For the last 15 years Val Thorens has committed itself to making the resort more accessible to the disabled – whether in lodging, parking, adaptive skiing or other activities. Our objective: to encourage everyone celebrate the magic of mountain play.

Skiing/Riding

One of the pioneers of disabled sports, and a wonderful means off tasting the freedom of gravity sports, adaptive skiing is suited to a wide range of disabilities. With a cadre of instructors trained specifically in a variety of adaptive ski categories, the Val Thorens Ski Schools invite you to explore the biggest ski area in the world.

The Different Categories

Adaptive Skiing

Tandem Skiing
Targeted group: Tetraplegics, handicapped heavyweights, seniors, and all people suffering from serious mobility issues.
Equipment: (articulated ‘ski-chair’), a pair of skis. A special below-zero blanket covering the customer from head-to-foot. A pair of ‘Millet’ over-mitts.
Goal for this kind of equipment: touring, sensation of speed and gliding/sliding based on the clients’ abilities and needs .

Dual Sit-Ski

Targeted group: paraplegics, people with lower body disabilities, mentally handicapped, genetic illness. An energetic outing for older folks or non-skiers wishing to visit the Val Thorens and 3 Vallees domains.
Equipment: skiing apparatus with a low centre of gravity.
Adjustable ‘Fournales’ shock absorbers
2 adjustable outriggers
2 wide skis
4 different-sized shells designed to be adapted to most body types (Size 1, 3, 5, 6)
2 steering handlebars with attached lifeline

Goal for this kind of equipment: helping disabled skiers become independent.

Sit-Ski—Brand CDRD – Model GSM
Equipment is free if used in a ski lesson (with instructor).
The cost when used alone is 23 €/day.

Race calendar

Join us on the 14th of March, 2009 for the Frensh Handisport Cup. Contested at the slalom stadium, this adaptive-ski race attracts over 60 individuals competing in both the slalom and giant slalom events.