How do blind skiers race?
I · Intermediate · Categories and classes · 4 of 5Vision impaired skiers race in AS1 to AS4. AS1 has no usable sight and wears blacked-out goggles; AS2, AS3 and AS4 have increasingly better acuity or field. To be eligible, acuity must be LogMAR 0.6 or worse, or the field 70 degrees or less, measured with best correction. All race with a guide, and they inspect the course ten minutes early.
How it works
- AS1: light perception at most; blacked-out goggles.
- AS2: LogMAR 1.8 to 3.5.
- AS3: LogMAR 1.0 to 1.7.
- AS4: LogMAR 0.6 to 0.9 or narrow field.
- Minimum: LogMAR 0.6 or 70 degrees.
- Measured: with best correction.
- Inspection: ten minutes before others.
- Guide: compulsory.
The glossary has the vision impaired classes, the vision minimum impairment criteria, the AS1, the blacked-out goggles, the course inspection for vision impaired athletes and the sport class status (para alpine).
Tricky cases
Are glasses adaptive equipment?
No.
Is short-sightedness alone eligible?
No.
Can AS1 skiers choose their goggles?
Yes, if they block all view.
Is noise reduced on course?
Yes, PA and snow machines are kept low.
Why the rule exists
Goggles make all AS1 skiers equally blind. The early inspection gives time to learn the course by voice.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AS1 | Goggles | R 1302.7 |
| AS2 to AS4 | Acuity bands | C App 2 3 |
| Inspection | Ten minutes early | R 1304 |
From the rule book
FIS, Para Alpine Skiing Classification Rules (July 2026), Appendix Two and section 15, with FIS, International Competition Rules, Joint Regulations for Para Alpine Skiing (July 2026), articles 1302 and 1304. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: FIS para alpine rules, points rules, classification rules and equipment regulations.