Disabled Skiing athlete participate in either alpine or cross country skiing. The alpine athletes compete in 5 events on the World Cup circuit including slalom, giant slalom, super-giant slalom, downhill and super combined (slalom and super-G),
The cross country athletes compete in the cross-country and biathalon events. More detailed information about these events is available by clicking on the tabs below.
Two Alpine Skiing events (Slalom and Giant Slalom) were introduced at the first Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, in 1976. Athletes in Alpine Skiing events must combine speed and agility while racing down slopes at speeds of around 100km/h. There are four events on the Paralympic Programme: Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. Paralympic competition accommodates male and female athletes with a physical disability such as spinal injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, les autres conditions and blindness/visual impairment. Athletes compete in three categories based on their functional ability, and a results calculation system allows athletes with different disabilities to compete against each other. Alpine Skiing is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Alpine Skiing Technical Committee and the rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS) are used with only a few modifications. Skiers with blindness/visual impairment are guided through the course by sighted guides using voice signals to indicate the course to follow. Athletes with physical disabilities use equipment that is adapted to their needs including single ski, sit-ski or orthopaedic aids. Alpine Skiing is currently practiced by athletes in 39 countries and is steadily growing.
BIATHLON
Biathlon was introduced in Innsbruck in 1988 (for athletes with a physical disability). In 1992, athletes with a visual impairment were also able to compete in Biathlon. The competition is open to athletes with a physical disability and blindness/visual impairment. It consists of a 7.5km route divided into three 2.5km stages. Between the two stages athletes must hit two targets located at a distance of 10 metres. Each miss is penalized by an increase in the overall route time. The most important success factor lies in the capability of alternating the skills of physical endurance and shooting accuracy during the competition. Athletes with blindness/visual impairment are assisted by acoustic signals, which depending on signal intensity, indicate when the athlete is on target. The sport is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee following the modified rules of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-Country Skiing appeared at the 1976 Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The competition is open to athletes with a physical disability and blindness/visual impairment. Depending on functional disability, a competitor uses a sit-ski, a chair equipped with a pair of skis. Athletes with blindness/visual impairment compete in the event with a sighted guide. Male and female athletes compete in short distance, middle distance and long distance (ranging from 2.5km to 20km) or participate in a team relay using classical or free techniques. Cross Country Skiing is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee following modified rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and in 2006, is practiced by athletes in 24 countries.
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