Accessible Skiing: Resorts and Services for People with Disabilities in Italy

The mountain belongs to everyone. In recent years, more and more Italian resorts have invested in accessibility and services for people with physical and sensory disabilities. Adaptive skiing allows anyone to experience the thrill of descent, thanks to specialised equipment and trained instructors.

Adaptive skiing: what it is and how it works

Adaptive skiing (or para-skiing) encompasses several disciplines that allow people with motor, sensory or cognitive disabilities to ski:

Sit-ski (mono-ski)

A seat mounted on a single ski, with shock absorbers and stabilisers:

For people with lower limb disabilities
Two small crutches with mini-skis (outriggers) are used for balance
Allows independent skiing after adequate training

Tandem-ski (bi-ski)

A seat mounted on two parallel skis, guided by an assistant:

For severe disabilities or people who cannot ski independently
The assistant guides from behind with a handlebar
Requires no skill from the passenger
The emotional experience is identical to traditional skiing

The blind skier follows a guide who communicates directions by radio
Specific routes with audio signage
Requires great trust and coordination

Skiing with prosthetics and stabilisers

Skiers with above-knee or below-knee amputations use specific prosthetics or single-outrigger techniques. Many world-class para-ski champions have demonstrated that amputation is no barrier to performance.

The best resorts for adaptive skiing

Sestriere (Piedmont)

One of the most inclusive resorts in Italy, Sestriere has a long tradition in adaptive skiing. The Handy Sport Sestriere association offers adapted lessons, equipment rental and guided itineraries. The wide, well-groomed slopes are ideal for all skill levels.

Madonna di Campiglio (Trentino)

The ski school offers dedicated courses for all types of disability, with highly experienced instructors. The gentle terrain in the central area is perfect for those approaching adaptive skiing for the first time.

Livigno (Lombardy)

Livigno hosts the Livigno Paralympic Sport Foundation, a reference centre for adaptive skiing in northern Italy. The resort has invested significantly in lift accessibility, with cabins adapted for wheelchairs.

Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto)

Thanks to the Olympic investments of 2026, Cortina has modernised several access points and adapted lift cabins. The Cortina Adaptive Ski School offers courses in Italian and English.

Alta Badia (South Tyrol)

Alta Badia is one of the most organised Dolomites areas for adaptive skiing, with a dedicated school and equipment available directly at the lifts.

Key organisations

FISIP (Italian Federation of Para-ski Sports): manages competitions and certifies instructors
AIAS (Italian Association of People with Spastic Disabilities): active in several resorts with specific programmes
CIP (Italian Paralympic Committee): promotes sport as rehabilitation and social inclusion
Handy Sport sections in various resorts: contact them for information on local services

Lift accessibility: what to look for

When choosing a resort, check:

Gondola cabins: accessible with electric wheelchair? Can you remain seated?
Chair lifts: adapted versions with footrests and safety bars?
Slopes: are the slope approaches smooth? Is there signage for adapted itineraries?
Changing rooms: accessible toilets and changing areas at the ski school?
Parking: spaces close to the lifts?

Costs and assistance

Adaptive skiing is often more expensive than traditional skiing, due to instructor costs and equipment. However, several resorts offer discounts or free passes for people with disabilities and their assistants. Check:

National and local disability card discounts
FISIP membership discounts
Municipal or regional grants for para-sport activities

Travelling to an accessible resort: practical tips

Contact the ski school well in advance to book an adapted instructor
Confirm what equipment is available (you may need to bring your own)
Check hotel accessibility in advance, not just the slopes
Ask about adapted transport from the hotel to the lifts
Travel with a companion familiar with your needs in the first few days

The mountain is changing. Slowly but surely, Italian resorts are recognising that accessibility is not a special service but a basic right. And the panoramas up there really are for everyone.