Team USA Para Alpine Skiing

Para alpine skiing is a Paralympic sport that adapts traditional alpine skiing for athletes with physical impairments. Competitors race down a mountain course, navigating a series of gates in various alpine skiing events, testing their speed, agility and technical skill.

Para alpine skiing made its Paralympic debut at the inaugural Paralympic Winter Games Örnsköldsvik Sweden 1975 with two events, slalom and giant slalom. Additional events were added at later Games. Since then, it has been a core part of the Winter Paralympics, growing in both participation and event offerings. The sport's inclusion was driven by its alignment with traditional alpine skiing and the advancements in adaptive equipment that allow for competitive performance at the highest level.

Team USA has a strong history in Para alpine skiing, producing top competitors who have won medals across multiple Paralympic Games. American athletes have consistently performed well in downhill, super-G and slalom disciplines, earning recognition as some of the sport’s top competitors.

Para alpine skiing consists of multiple events, mirroring those found in the Olympic program. Athletes compete in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and super combined. Events in alpine skiing for the Paralympics are classified based on an athlete’s impairment, with standing, sitting, and visually impaired categories. Guides assist visually impaired athletes, communicating course directions in real time.

Follow along the figure skaters' road to the Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Para alpine ski competitors use specialized equipment based on their classification. Standing athletes use standard alpine skis with modifications as needed while sitting athletes use a sit-ski, which consists of a molded seat mounted on a single ski. Visually impaired athletes use standard skis and rely on a guide for navigation.

Para alpine skiing takes place on traditional alpine courses with modifications based on classification needs. Courses feature various slopes and gate configurations depending on the event type, emphasizing speed, technique and control.