Adaptive skiing offers a great way for people with physical or sensory disabilities, reduced mobility or coordination to enjoy the slopes and experience the mountains in La Plagne. Whether you’re trying skiing for the first time, returning to the sport or looking for a way to ski with greater independence, specialist lessons and equipment can be adapted to suit your needs.
With more than 20 years of experience providing adaptive ski instruction, the local ski school offers a personalised approach for children and adults. Lessons are taught by instructors trained in adaptive skiing, with the format, equipment and duration agreed with you before your session.
Sit-skiing in La Plagne
Sit-skiing is particularly suited to wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility who may not be able to ski independently. Using specialist Tessier equipment, you can experience the sensation of skiing while receiving as much assistance as you need.
One option is piloted sit-skiing, where a trained instructor controls the sit-ski using a guiding bar. This provides a comfortable and supported way to explore the mountain, while allowing the skier to be as involved as their mobility and confidence allow.
For those who want to become more independent, training can also be provided to learn how to pilot a sit-ski yourself.
The Tandem’Flex
The Tessier Tandem’Flex is designed for people who are unable to ski independently or who simply prefer to have a trained pilot with them. You sit comfortably in the ski while your instructor controls it, allowing you to enjoy the feeling of gliding over the snow without needing to manage the equipment yourself.
It’s a good option for anyone who wants to get out on the mountain, take in the views and enjoy the experience of skiing with the reassurance of an experienced instructor.
Standing adaptive skiing
Adaptive skiing isn’t limited to sit-skis. Standing skiing can be adapted to a wide range of physical and sensory needs, including reduced mobility, visual impairment, hearing impairment and amputees.
The instruction and equipment can be tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. There is also experience working with neurodivergent children, including children on the autism spectrum, who may find the individual setting of a private lesson more comfortable than a group environment.
Depending on your needs, equipment can include a uniski, dualski, tandem ski, conventional skis or a snowboard.
Suitable for beginners and experienced skiers
You don’t need previous skiing experience to take part. For a first session, the priority is getting comfortable, finding the right position and making sure the equipment is properly adapted to you.
If you’ve skied before, your lesson can instead focus on building confidence, developing your technique or working towards greater independence on the mountain. The one-to-one nature of the instruction means that the session can progress at a pace that works for you.
Adaptive skiing is available for both children and adults. A friend or family member doesn’t need to ski with you, as you’ll be accompanied by your instructor. They can, however, join you and, where appropriate, learn how to follow safely during a descent.
Specialist equipment and personal attention
One of the key benefits of adaptive skiing in La Plagne is the opportunity to use equipment selected around your individual needs rather than trying to fit your needs around a standard lesson.
If you don’t have your own adapted equipment, specialist equipment such as a tandem ski, uniski or dualski may be available and can be arranged alongside your lesson. The ski school will discuss your mobility, experience and objectives with you beforehand and help determine the most appropriate option.
Lessons are private, giving you the instructor’s full attention throughout the session. This creates a more relaxed environment where you can take your time, ask questions and build confidence without having to keep pace with a group.
