Adaptive Equipment

At Ski Ability NI, we believe every athlete deserves the chance to experience the joy and freedom of skiing. To make this possible, we use specialist adaptive equipment that supports a wide range of physical, sensory and mobility needs. Our coaches are trained to match each athlete with the equipment that will help them feel safe, confident and empowered on the slope.

Adaptive equipment is not a substitute for ability — it is a tool that unlocks opportunity. Below is an overview of the equipment we use during training.

Sit-Skis and Bi-Skis

Sit-skis allow athletes with limited or no use of their legs to ski safely while being comfortably supported.

Bi-skis have two skis underneath the seat for additional stability.

These are ideal for athletes who benefit from:

seated posture support
greater stability
additional balance assistance
guided control from a coach

Sit-skis are highly specialised pieces of equipment, often costing £4,000 and upwards. This is why club fundraising and sponsorship are essential to maintain access for our athletes.

Mono-Skis with Outriggers

A mono-ski uses a single ski under a suspension seat, offering a dynamic and responsive skiing experience.
Outriggers — adaptive ski poles with small skis on the ends — provide balance and control.

Mono-skis are used by athletes who:

have strong upper-body control
want to develop independence
benefit from more advanced seated skiing techniques
enjoy a faster, more agile style of skiing

Outriggers (Standing Support)

Outriggers support standing skiers who may have:

limb difference
reduced mobility
balance challenges
lower-limb weakness

They provide additional points of contact with the slope, increasing control, stability and confidence.

Tethers and Harness Systems

These allow coaches to guide an athlete’s speed, direction and stability safely. They are particularly helpful for:

beginners
athletes building confidence
athletes developing early balance and turning skills
skiers transitioning toward greater independence

Tethering is always used with dignity and communication, ensuring the athlete feels secure and supported.

Visual Impairment Guidance Systems

For athletes with visual impairment, we use:

verbal guiding
headsets for clear communication
high-contrast markers
coach-led directional cues

This system allows visually impaired athletes to trust the process, build confidence and ski with independence.

Standing Supports and Balance Aids

These include:

balance frames
beginner stabilisers
supports for athletes with limited lower-limb strength

These tools allow early success and a gentle introduction to movement, balance and sliding on the slope.

Why Adaptive Equipment Matters

Adaptive equipment allows us to provide:

✔ safety without restriction
✔ independence without pressure
✔ inclusion without compromise
✔ joy without barriers

Each athlete is matched to equipment based on their needs, preferences and goals.
As athletes grow in confidence and skill, their equipment may evolve — opening new opportunities and expanding what is possible on the slope.

Adaptive skiing is not about what an athlete cannot do.

It is about discovering what they can.

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