Disabled Ski Equipment
Ski equipment which suits your own personal needs and requirements for skiing with a disability is vital! Ski 2 Freedom is delighted to give you details of ski equipment companies which provide the ultimate technology and a variety of sit-skis and out-riggers.
Like any piece of sports equipment it is what you feel will give you the best - it is worth looking at what is available and contacting the manufacturers direct or talking with fellow ski enthusiasts as to what they feel suits the terrain, whether for off-piste or on-piste.
Depending on your disability or requirements there are various types of "skis" which would be suitable - click here to see more and discover full details.
Dual-ski Pilot
Tandem'Flex
KartSki
Uni-Ski and Dual-Ski (Mono- and Bi- )
Copyright Moira Lawson Copyright Hervé Rumillat
Which ski equipment can be used on chair-lifts etc.
All equipment supplied by the companies below will be accepted on the chair-lifts, drag lifts, gondolas, telecabines (where size allows) in France by the Lift Operation Companies but - however, please be aware that some equipment bought from other organisations i.e. in North America maynot be allowed - please check these two documents. The first is all equipment allowed in the 3 Valleys and therefore will be in almost all other resorts in France. If you are in any doubt please contact STRMTG direct with a photo of the ski you either own or wish to purchase and they will tell you if it is acceptable in French Ski Resorts.
Tessier
Based in France and providing sit-skis and tandemskis worldwide - all equipment is manufactuered to the highest level and support is provided for training and using the sit-skis when you buy. Their website is a great place to see some amazing film footage of all the different types of ski equipment for disabled skiers.
Spokes'n Motion
Provides ski equipment and other sporting equipment - with an office based in France and the US. They sell sit-skis and other equipment from a variety of specialist ski equipment companies and have a good wealth of experience and knowledge.
http://www.spokesnmotion.com
Praschberger
Based in Austria - this is another sit-ski company
http://www.praschberger.com
Ski Rental - Sit skis, dual-ski pilot
Renting sit-skis is not that easy! There are several organisations that do loan out equipment and their details are below. Some of the ski schools in France will also rent out equipment but not all and you should contact the ski school direct. All ski schools that do rent out their sit-skis and specialist equipment will need to ensure you have a ski level to satisfy them that you are competent and safe to use the ski in the resort.
This applies to everyone however many previous lessons you have had or, even if you are an advanced autonomous skier used to doing off-piste,, you will be required to take one of their qualified handiski/disabled ski instructors for the first morning or afternoon so that they can assess you. It may be that they feel you need a little more instruction/guidance and then will be happy to let you take the ski out on your own or are satisfied after one session they hey you are free to fly!
Please understand the reasons behind this - their priority is safety not just for you but also for other skiers on the slopes. If you have never skied the resort before then you need to know where you can go (not all lifts, slopes are accessible and you do not want to be caught out and find yourself miles from home!) - the ski slopes are open to everyone including disabled skiers thanks to the amazing work done by the lift operators and ultimately they hold the key to a continuation of disabled skiing within the resort; it will only take one accident due to an inexperienced skier and they could shut the whole thing down - the amount of work and dedication shown by the ski school instructors and others is enormous and we owe it to them to ensure that certain rules are observed.
For skiers coming from lessons on artifical snow, whether indoor or outdoor, the conditions on the real stuff are very different as most of you will be aware! Also there is very little opportunity to experience chair-lifts, tow bars - although this is not always the case. Icy conditions, slush, white-out are all unknown on the artifical slopes and indoor Snowdomes. It is therefore even more appropriate that on hiring a sit-ski you do take a session with an instructor on your first day whether you are hiring equipment or bringing your own¨! We realise that this is an extra cost but to advance your enjoyment of skiing and the ultimate ski winter holiday then the experts will encourage you to do this.
Locations for Hire:
Ski 2 Freedom
1 Tessier dual ski pilot with bar
1 Tessier Scarver
1 Tessier leisure uni-ski
Several seats for the above depending on size of skier
All the equipment is located in the French Alps and can be delivered at a small charge to the ski resort of your choice if it is not already in situ.
Defisport - Switzerland (Sierre)
Have a selection of Tessier and Praschberger
Active Motion - Switzerland (Interlaken)
A good selection of Tessier and Praschberger. They will deliver ski equipment to your resort but will normally require proof of ski level.
Handiconcept - Switzerland (Villars)
France - Ski Schools
Please see list of locations click here
Prosthesis and Orthesis
For many people with an amputation there is still the possibility of skiing with a prosthesis and/or orthesis. We are happy to share these links and information with you.
One of our Patrons, Jamie Andrew, is a quadruple amputee (hands and feet) and is very happy to help with advice or information - do contact catherine.cosby@ski2freedom.com and your email will be passed on to Jamie.
Prosthesis
Prosthesis substitute missing parts of the body and allow a functional and cosmetique substitution. (example given: leg amputation)
Well adjusted prosthesis support bodies symmetrie and decrease stress on other anatomical structures.
To achieve best possible performance and technique in snowsports, the use of a prosthesis specially adapted for skiing is indispensable.
For children who are still growing the use of special skiing prosthesis is more difficult because of quickly changing anatomical situation which can make adaptions or changes of prosthesis necessary - but it is still a possibility and to be encouraged if you can do it!
Orthesis
Orthesis are specially handicrafted orthopaedic splints. They are used in different ways and help.
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To stabilize joints
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To compensate missing length of parts (e.g.short leg)
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To substitute by missing muscular activity
Before using splints for skiing the situation should be well analysed and be reassessed at regular intervals.
Active Motion based in Switzerland is a very good source of advice and information on skiing and are able to provide ski instructors - they are based in Interlaken and know the Grindelwald, Murren, Wengen ski resorts extremely well. They would however also travel to other ski resorts or be able to help with instructors.
There are also a number of charities which help specifically with amputees and organise ski trips - you may be eligable for one of these or, they may well be able to help with information or advice, perhaps your request may be answered by one of their members. Please see our Section Skiing with Amputation
