Alpine Skiing
Alpine Skiing is a demanding sport, and athletes will benefit by being in good physical condition to compete successfully and safely. In addition to a basic combination of endurance and strength, Alpine Skiing requires a high capacity of quickness and action/reaction endurance. Through proper training, the athletes improve their physical, psychological and mental efficiency.
Alpine Skiing Extras
Special Olympics rules follow the International Ski Federation rules for alpine racing except for specific situations. Those include race venue selection based on the ability of the athlete. Other specific rules include the 2 Minute Rules, which allows an athlete who has fallen or gone off course to get the skies back on and continue down the course. Presently all courses are set with open gates which allow an even flow down the race hill.
History: 1994 marked the first Winter Games for Special Olympics North Carolina.
By the Numbers
- In 1993, Special Olympics North Carolina athlete Donna Parker attended the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria to compete in alpine skiing.
- In 1974, Jim Cottrell with the French Swiss Ski College in Blowing Rock was instrumental in introducing alpine skiing to Special Olympics.
- 150 athletes currently compete in Special Olympics North Carolina Winter Games.
SONC Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding will be held January 12-13, 2020 in Boone and Blowing Rock.
Special Olympics Southeast Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding is an additional competition opportunity for SONC athletes, as well as athletes from surrounding states. This event will take place on February 2-4, 2020.
Invitationals
Athletes and partners also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in various local invitationals. Check the alpine skiing & snowboaring sport calendar for upcoming invitationals being hosted by local programs.
Local programs are also encouraged to host and invite neighboring counties to participate in invitationals, scrimmages, or leagues. Click here for some basic steps on how to get started. If you are interested in hosting an invitational you can also contact the sports department at sports@sonc.net.
Sport Development Teams (SDT) are responsible for assisting with local and state level programs and competition, educating coaches and officials, and promoting active engagement among athletes throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Jim Cottrell – Alpine SDT Director
Boone
Ron Henries
Boone
Roachel Laney
Boone
Sam Lloyd – Adaptive Skiing
Tryon
Michael Maybee
Blowing Rock
Herb Vogt – Coach resource for dryland training for athletes
Morganton
Certified Clinicians receive additional training in presentational skills to conduct training schools in their community. In order to become a Certified Clinician one must have a Special Olympics North Carolina level 2 sport certification in this sport.
For more information on becoming an SDT member or a Certified Clinician, contact sports@sonc.net.
ALPINE SKIING COACH RESOURCES
Coaching guide, rules and other materials for coaches
Local Sports
Find out if this sport is offered in your community
Get Involved
Share Your Sport Knowledge
Officiate for Special Olympics North Carolina by donating your time as a sports official. Contact sports@sonc.net for more information.
Sport Development Team members (SDT) are active volunteers who channel their passion and knowledge for a sport into effective leadership for local and state programs. Certified clinicians supplement the SDT by providing coaches training in their community.
