This system involves a 50-50 relationship between guide and skier, with the guide assuming a great deal of responsibility for the safety of the disabled skier. Communication is key to navigating a skier who in many cases may have poor balance, rigid and uncoordinated movements, and a poor sense of speed. Outriggers are an adapted version of a forearm crutch and a shortened ski or mini-ski. Outriggers provide extra balance and steering maneuverability that a standard ski pole doesn't. They are height-adjustable and convert to walking crutches.
Hemiplegics can also use an additional adaptive support for a weak leg.
The purpose and use of the outrigger remains the same. A common problem for beginning skiers, both disabled and nondisabled, is keeping the two skis separate and straight, parallel to one another. The solution is a ski bra , consisting of two metal pieces that attach to the front ski tips. When the two pieces are attached, the ski bar prevents the skier from crossing tips. This concept originated in Norway and was introduced in the United States in 1979.