Hit the slopes with Adaptive Snow Programmes
Whether you use a wheelchair or other mobility equipment, or have other needs that make standard snow-gear a challenge "adaptive" skiing could be set up for you.
July 29th, 2024
From the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu to the deep southern fields of The Remarkables, the teams on these New Zealand mountains are dedicated to making skiing and snowboarding accessible to everyone.
With Adaptive Ski and Snowboard facilities, they aim to ensure everyone can experience the pure joy of gliding through the snow on a blue bird day.
What is Adaptive Skiing?
Whether you use a wheelchair or other mobility equipment, or have other needs that make standard snow-gear a challenge, "adaptive" skiing could be set up for you. Adaptive means they’re tailoring the sport to fit you perfectly. Imagine modified skis and snowboards, sit-skis, frames, and outriggers all designed to meet your needs.
Supporting everyone, one turn at a time
Instructors use specialised techniques and equipment tailored to support people with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, brain injuries, and other neurodiverse groups like Autistic people and people with ADHD.
“A lesson for an ASD guest starts way before they even arrive. It’s important that we can gather as much information as possible in order to be prepared and give the best experience,” says Whakapapa Adaptive supervisor Beth. Lessons are designed to boost social skills, improve communication, and build self-confidence.
For the low vision and deaf community, the team at Whakapapa tailor lessons using communication methods that help guide participants through a safe and fun experience.
What does strapping in look like?
Sit Ski
Sit skiing is ideal for those with limited lower body strength, including wheelchair users and individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia. Bi-skis and mono-skis are available for children and adults, with a weight restriction of 200lbs/90kgs.
Snowboarding
Adaptive snowboarding lessons cater to everyone, from beginners to experts. Certified instructors and adaptive equipment ensure a safe and exciting experience.
How to prep for your adventure
Getting on snow can be so exciting but also exhausting and overwhelming. It’s okay to take your time, take breaks and enjoy all your achievements at your own pace. Also, bring a spare set of socks, there’s nothing quite like putting on a dry pair of socks after being in ski boots!
Whakapapa Adaptive Programme
If you have a mobility parking permit, email Whakapapa in advance to arrange suitable parking. Contact the Adaptive Supervisor for assistance if you don’t have a permit.
The team reckon arriving 1 hour early to your lessons to make things go as smoothly as possible. Dress for alpine conditions with layers, protective outerwear, suitable footwear, and eyewear. Sunscreen is essential, and helmets are mandatory for anyone under 17.
You can find the school at bottom of the Whakapapa plaza which is a walk up from the roundabout at the top of the road.
The Remarkables Adaptive Coaching
The team at The Remarkables encourage you to book online with their Adaptive coaches. Their coaches are certified to give an amazing experience to our community, including neurodiversity, physical disabilities, or sensory impairments. If you don’t need a coach and you have a bit of experience, you can also rent adaptive gear from them.
They’re so passionate about supporting our community that they have dedicated Adaptive volunteers available too.
Adaptive Snow Sports Lessons
These resorts offer adaptive programmes:
Cardrona - Wanaka
Coronet Peak - Queenstown
The Remarkables - Queenstown
Turoa - Mount Ruapehu, Tongoriro National Park
Whakapapa - Mount Ruapehu, Tongoriro National Park
Adaptive Snow Sports Canterbury provides members with instruction by qualified adaptive instructors, use of specialist adaptive equipment, and subsidised equipment hire and transport to and from Mount Hutt.
Adaptive Snow Sports Festival | Cardrona Alpine Resort |
Aug 1 to 3
The 3-day long festival is for anyone wanting to get involved in snow sports, from first time skiers and snowboarders through to expert riders. The team just want to provide the platform for you to get on snow with friends and family, and love snow sports as much as we do!
The festival is based in South Island at Cardrona Alpine Resort and will feature heaps of different events with prizes to be won! Register at the Snow Sports NZ Adaptive Festival website.
Get out there this winter, try something new and experience the awesome adaptive snow community!
Find out more about adaptive snow sports at Snow Sports NZ’s website.
*Meaning a clear sunny day with blue skies (jargon from people who hit the slopes)