Intro to Mono-Ski
What, Who, How
What
Mono-skiing involves skiing the mountain using a mono-ski. It can be done anywhere on the mountain from the beginner slope through to the most advanced runs.
Who
Typically, the user of a mono-ski will not have the ability to ski standing up. This may be due to low leg strength and/or coordination, or it may be due to low endurance levels. A mono-skier will generally have to be able to control their movements above their sternum (T5 level). If the student has no control above this level, this generally indicates the use of the bi-ski. Hand grip on the outriggers is not a necessity, as hands can be strapped to the handles, but having the strength to apply pressure down through the handles is essential. When assessing whether someone will use a mono-ski and how to set up the mono-ski, use the Physical Assessment model.
How
The Wedgeless Progression is used for learning to mono-ski with an emphasis on a flat ski with rotational movement.
When testing during the physical assessment, test the range of movement first, then add some resistance.
To assess whether the student will need a high back seat or may be more suited for a bi-ski:
Assess the student’s balance in various planes. Ask the skier to lean forward and then straighten up. Ask them to lean from side to side and straighten up. Watch for how high in the trunk the movement is coming from and whether they use their arms to assist at all. Note any differences from side to side. Ask the student to rotate the lowest part of their body they can. Ask permission to place your hands on their trunk as they do this to feel the force they generate. Kneel down beside the skier with your arm straight and palm upturned. Ask the skier to push down your hand as you resist. When skiing, the trunk of the skier will need to be supported up to the point at which they move when achieving these tests. This will also give you an idea of the lowest part of the body that they can use when skiing. If the skier cannot achieve these tests without pivoting from a point at or below the sternum area, consider a bi-ski.
To assess whether a skier should mono-ski, or standup ski or snowboard:
Is the skier able to walk with or without the use of crutches? If with, ask them for how long they are able to be active while standing with the support of their crutches. Use your judgement as to whether this would enable the student to have an enjoyable and productive time on snow. Check to ascertain whether their natural stance suits the use of skis and boots or a snowboard. If the answer to these questions supports standup skiing or riding, then talk to the person about options. Include information about the availability and cost of mono-skis for rental and purchase vs regular gear and possibly outriggers. Discuss the challenges, rewards, and independence involved in learning each of the options to assist them in coming to a decision. Any decision can always be revisited at a later time, always taking into account the student’s goals.
Terrain, Equipment & Safety
Terrain
Use flat, beginner terrain with the most gentle fall line possible.
Equipment
All movements are transferred through the seat to the ski so the seat can be considered in the same way as a boot. Equipment set up is critical and many issues a student might have often come back to incorrect set up. Dowel test students on their equipment. Canting can be used in the seat to fill the voids in order to have a flat ski when the student is in their centred stance. Take your time and recheck from time to time especially if there is a change in performance.
Safety
- 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.
- Ensure there is no pinching of any catheter tubes, or pressure on a colostomy bag if either of these are present.
- Follow safe chairlift loading/unloading practice.
- Bucket the mono-ski in crowded areas if the user has insufficient skill to manoeuvre safely.
- Teach the mono skier to fall with their outrigger forward and across the body to protect the shoulder joint.
Corrective Teaching
Student struggles to maintain a flat ski in a straight run: