing competition is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation, blindness/visual impairment, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.  

If you are interested in getting involved in alpine skiing, you can take lessons with many ski schools around the country. Look for ski schools that have adaptive programs or instructors with special training on how to teach athletes with physical disabilities.  Most alpine ski resorts have adaptive ski schools, so you can go to your local ski area.  It may be a good idea to call the ski school first to see if they have an adaptive program.  Find a local program in your community - visit the Paralympic Activity Network.


E-mail your questions about alpine skiing. 

For more information on alpine skiing, visit:
U.S. Ski Team
The International Blind Sport Federation's (IBSA) alpine skiing page
www.adaptiveirc.org
IPC Alpine Skiing Page

Competition Programs
National Sports Center for the Disabled - Winter Park, Colorado
National Ability Center - Park City, Utah
New England Disabled Sports - Lincoln, New Hampshire
Challenge Aspen - Aspen, Colorado
AbilityPlus - Waterville, New Hampshire

Race Events
Level I Races
Level II Races & North American Cups
World Cup Events

Education & Training
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association Skills & Drills DVD/CD
Professional Ski Instructors of America