+64 (0)3 451 1534 admin@nzsia.org
Search Adaptive Manual
Table of Contents
Back to Overview
Last Updated31 October 2024
4 track skiing 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 4 track, safety considerations and which equipment could be used.

Intro to 4 Track

What, Who, How

What

4 Tracking is defined as using two skis with two outriggers although in certain situations the student may only use one outrigger or may use a ski frame.

Who

Anyone using supportive equipment to ski or snowboard standing up. This includes a wide range of physical disabilities and combinations of disability. See the Physical Assessment model to understand more.

How

The techniques and progressions used in 4 tracking can be a mix of everything you know in adaptive snowsports:

  • NZSIA Ski where the student wants to ski and can form a wedge.
  • SBINZ Snowboard where the student wants to snowboard especially when their natural stance suits snowboarding and when independent leg movement is difficult.
  • The Wedgeless Progression is used where the student wants to ski but can’t form a wedge. This progression may only need to be used on one turn.

The student’s choices may include sit skiing, snowboarding or standup skiing with a range of additional equipment for extra support. Considerations to discuss with them are their preferences and goals, their stamina, their natural stance, their strength and flexibility, and the cost and accessibility of equipment.

When choosing equipment with your student always work towards using the minimum equipment needed to realise your student’s goals. Aim to
have the student standing centred on a flat board or ski(s) when they are in their natural stance.

If they have no preference towards skiing or snowboarding then guide them to the choice that will bring the most success. As a general rule snowboarding offers a platform that stabilises independent leg movement and allows the feet to be placed in a wide range of natural positions. Snowboarding presents challenges where a student has difficulty with edging movements.

4 track skiing offers the ability to support movement of the CoM with the assistance of outriggers or a ski frame. 4 track skiing can present challenges where a student has weakness on one side. These are just general guides. Trial and change through the learning process will lead you and your student to the best solutions.

Hot Tip
To minimise fatigue, incorporate moving on the flat with sliding exercises in the progression. Some exercises such as sidestepping or one-foot riding may be extremely difficult or impossible to perform. Use a hands-on approach with two point holds and a board buddy with the aim of reducing this level of support when possible.
7

Terrain, Equipment & Safety

Terrain

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

Equipment

  • Outriggers to assist with balance.
  • Links are necessary if student is unable to control the tips of their skis.
  • Spacer Bar may be necessary if the student is unable to maintain the width of their stance.
  • Tethers may help in assisting the student when required.
Hot Tip
Getting the right equipment set up is critical. Your goal is to have your student standing in their natural stance with the equipment flat on the snow. Support equipment such as outriggers should be set up so that they provide support when the student is in their natural stance as close as possible to a centred position. If the skis or board are not flat when the student is in their natural stance, pack out the gaps under their feet/ bindings with cants to allow the board/ski(s) to be flat when the bindings are closed. Where the difference is minimal this can be done inside the boot with such things as sections of shoe insoles. When the difference is great then wedges and packers may need to be placed under the ski bindings/snowboard boots or slant boards might need to be used.

Safety

  • Check on specific disability safety awareness.
  • Be aware of indicators of fatigue.
  • Check for pressure sores if feet are not in natural stance.
  • Teach safe falling and minimise the risk.
  • If the student has poor circulation and/or feeling in their extremities regularly check for frostbite.
  • If a student is using a ski link NEVER allow them to slide backwards.

Corrective Teaching

Student struggles to balance on their equipment:

9
Ask the student to balance on one leg then the other. Have the student move in and out of balance in different directions. Use this as a guide to know how much initial supportive equipment they might need.
9
If they have a dominant leg, this should be the front foot on a snowboard.