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No matter what the disability, anybody can enjoy going downhill skiing thanks to quality instruction and equipment. If you are going to invest your time and money at a local or not-so-local ski resort, start with a Professional Adaptive Ski Instructor. I have been instructing Snowsports since 1996 at Disabled Sports USA programs www.dsusa.org, and the most valuable advice I can give you is to choose a resort that puts a lot of effort into training their instructors to be professional while also offering a wide variety of adaptive equipment.

In adaptive skiing, there are six different disciplines: developmental, visually impaired, mono-ski, bi-ski, 3-track and 4-track. Following is information about the different disciplines and choosing a qualified Instructor. So don’t sit inside on those cold winter days; get out and play.

Instructors
Adaptive Snowsports instructors can earn three different levels of certification; before scheduling your lesson, check to see if your instructor is qualified to teach at your level. An Instructor qualified at Level 1 has performed to national standards in at least one of the six disciplines to the beginning level. Adaptive Level 2 instructors have performed to national standard in all six disciplines to the intermediate level. Adaptive Level 3 instructors have performed to national standard in all six disciplines to the expert level.

Choosing a Resort
When choosing a resort, the number one question to ask is how many instructors at the program have adaptive certifications. If they have a high percentage of certified instructors, you can expect that those certified instructors are training the new guys and gals how to be professional as well. You will often have a great experience at this resort, even if your instructor is new that season. However, if the percentage of certified adaptive instructors is very low or non-existent, you may have a substandard experience. It is up to you to do the research and remember you are in control of the lesson. When you pay to have a great experience and you feel it was inadequate, you may want to request a level 2 or 3 instructor during your next visit just to get you going in a positive direction.