Snow Sports

A high-speed sport where athletes with a vision impairment use guides, communication, and technique to navigate the slopes with confidence.

Overview

Snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are a fantastic recreational and competitive opportunity for athletes with a vision impairment. There are multiple Paralympic Sports to explore. 

New Zealand has ski fields that are well equipped with adaptive snow sport equipment, skilled instructors, supportive ski areas, and programmes.

There are membership options and the ability to book adaptive lessons in your region. You might also want to look into participating in events such as the Snow Sports NZ Adaptive Festival, which is typically held every winter in NZ.

NZ Athletes:

Key points: 

  • Athletes ski or snowboard with a sighted guide who provides information to them verbally, not physical assistance. Live action verbal feedback is on direction, terrain, and hazards.
  • Communication is short calls (Left, Right), usually via two-way radio headsets (especially at higher speeds). 
  • The guide may be above, below or beside the person they are guiding on the slope.

Equipment used:

  • Skis or snowboard
  • Warm, waterproof clothing and eye protection
  • Helmet and protective gear
  • Radio headset or communication system 
  • Standard ski equipment (boots, poles)
  • Identifying hi-vis vests for guide and athlete.

BOOK our Accessible Sport Kit 

Pathway Information

Community: Snow sports can be accessed through supported programmes and ski fields offering inclusive experiences, (e.g. Cardrona, The Remarkables, Whakapapa and Snow Planet). Some regional ParaFeds or Halberg 'Have a Go' experiences may be good options to explore too.


Development: Progression includes moving from beginner slopes to more complex terrain and conditions. Snow Sports NZ is looking to host development camps, for those interested to understand the pathway from community and social to competitive levels. 


Competitive:

Snow sports have strong international pathways for vision impairment categories including:

  • Para Alpine Skiing (slalom, giant slalom, Super G and downhill)
  • Para Nordic Skiing (cross-country and biathlon)

New Zealand athletes with a vision impairment have competed internationally, with pathways supported through Snowsports NZ and Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ). 


Classification: Athletes with a vision impairment compete in categories (typically AS1, 2 , 3 to AS4) and race with a guide. Time factors or adjustments are applied to ensure fair competition across classifications.

See our page on classification and Paralympics New Zealand


International Federation: 

Fédération Internationale de Ski et du Snowboard (FIS) 


NZ National Sport Organisation: Snow Sports NZ


Competitions include:

  • World Para Snow Sports Championships
  • World Cup events
  • Paralympic Winter Games (every 4 years)
  • National Adaptive Snow Sports Festival winter months in NZ. 

Snow sports are a well-established Paralympic sport with strong global participation.

Please check the international and national sport organisations for current information. 

Check out some other sports: