Up and Away

Strapped in the bi-ski skiing suddenly became an act of faith as Donna and Kevin pushed me to the moving chairlift. With practiced expertise, I was quickly lifted up and on the chair, attached with a safety retaining strap and told to relax as I was holding on for dear life. When we made a flawless exit from the chair I started to feel that I was in good hands.
Before heading down, Kevin advised me we would start with him holding the bi-ski and then after I got accustomed to the techniques for steering, I would be able to slow down and stop with more independence.

This sounded easy to me, until we started down on blue terrain and picked up a little speed. The snow was hardpacked and fast and I was barely 2 feet off the snow. Believe me - being that close to the snow, the sounds of the skis are very loud and at first, a little intimidating.

I began to lean into the turns and could feel the need for the outriggers as I started to carve the bi-ski back and forth. Honestly, although I knew the principles from being an experienced skier, the speed of the bi-ski was magnified and it took a while to gain any confidence at all. Kevin said he could tether the bi-ski and play me out 20 feet or so. As you can see in the photos we did do this, but it was only after a couple of hands-on runs that I agreed to try it.

A Learning Process

I could see that with practice a sit down skier can really rip. Control is there, you can let it out or slow it through bumps. Kevin said the mono-ski is more maneuverable and better for competition. I wasn’t even close to doing that one.
Any skier that can master this has my profound respect.

Next time you see someone using a bi-ski, a mono-ski, or doing 3 or 4 point skiing, or a blind guided skier remember that it isn’t just a one time thrill ride for them, it is a Learn to Ski program. Just as any able bodied skier, skiers with disabilities can readily progress in skiing competence. The adaptive programs offer instruction and practice leading up to international competition. In fact, two VASS adaptive skiers are involved with sponsored competition skiing on the national level.

The programs have volunteers but still need money for equipment, administration and for training. Take a minute now, and make a donation to an adaptive program near or dear to you.