Adaptive skiing and snowboarding is about people with disabilities riding the mountain like everyone else. Our adaptive athletes are some of the best in the world in ski racing and snowboarding. These athletes inspire people of all ages and abilities to get on snow. We have phenomenal facilities and programmes in NZ, accessible through the Snow Sports NZ membership.
Snow Sports NZ work to get more people with disabilities on snow, skiing and snowboarding. We have set up agreements with resorts in NZ for people with disabilities to gain significant discounts on the mountain. We also make programmes and equipment more accessible and we run development camps for all levels and abilities.
Competitive adaptive snow sports include alpine ski racing, cross country skiing and snowboarding. New Zealand athletes have competed at the Paralympic Winter Games since 1980 and have won multiple Paralympic medals. Corey Peters, Adam Hall and Carl Murphy are household names and have been at the top of their fields in their sports.
We are well equipped in NZ with great adaptive snow sports equipment, fantastic adaptive instructors, volunteer programmes and supportive ski areas and staff. Here are some ways you can get involved in adaptive snow sports.
If you want to speak to someone about your options, what equipment would suit you and the support available, please give the Snow Sports NZ office a call on 03 443 4085 or send us an email, we would be happy to get you started. Our hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Adaptive snow sports is about adapting equipment and lessons to allow people with a wide range of disabilities to experience the freedom of snow sports.
Alpine ski racing is one of the most popular competitive snow sports in NZ and we have had a rich history in the sport since the first ski races were held here in the 1920s.
Cross country is the oldest skiing sport. It is a low impact sport perfect for the whole family to enjoy. At the competitive level it is an endurance sport.
Freeskiing embraces the spirit of innovation. It encompasses the whole mountain from the ski cross course to the terrain parks and the backcountry.
Snowboarding is about riding the whole mountain, whether it’s the natural mountain terrain, the race course or in the halfpipe or terrain parks.
In freeride skiing & snowboarding, riders go over natural, unmonitored terrain without a set goal or trail to follow. Freeriding is for skiers who have a thirst for adventure and enjoy exploring new areas.
