Skiing

Special Olympics Charles County offers activities to our athletes for nine out of the twelve months of the year. Winter is no exception to the rule, we offer skiing opportunities in the sports of Alpine (Downhill) and Nordic (Cross Country) skiing.

Alpine skiing is an exciting winter sport that challenges the athlete's ability and coordination for racing down a mountain. High level Special Olympics Alpine Skiing athletes may reach speeds of up to 64 kilometers per hour.

Alpine skiing was first introduced as an Official Special Olympics Winter Sport at the 1977 World Games in Steamboat Spring, Co. It is estimated that 15,000 athletes are competing in Alpine Skiing throughout 50 countries worldwide.

Events
The events offered by Special Olympics in Alpine have increased to accommodate every ability level of athlete interested in competing. Three different ability levels of athletes compete in the downhill, slalom, and giant slalom events. For each of these categories, the courses are set to be appropriate for advanced, intermediate, or novice ability athletes.

For those athletes with lower ability or just beginning, Special Olympics offers events such as the 10 meter walk, glide, and Super Glide.

Modified Alpine
For athletes with physical disabilities that would hinder their ability to ski down hill on traditional skis, Special Olympics Maryland offers the Modified Alpine ski event. Modified skiers use a mono-ski or similar equipment in which the athlete sits in a seat/sled and skis the course. Athletes in this event must control their own skis however, they are tethered to a coach who assists with breaking at the end of the run. The coach is not allowed to assist at any point during the run.

Nordic Skiing
Cross Country is a winter sport which promotes superior physical conditioning while providing enjoyment for athletes of all ages. Cross country skiing is appropriate for all ability levels, and requires little more than skis, boots, poles, and a desire to exercise throughout the winter months.

There are several events in which an athlete can choose to participate. Like all Special Olympics sports, the events in cross country skiing are designed to be appropriate for athletes of every ability level. The individual events offered in cross country skiing range from a 50 meter race to a 10 kilometer race.

Charles County skiers participate in dry-land training at a local school. Dry-land training consist of stretching and cardiovascular exercises. Skiers are also required to attend an on-snow training weekend, which is held in February. Time Trials are taken at the on-snow trainings for divisioning at the Winter Games. Athletes are also encouraged to train on their own as well.

Skiing is contested at the Special Olympics Maryland Winter Games held at Wisp Resort, Mc Henry Maryland. See the calendar for dates and practice times.