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What is Adaptive Skiing?

By Mike Doyle, About.com

Adaptive Skiing

(courtesy National Sports Center for the Disabled)

Question: What is Adaptive Skiing?

Answer: Adaptive skiing enables skiers with disabilities to participate in alpine skiing by using special equipment. Adaptive skiing lesson programs are available at many ski resorts for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities.

The first adaptive ski programs were started for disabled veterans after World War II. They have expanded to include special needs skiers of all ages and abilities. Ski areas on public lands are required to accomodate skiers with disabilities.

In addition to recreational skiing, the opportunity to compete is also available on an amateur and a professional basis, including on a World Cup level.

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