Last Updated26 November 2024

The Bi-Skiing section covers the elements of the pathway that introduce skiing for the first time and how to turn. Learn the what, why and how of teaching the basics, from the very beginning. It covers how we assess someone for using a Bi-Ski, safety considerations and which equipment could be used.

Intro to Bi-Ski

What, Who, How

What

Skiing in a bi-ski with hand-held outriggers, fixed outriggers, a hand bar, or a combination of any of the above. Bi-skiing is generally done on beginner and intermediate terrain only. In all circumstances, a trained helper must tether the bi-ski if it is rented from a New Zealand adaptive program.

Who

Students will generally have a high level of impairment with some or all of the following; poor balance, limited trunk control, upper body weakness, brittle bones, and low endurance. Some students with lower levels of impairment who only ski for short periods of time each year may also prefer to use a bi-ski. See the Physical Assessment model to understand more.

How

Use the wedgeless progression with an edging focus.

Hands can be taped to the outrigger handle if grip is an issue. If the student does not have the strength or control to use outriggers, use a hand bar set up on the bi-ski. Hand-held, fixed outriggers, and/or the hand bar can be used on one side only if needed. Assess for multiple disabilities.

Movements & Performance

Bi-skiing. by nature, is one of the most inclusive pieces of equipment we have available. The instructor’s input and the student’s independence will vary dramatically, depending on the student’s abilities. The instructor may maintain 100% control if the student is unable to create and control their lateral movements. Vice versa, a student with greater lateral movement ability may have more independence to control the bi-ski themselves.

Credit to Kat Müller for this diagram.

With the information we have gained through assessment, our students’ goals and using the guiding principles we need to decide what would be the best option for our student. We may need to reassess this as the lesson progress, slope angle, traffic and snow conditions may all influence these decisions.

Terrain, Equipment & Safety

Terrain

Use flat, beginner terrain with the most gentle fall line possible.

Key Equipment

Bi-Ski
Outriggers to assist with balance and lateral movement.
Tethers may help in assisting the student when required.

Safety Issues

Helmets are essential.
Ensure there are no pressure points from insufficient padding, objects in the seat or in pockets, twisted straps and buckles, or over tightening of the straps.
Monitor temperature for overheating, hypothermia and for frostbite.
Use a blanket in cold conditions to keep the skier warm.
Ensure there is no pinching of any catheter tubes if they are present.
Follow safe chairlift loading/unloading practice.
Bucket the bi-ski in crowded areas and use a volunteer for blocking.

Hot Tip

When assessing someone the questions to answer are whether the student has enough control of their trunk and/or enough balance to ski in a monoski. 4 tracking may also be an option for students who can stand.

Corrective Teaching

Student struggles to maintain a flat ski in a straight run:

Set up the bi-ski so that the skis are flat when the student is in a natural stance. Cant as necessary.

Teach good outrigger position with the elbow(s) out and riggers slightly forward while stationary and then moving.

Explore the planes of movement in a stationary and then moving position with emphasis being placed on returning to a centred stance.