Sit-skiing opened up skiing to thousands of people with severe lower extremity impairments. All initial instruction on sit-skis should be done by a certified instructor who is using a tether . Sit-skiers are not allowed to ski untethered until they pass certification tests. Options include standard and shortened ski poles, outriggers, standard poles taped together, short ice-picks, and even brass knuckles with or without a supportive wrist. Special ski equipment for amputees is available in a wide variety of terminal devices and lower extremity prostheses, such as the All-Terrain Ski Terminal Device that holds ski poles and has a quick disconnect feature.
Many more manufacturers make terminal devices and prosthetics for sports.
Be sure to see our sports organizations page for adaptive ski organizations. Snowmobiling is an easy and very accessible way of taking in the great outdoors and crisp winter air. Selection of equipment is based on an individual's specific disability. Good upper- body strength and reliable hand control are essential for safe use of any snowmobile. Snowmobiles should never be operated by individuals under the influence of alcohol or by anyone younger than 16.