Paralympics Adaptive Cross Country Skiing

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2008/12/22 - Updated: 2023/12/13
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Adaptive Snow Sports - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Paralympic cross-country skiing is a sport where upper body training is a must as all of the propulsion is done with shoulder and arm muscles only. One classical technique of skiing is done from the sitting position called sit skiing. These skiers are unable to move out of the parallel tracks and the skier propels the sit-ski along with the specially adapted poles.

Introduction

There are two techniques used in cross-country skiing. Free style and Classic.

Free style skiing is done on the section of track without groomed tracks in the snow. The skier uses a skating motion, pushing off with the edge of the skis. This method allows the skier to make good time on the course and is generally about 8% faster over a distance than the classic method. The skis used are shorter than classical.

Main Item

One classical technique of skiing is done from the sitting position called sit skiing. These skiers are unable to move out of the parallel tracks and the skier propels the sit-ski along with the specially adapted poles.

Wheels can be attached to the sit-ski so that dry land and gymnasium training can be carried out. Paralympics cross-country skiing is a sport where upper body training is a must. A rigorous training program is required because all of the propulsion is done only with the shoulder and arm muscles.

The competitions are held over short, middle and long distances, from 2.5 to 20 kilometers. The racers start 30 seconds apart.

The International Paralympic Committee makes use of the Nordic Percentage System which is a handicapping system for each category. That handicap time is added to the skiers time. The winner is the one with the lowest calculated time.

In the relay races, each team skier skies one leg of the circuit. The teams are made up from different categories that are balanced out so that each team is even starting out. This eliminates time calculations. The first team across the finish line is the winner.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.