What is a sit-ski?
I · Intermediate · Categories and classes · 3 of 5Sitting skiers have impaired leg or trunk function and race in a sit-ski: a moulded seat on a frame with suspension, clicked into ski bindings, on one ski or two. They steer with two outriggers, crutches with ski tips. LW10 has little or no sitting balance, LW11 fair and LW12 good, set by trunk muscle scores and a board test.
How it works
- LW10: no or minimal sitting balance.
- LW11: fair sitting balance.
- LW12: good sitting balance.
- Tests: trunk muscles and a board test.
- Sit-ski: moulded seat with suspension.
- Skis: one (uni-ski) or two (dual-ski).
- Outriggers: two, with ski tips.
- Brakes: one each side.
The glossary has the sitting category, the sitting classes, the sit-ski, the outriggers, the adaptive equipment and the eligible impairments (para alpine).
Tricky cases
Can a sit-ski run on two skis?
Yes.
What do outriggers do on the lift?
They flip up to act as crutches.
How does a sit-skier start?
Outriggers behind the gate, one push.
Is a leg cover allowed?
Yes.
Why the rule exists
Trunk control decides how a sit-skier can lean into turns, so it sets the class.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LW10 | Minimal balance | C 4 |
| LW11 | Fair balance | C 4 |
| LW12 | Good balance | C 4 |
From the rule book
FIS, Para Alpine Skiing Classification Rules (July 2026), section 4, with FIS, Para Snow Sports Adaptive Equipment Regulations (9 July 2026), Annex B. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS para alpine rules, points rules, classification rules and equipment regulations.