Ski Vacation Fun: Monoskiing

Want to try something new for your next ski vacation? Well, there is another type of skiing that you can try and will surely spice up your typical ski vacation trips – monoskiing.

This type of skiing was invented in 1950s. The set of equipment used is pretty much the same with what is used in conventional skiing. A monoskier skis using a single double wide ski where he or she plants both their feet on the board facing forward and skis using styled ski poles.

For regular skiers who want to try monoskiing, picking up the whole dynamics of it is easy however, it takes some time before they get used to it especially when it comes to balance. Performing stunts and tricks, reaching high speeds, catching air and engaging in traditional cross-country skiing are still possible with monoskiing.

This skiing is actually easier on the knees than conventional skiing, that is why it appeals mostly to skies with weak knees. In monoskiing, the weight is centered between the knees while they move with the axis of movement. Even those who have history of knee injury could still try monoskiing. This type of skiing mainly requires a lot of upper body effort, balancing the work between upper and lower body more equally than in conventional skiing.

The good news is, this type of skiing also caters to the interests of disabled skiers which enables them to feel the thrill of the slopes.

Empowering disabled people

For this disabled people, monoskiing opened the doors for them to hit the slopes and be active in sports. For paraplegic skiers, they uses different types of ski designed to different kinds of abilities.

A monoski has a chair with a ski mounted onto it which can be controlled with the upper body alone. This type of ski has been developed for skiers with multiple leg amputations, spinal injury resulting to paralysis of the lower body.

Another type of ski is called a bi-ski, which is similar with the monoski but the seat is mounted on two skis. This is designed for those skiers whose legs are intact but have restricted control due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal chord or brain injuries.

A four-track is another type of ski designed for those who lack good lateral control, and use two skis with outriggers. Another type is called the ski bike, originally designed for able-bodied but is successfully used by leg amputees who are able to wear artificial limbs while skiing.

Monoskiing does not only serve the cravings of skiers who would like to try something different during their ski vacation. But it also empowers those who are disabled and help them achieve success in this sport despite their situation.