Skiing for Persons with Visual Impairments
Skiing with a visually impaired skier requires good communication between the visually impaired skier and a sighted guide who calls out the ski instructions. Alpine events included slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom, and downhill. Cross-country events include men's 10K and 30K, and women's 5K, 10K and 4x10K relay races. For more information, contact the United States Association of Blind Athletes or Ski for Light.
Special Olympics Skiing
Alpine - Ability levels are divided into advanced, intermediate and novice. Events include downhill, slalom and giant slalom. Individuals with lower ability levels can participate in the 10-meter walk, glide and super glide.
Cross-Country - Individual events range from a 500-meter race to a 10K race. Teams may compete in 3 x 1K or 4 x 1K races.
For more information, contact Special Olympics International (Special Olympics Link).
Skiing for Persons with Hearing Impairments
The U.S. Deaf Ski & Snowboard Association (USDSSA) is affiliated with USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF Link). USDSSA sponsors various championships and is responsible for selecting members of the U.S. Deaf Ski and Snowboard Teams. For more information, contact USDSSA (USDSSA Link).