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.
Did you know?
- Approximately 150 athletes train and compete each year.
- Special Olympics follows the International Ski Federation rules for alpine racing with a few modifications.
- In 1974, Jim Cottrell, founder/original owner of the French Swiss Ski College at Appalachian Ski Mountain, was instrumental in introducing alpine skiing to the Special Olympics movement.
- In February 1977, seven North Carolina athletes represented SONC at the first International Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
- In January 1978, SONC hosted the first Southeast Region Winter Games at Appalachian Ski Mountain. Six states participated in skiing under the direction of Jim Cottrell of the French Swiss Ski College and SONC Executive Director Monty Castevens.
- In 1993, SONC held its first Winter Games for SONC athletes only at Appalachian Ski Mountain.
- In 2028, SONC looks forward to celebrating 50 years of hosting alpine skiing competitions for Special Olympics athletes at Appalachian Ski Mountain.
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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
Boone
Alpine SDT Director
Jake Harkey
Banner Elk
Herb Vogt
Morganton
Coach resource for dry land training for athletes
