Adaptive Tourism
For the last 15 years Val Thorens has committed itself to make 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.
Adaptive Skiing
Skiing/RidingOne of the pioneers of disabled sports, and a wonderful means to taste the freedom of gravity sports, adaptive skiing is suited to a wide range of disabilities. With 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’on 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 aeras.
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.
Ski-taxi
Ski-taxiEnjoy the pleasure of skiing while being comfortably seated in a chair equipped with a pair of skis, with your legs fully stretched out and your head leaning on a headrest. Standing behind the machine, an instructor will drive you through amazing landscapes, allowing you to experience and enjoy special moments and great emotions with your family.
Security
For your security, we remind you of a few safety rules. (these rules were excerpted from the French Federation of Adaptive Sports rules book).
-All sit-skiers must be accompanied by a competent skier who can lend assistance when necessary.
-On arrival, the escort must contact the proper authorities in order to be informed of the accessibility of specific runs, lifts and services.
-When boarding a lift, escorts load first in order to position themselves by the emergency stop button at the top of the lift and thus help secure the skit-skier’s arrival and unloading.
-On the slopes, the escort assists the sit-skier in all situations.
-The safety bar must be down for the duration of the lift ride.
-The resort reserves the right to refuse access to all non-approved equipment.
-The use of a helmet is strongly recommended for sit-skiers.
Costs
In order to encourage disabled visitors to enjoy the sensation of sliding on snow, Val Thorens now offers significant lift pass reductions – up to 50% – both for the adaptive skiers and their escorts**On presentation of disabled identification :-50% off for all ski domains .
For those requiring an escort (vision impaired, wheelchair bound, autistic child), 50% off on lift pass – the same as disabled person. Note: the pass must be bought AT THE SAME TIME as the disabled person being escorted.
SETAM
SETAM
Immeuble le Génépi
Phone: +33 (0)4 79 00 07 08 - Fax: +33 (0)4 79 00 07 14
E.mail: setam@valthorens.com
STOR (near Orelle)
STOR (near Orelle)
Gare de la Télécabine - 73140 Orelle
Phone: +33(0)4 79 56 88 01 - Fax: +33(0)4 79 56 88 02
E.mail: info@orelle.net
Web: www.orelle.net
Val Thorens Tourist Office
Val Thorens Tourist Office
Maison de Val Thorens
Tel : +33 (0)4 79 00 08 08
Fax : +33 (0)4 79 00 00 04
valtho@valthorens.com