Outrigger skis facts for kids

Outrigger skis are special skis used by para-skiers. These skiers might have a disability that affects their legs or balance. Outrigger skis help them keep their balance, turn, control their speed, and stop safely while skiing down a mountain.

Outrigger skis look a bit like crutches with small skis at the bottom. Skiers hold one in each hand. They come in different sizes and have various features to help different skiers.

How Outrigger Skis Help

Outrigger skis are very important for skiers who need extra support. They act like extra points of contact with the snow, giving the skier more stability.

Balance and Control

• Keeping Balance: The small skis on the outriggers help skiers stay upright, especially when going fast or on bumpy slopes.
• Turning: Skiers can use the outriggers to help guide their turns, making it easier to steer.
• Speed Control: They can also help skiers slow down or stop by digging into the snow.

Three Track and Four Track Skiing

The way outrigger skis are used can change how a skier is described:

• Three Track Skiing: This is when a skier uses one regular ski and two outrigger skis. Their two outriggers and one regular ski make three "tracks" in the snow.
• Four Track Skiing: This is when a skier uses two regular skis and two outrigger skis. All four pieces of equipment leave "tracks" in the snow.

Safety Tips for Skiers

Learning to ski with outriggers includes important safety lessons. Skiers are taught how to fall safely to avoid hurting themselves or damaging their equipment. If a skier starts to fall, they learn to move their arms and outriggers in a way that helps them land safely and protect the outrigger skis from breaking.

Images for kids

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  Australian skier David Munk goes down a hill at the Winter Paralympics with the aid of outriggers

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  A skier using outrigger skis

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  Allison Jones using outrigger skis