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Downhill racing started as a demonstration event at the 1980 Paralympic Games in Geilo, Norway. The giant slalom was first a demonstration event in 1984, and mono-skiing was introduced in the alpine and Nordic events in 1988 at the Games in Innsbruck, Austria.
The alpine disciplines include the same events contested in Olympic competition: downhill, slalom, giant slalom and super-G.
Paralympic alpine skiing competition is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation, blindness/visual impairment, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.
If you are interested in getting involved in alpine skiing, you can take lessons with many ski schools around the country. Look for ski schools that have adaptive programs or instructors with special training on how to teach athletes with physical disabilities. Most alpine ski resorts have adaptive ski schools, so you can go to your local ski area. It may be a good idea to call the ski school first to see if they have an adaptive program. Find a local program in your community - visit the Paralympic Resource Network.
For more information on U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing, contact Jessica Smith.
Education & Training
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association Skills & Drills DVD/CD
Professional Ski Instructors of America