Downhill Skiing

We all know summer is a great time to get outside and play – but the winter months add something special: Snow! And getting out for a day of skiing in that wintry wonderland is a great way to stay fit and have fun. With a few tips and tricks, you can master the sport with confidence – no matter your level of vision.

Before we get started, remember that talking with your eye doctor is always a good idea if you have questions about starting a new exercise or activity. For example, some conditions might be affected if you take a tumble on the slopes. Your doctor can help you address any concerns, and help you decide what works best for you.

Now – put on a parka and grab some gloves – and let’s head out to the slopes.

The first step in planning a ski trip is choosing a guide to go with you. Some guides are instructors, and some are just fellow athletes with a passion for the sport and a desire to share it with others. Check out the Resources below for information on how to connect with a ski guide through an organization near you.

If you are looking for instruction, ask the organization about adaptive lessons for people who are visually impaired. They’ll help you find the right program so you can learn the techniques, have fun, and stay safe.

Your guide should have a fitness level – and skiing ability – at least as strong as yours. That way, they can keep up with you, so you’re always together.

We’ll talk about skiing with your guide in a minute, but first, let’s take a look at your ski gear. If you’re renting equipment, the rental shop will make sure it’s all in shape and ready to go.

But if you have your own ski equipment, you can check it ahead of time to see whether it needs any repairs. Carefully running your hands over your skis, poles and bindings lets you feel for any cracks, chips, or loose hardware.

To check your skis, it’s helpful to use a thin cloth – like cheesecloth or a piece of gauze – to wipe gently along the bottoms and edges. If the fabric snags anywhere, explore that area to feel for any cracks or splinters.

And using a magnifier can help you see whether a rough spot is minor, or it needs to be fixed.

Your guide can always help you with your gear and equipment – but getting familiar with your bindings makes it easier to get your own skis on and off. One handy trick is to mark the quick-release lever, near your heal, with a piece of brightly colored tape. That can make it easier to find the lever when it’s time to remove your skis.

Let’s take a look at safety equipment, too. Some ski areas can provide bright, reflective vests for you and your guide to wear – but it might be best to bring your own. These usually have large lettering that says “Guide” and “Blind Skier” to alert other skiers not to assume you can see everything around you, and not to ski between you and your guide. The Resources section includes information on where you can purchase vests on your own.

Another safety consideration is reducing glare when you’re out in the snow. Ask your eye doctor or low-vision specialist about tinted lenses or goggles, which come in a range of colors for different needs. And check out our workshop on Glare, in the Low Vision series, for more information.

Now, let’s get out on the mountain.

When you’re getting ready to ski, you and your guide will develop verbal cues to navigate the chairlift without any issues, and to move down the ski slope together. They’ll help you know what direction to go, where to turn, and anything you might miss visually – like whether the area is crowded with other people. And they’ll work with you to develop a “stop” cue, to use in an urgent situation.

You’ll also review the terrain and trails together, decide on a route, and discuss the level of difficulty you’re comfortable with. And your guide can mention scenery and interesting landmarks.

The two of you will decide whether it works best to have the guide ski in front, so you can follow them, or to have the guide ski behind you, describing where to go. You might also decide to use a tether system, which lets the guide help you down the slope by holding onto one or two straps.

Another option is to use adaptive equipment, which helps if you have mobility or balance issues. A ski chair is like a wheelchair for skiing.

And a snow slider is like a walker on skis. Check out the Resources section for examples of adaptive equipment that’s available.

Your local ski area or adaptive skiing organization can help you find the options, equipment and programs that work for you. So if you’re a skier – or you’ve always wanted to try – it’s easy to the find the help and support that will get you out on the slopes and having fun.

As always, if you need more information or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert. And of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience, and practice, and you'll get there.