Snowboarding is a sport that involves descending a slope that is covered with snow on a snowboard attached to a rider’s feet using a special boot set onto a mounted binding.
About Alpine Skiing: Alpine Skiing is a demanding sport, and athletes will benefit by being in good physical condition to compete successfully and safely. Alpine Skiing requires, in addition to a basic combination of endurance and strength, a high capacity of quickness and action/reaction endurance. Through proper training, the athletes improve their physical, psychological and mental efficiency.
About Snowboarding: Snowboarding is a sport that involves descending a slope that is covered with snow on a snowboard attached to a rider’s feet using a special boot set onto a mounted binding.
Differences of Special Olympics Alpine Skiing: 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.
Differences of Special Olympics Snowboarding: Special Olympics does not offer as many Snowboarding events as the Federation Internationale de Skie. Special Olympics does not offer halfpipe, snowboard cross, or parallel events because of the safety considerations in offering these events.
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.
Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.
- SONC Alpine Skiing-Snowboarding Rule Modifications
- SOI Official Sport Rules for Alpine Skiing
- SOI Official Sport Rules for Snowboarding
SONC offers four competitive events in alpine skiing, accommodating all ability levels and competition interests from beginner to advanced.
The glide is for athletes just learning how to ski where the terrain has a gentle slope with no turns. Coaches are allowed to assist athletes at this level.
The super glide is the next level where the terrain is slightly steeper than the glide, but also does not have turns.
Athletes competing in the novice slalom will ride a ski lift and ski on steeper terrain, weaving through a number of gates on their way to the finish.
Athletes in the intermediate slalom will experience a more challenging terrain than the novice slalom, with an increased number of gates.
Athletes competing in advanced slalom ski on the most challenging terrain (commonly referred to as the “black” runs), and expereince tighter turns and more gates in their competition.
Snowboarding, while not an official SONC sport, is gaining popularity with athletes looking for a new challenge on the slopes. SONC offers the novice slalom at competition.
Click here to find your coach certification status.
Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.
Special Olympics North Carolina Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Registration Forms
- SONC Winter Games Family Registration Form
- SONC Winter Games Event Registration
- SONC Winter Games Overall Schedule
- Special Olympics Clothing Rental Form
Special Olympics Southeast U.S. Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Registration Forms
If you would like to register the exact same delegation as for SONC Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, please let us know by contacting registration@sonc.net. No additional paperwork is needed, but we will need to know by Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
- Southeast U.S. Winter Games Family & Guest Registration Form
- Southeast U.S. Winter Games Event Registration
- Southeast U.S. Winter Games Skiing and Snowboarding Schedule
Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Winter Games registration. Click here for a full list of Winter Games registration forms. These forms will be available closer to the event date.
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.
