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.
ALPINE SKIING COACH RESOURCES
Coaching guide, rules and other materials for coaches
Find Alpine Skiing events near you
Share your sport knowledge!
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. Certified clinicians supplement the SDT by providing coaches training in their community.
Officiate for Special Olympics North Carolina by donating your time as a sports official. Contact sports@sonc.net for more information.
Alpine Skiing Sport Development Team
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
