Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Adaptations for individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing

Participants can receive instructions in ASL or spoken language, use personal hearing assistive devices to help minimize background noise if desired and work directly with an instructor who has the shared understanding of deaf/hh needs. OAS currently contracts local interpreters to assist on lessons.

Adaptations for visual impairment

OAS staff and a number of volunteers are trained to be able to assist individuals with visual impairments. Guides are able to assist in a variety of ways such as calling turns for a skier, tandem paddling or cycling with an individual, or hiking alongside a participant and guide dog. Assistive Devices such as a radio system, a bell, trekking pole or rope can be used depending on the preference and needs of the students.

Bi-Ski

Utilizes a bucket style seat with two skis underneath it. The bi-ski is designed for those who use a wheelchair or have difficulty walking or standing. A bi-ski can be skied independently like a mono-ski using the same type of handheld outriggers or can be skied with the assistance of an instructor using fixed outriggers and tethers (reins attached to the back of the bi-ski). Skiers turn by either moving their head and shoulders or by using handheld outriggers.

OAS Fleet Includes:
Enabling Technologies Dynamique
Mountain Man Bi-Ski
Hands On Concepts Glide
Enabling Technologies Bi-Unique

Bi-Unique

The Bi-Unique is used by almost every adaptive program around the world. It has set the standard for introductory sit skis and gives you the ability to ski as independently as your experience and abilities allow! Boasting the lowest center of gravity of any sit ski on the market, the Bi-Unique is easy for high level injuries to maneuver. Designed 20+ years ago, the Bi-Unique continues to be a resilient, versatile & long-lasting bi ski.

Dynamique

The Dynamique has proven itself as the ultimate bi ski and bridges the gap between the Bi-Unique and mono skis. Skiers and instructors alike are enjoying the unparalleled design of the Dynamique. An unprecedented load height, unique tension-ed load system, and performance suspension are just a few of the features that make the Dynamique an unbounded bi ski!

Monique

The Monique has proven itself as the ultimate program mono ski and bridges the gap between novice and upper echelon sit-skis by increasing stability and forgiveness. Unlike most monos, the Monique has a low center of gravity which promotes a slower transition from edge to edge and is forgiving to form flaws. Riding at under a foot off the ground, it sits 3-6″ lower than most monos on the market. Although it is a great learning tool, it has the capability to leave the greens behind!

Mono-Ski

Utilizes a bucket style seat with a single ski underneath it. Skier uses handheld outriggers for balance, typically made easier with strong arms, core strength and trunk balance. Unlike the bi ski, the mono ski can only be skied independently.

OAS Fleet Includes:
KBG Lynx
Enabling Technologies Monique 1
Praschberger Monoski
Freedom Factory Revolution

Nordic Sit Ski

Nordic skiing is a fun alternative to typical downhill skiing. OAS has two sit down nordic skis available for use on nordic lessons or nordic programming.

Nordic Skis

Nordic skiing is a fun alternative to typical downhill skiing. Nordic skiing is typically performed on flatter terrain using narrow skis with boots that can be raised off the ski at the heel when striding. There are two main types: classic and skate skiing.

NRG Seat

The NRG Seating System is an option for skiers that require a high level of upper body and head support. The seat measures approximately 16″ wide at the waist.

Each seat is finished with over the shoulder / waist / thigh straps for security and side handles for instructors.  The seat comes predrilled for the Dynamique Bi Ski and includes the adjustable dump bracket.

Slide Unique

The second generation of the Slide Unique remains the lightest and most adjustable offering on the market. To meet the needs of stand up skiers the Slide Unique now offers a balance of infinite adjustment and strong hold through a combination of tooled clamps and pinned positions. Custom clamps have been sourced to improve ease of use while its custom boot allows tool-less size changes.

Snow Slider

Another variation of skiing for individuals with more severe balance challenges. A mounted frame that clicks into separate skis appears like a walker on skis and is tethered by a trained instructor. The stand-up skier uses their own boots and skis with the metal frame as support. This can be used long term or in a progression towards three track or four track skiing.

OAS Fleet Includes:
Enabling Technologies Slide Unique
Freedom Factory Snow Slider

Snow'Kart

Snow’Kart is designed for people who have a lack of strength in the upper body and/or who don’t have enough balance to ski with mono-ski or bi-ski. Thanks to the Easy Drive kit, the Snow’Kart is the only equipment in the world that could be driven by one hand.

Snowboard

Most adaptive snowboard lessons employ a standard snowboard set up using progressions taught by the American Association of Snowboard Instructors.

Snowboard Adaptations

If a snowboarder is in need of extra assistance beyond adapted teaching techniques, bamboo poles, tethers, hula hoops and/or the Rider Bar (adapted snowboard handlebar) may also be used.

Three Track/Four Track

Three tracking and four tracking are for individuals who have the ability to stand on one leg or two but need the added balance and steering of using two outriggers. Three track skiers typically have one leg and two arms. Three trackers use a standard ski and two outriggers giving them three points of contact on the snow. Four track skiers have two legs and arms, natural or prostethic. They typically use standard skis and two outriggers, giving the skier four points of contact with the snow. Stand up outriggers are also sometimes used with a snowboard.

Two Track

Skier who can stand and maintain balance while in motion often use standard skis, although adaptive equipment (tethers, spacers, tip retention devices, etc.) may be used to aid in the learning of muscle movements.

Nordic Sit Ski

Nordic skiing is a fun alternative to typical downhill skiing. OAS has two sit down nordic skis available for use on nordic lessons or nordic programming.

Nordic Skis

Nordic skiing is a fun alternative to typical downhill skiing. Nordic skiing is typically performed on flatter terrain using narrow skis with boots that can be raised off the ski at the heel when striding. There are two main types: classic and skate skiing.

Slide Unique

The second generation of the Slide Unique remains the lightest and most adjustable offering on the market. To meet the needs of stand up skiers the Slide Unique now offers a balance of infinite adjustment and strong hold through a combination of tooled clamps and pinned positions. Custom clamps have been sourced to improve ease of use while its custom boot allows tool-less size changes.