What equipment can para alpine skiers use?
A · Advanced · Racing · 3 of 3Adaptive equipment, such as sit-skis, outriggers and prostheses, must give no net advantage beyond restoring function. At level 0 only FIS-approved equipment may be used; elsewhere approved or provisionally approved. Racing in unapproved equipment disqualifies. Breaking equipment rules, refusing a medical check or skipping downhill training means the skier is not permitted to start.
How it works
- Adaptive equipment: no net advantage.
- Level 0: FIS-approved only.
- Other levels: approved or provisional.
- New kit: by application.
- Prostheses: length limits.
- Unapproved kit: disqualification.
- Not permitted to start: kit breaches, no helmet.
- AS1 skis: shorter slalom skis allowed.
The glossary has the adaptive equipment, the equipment approval, the prosthesis and orthosis, the ski lengths for vision impaired skiers, the Not Permitted to Start and the disqualification.
Tricky cases
Are glasses adaptive equipment?
No.
A skier has no ski brakes. Result?
Not permitted to start.
Can an AS1 man use 155 cm slalom skis?
Yes.
Pre-approved kit at a World Cup?
No. Only approved kit at level 0.
Why the rule exists
Equipment must restore function, not add speed. Approval keeps that consistent between nations.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Approved only | R 305.3 |
| Others | Provisional allowed | R 305.4 |
| Unapproved | Disqualified | R 423 |
From the rule book
FIS, International Competition Rules, Joint Regulations for Para Alpine Skiing (July 2026), articles 305, 421 and 423, with FIS, Para Snow Sports Adaptive Equipment Regulations and Equipment Specifications. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS para alpine rules, points rules, classification rules and equipment regulations.