TRAINING SESSIONS

Supporting Every Athlete — From First Steps to World Champions

At Ski Ability NI, our training sessions are designed to support athletes of all ages, abilities and strengths. With only one dry slope in Northern Ireland, many families come to us having never experienced skiing before — and that’s exactly why our coaching model focuses on safety, encouragement and meaningful progression.

On our slope, beginners ski alongside athletes who have become Special Olympics World Champions. It’s a powerful reminder that greatness grows from courage, encouragement and opportunity — and that every athlete, no matter where they begin, belongs here.We run two structured sessions each week, each with its own focus and purpose. Together, they create a pathway where every skier can grow in confidence, skill and independence.

SESSION 1 — Special Olympics Squad Training

For athletes who are eligible and ready for structured progression

This session is for athletes who meet the eligibility criteria for Special Olympics and who are ready for more structured skill progression. Here, training becomes more technical as athletes develop precision, control and confidence on the slope. Athletes in this session train alongside experienced skiers — including several Special Olympics World Games champions — learning skills that may support regional, national or world-level competition for those who qualify.

Session 1 focuses on:

• advancing technical skills

• building independence on the slope

• improving balance, rhythm and timing

• developing race awareness

• strengthening stamina, resilience and confidence

Many athletes in Session 1 work towards regional competitions, National Games, and for some, even the Special Olympics World Games.

Families who wish to explore Special Olympics participation can read more on our Special Olympics Pathway page.

What this demonstrates:

• clear, measurable progression

• a strong development pathway

• opportunities that simply do not exist elsewhere in NI

• a safe, supportive route into competitive skiing

SESSION 2 — Novice & Adaptive Training

Where most journeys begin — with patience, confidence and joy. This session is designed for athletes who are new to skiing or who benefit from adaptive support due to physical, sensory or cognitive needs. We help athletes build strong foundations — balance, movement, confidence and familiarity with the slope — at a pace that suits them. This session also supports skiers with: 

• visual impairment

• limb difference

• reduced mobility

• seated or adaptive skiing needs

Equipment Used in Session 2

To make skiing accessible, comfortable and safe, we use a range of adaptive equipment, including:

• sit-skis and bi-skis

• mono-skis with outriggers

• outriggers for added balance

• tethers and harness systems for guided control

• visual impairment guidance systems (verbal commands, headsets)

• standing supports for balance and confidence

• Each piece is matched to the athlete based on their needs, strengths and comfort levels.

•  See our Adaptive Equipment page for more detail on how we adapt skiing.

Why Session 2 Matters

• it introduces athletes to the slope safely

• it builds trust, comfort and early skills

• it helps athletes understand and enjoy the equipment

• it celebrates small steps and big smiles

• it creates the foundation for confidence and independence

• What this demonstrates:

• an accessible, dignified entry into sport

• safe and supportive physical development

• steady, meaningful progression

• joyful experiences for athletes and families

OUR COACHING APPROACH

Adaptive, safe and centred on the athlete

Our coaches combine expertise with empathy. Their approach includes:

• breaking skills into manageable steps

• using sensory-aware coaching where helpful

• positive reinforcement

• celebrating every achievement

• adapting techniques to suit each athlete

• maintaining strong safeguarding across all activities

We don’t push athletes — we guide them.
We don’t rush progress — we support it.
We don’t measure athletes against each other — we meet them where they are.

PROGRESSION PATHWAY

A natural journey, never rushed

Athletes may move from Session 2 to Session 1 when:

• their skills develop naturally

• they feel confident and ready

• the transition feels safe and positive

• coaches agree it will be beneficial

• Progression is always athlete-led.

•  Every skier deserves time, space and encouragement to grow in their own way.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Our training structure ensures:

✔ safety and dignity
✔ emotional and social development
✔ physical progress and improved mobility
✔ increased independence
✔ confidence that reaches far beyond the slope
✔ access to opportunities unavailable anywhere else in Northern Ireland

For many of our athletes, skiing becomes more than a sport —
it becomes a source of joy, pride, community and freedom.