Tourism in Sierra Nevada. Adaptive skiing

The feeling of not having to miss out is a reality for disabled people that in the practise of adapted sport is increasingly common. Is it possible to forget about your own limitations? Under the right conditions, yes. Since 2001, the Fundación También has bee promoting sport adapted for people with disabilities (physical, mental or sensory). The evaluation they perform of Sierra Nevada Ski and Mountain Resort very positive: in Europe it is the leader of the pack as far as facilities related to adaptive skiing go, and it has specialised staff. Adaptive skiing in Sierra Nevada is the benchmark.

What is adaptive skiing?

Although skiing can be enjoyed indifferent ways, balance is more complicated, but the pace of the descent and the adrenaline rush that goes with speed are the same for all. And immersion in the snowy landscape is the same too. To experience these sensations every weekend, alternating between companionship and rivalry on the slope, and to make friends is undoubtedly a huge attraction. It is common to ski with a single ski (mono-ski), although equipment will vary according to the disability presented.

Adaptive skiing techniques enable the skier to slide along the snow while seated with two skis (bi-ski), or standing up and helped by a ski, two skis… There are different combinations available. Even those who need to ski accompanied can do so, given that the inclusive nature of this sport is enormous.

Skiing disciplines

Once started, improvement can lead to competition. Adaptive skiing has its own unique features, such as the importance of the shoulders and the postures that are adopted when skiing, caused by a lack of mobility in the lower extremities, for example. It's a question of simply discovering them. And even adapting to them. There is nothing better than motivating yourself as you navigate obstacles with your sights set on a specific objective. Teaching for everyday life is evident, right?

With stabilisers - a type of crutch rounded like a skate - acting as support that allows for descents and twists, adaptive skiing is becoming more daring: it includes classic disciplines such as slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom. Speed, power, rhythm and precision will be crucial during the development of these events. Training is essential!

Where can you learn to ski?

The extensive experience of the Escuela Oficial de Esquí de Sierra Nevada is noted in its dedication to adaptive skiing, in the qualifications of its teachers and instructors (many of whom are multilingual), and its pioneering nature in Spain. Skiing while seated or standing - for skiers with some form of amputation - was first practised on Granada's slopes, which are renowned for their accessibility. Love for snow at our Andalusian resort can be discerned on every part of its slopes.

Alpine skiing is a highly pleasant experience: you can quickly start to enjoy it, following the instructions and techniques of experts. Those who have tried adaptive skiing say that barriers don't exist, you just have to take the plunge. You get the hang of it quickly and from then on it's merely a question of having as much fun as possible. In the land of the breakneck, few sports come close to winter sports.

Accessible tourism in Sierra Nevada, if it is with adaptive skiing, is much better.