Official unveiling of tandem ski made available to Monegasque Skiing Federation by Prince’s Government

Serge Telle, Ministre d’Etat, Didier Gamerdinger, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre des Affaires Sociales et de la Santé et Patrice Cellario, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre de l’Intérieur entourés des représentants d’association. ©Direction de la Communication - Manuel Vitali

Alpine skiing should not be reserved solely for the able-bodied, and it is for this reason that the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs held a presentation about the tandem ski that has been made available to the Monegasque Skiing Federation. A number of government officials and representatives from various associations attended the presentation.

Tandem skis are designed for people who, due to a disability or loss of mobility, are not able to ski independently. The aim is to offer people with disabilities as much autonomy and enjoyment as possible. Technological progress has resulted in the emergence of new equipment which offers higher performance and is more comfortable to use. Tandem skiing makes it possible to discover the joy of coasting down a slope in complete safety. The PACA Region offers the perfect environment for using adaptive equipment: gentle slopes, wide trails and four-seater detachable chairlifts.

Minister of Health and Social Affairs Didier Gamerdinger said: “the Government wanted to give the Monegasque Skiing Federation the resources to purchase a tandem ski to allow people with disabilities or reduced mobility to ski the slopes safely. They will be able to experience new sensations, enjoy the surrounding views and take part in winter sports in their own way."

In terms of supervision, people with disabilities will be guided by specially trained professionals from the Monegasque Skiing Federation, who will help them to discover what it is like to ski while sitting down.

Jacques Pastor, Technical Director at the Monegasque Skiing Federation, emphasized: “Another important advantage is that it will be possible to enjoy skiing and winter sports as a family. Very often, the person with the disability is left to wait at the bottom of the slopes, and a family member feels obliged to stay with them. Thanks to the tandem ski, everyone will be able to stay together.”

Alain Greyer, who manages tandem ski pilot training and the Mountain Scheme for the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council, noted: “Every year since 2008, the Alpes-Maritimes department has covered the costs of training 11 new ski pilots, organising a session within the department so that trainees do not have to undertake a long and costly trip. This also means that future pilots can train on the practice sites, each of which has its own specific features. When tandem skis are made available, the General Council ensures that full accessibility is in place. Throughout the winter the Council maintains all of the equipment made available via the platform and arranges refresher training for pilots who have not used the tandem ski for more than a year.”

©Direction de la Communication - Manuel Vitali

If you require any further information, please contact the Technical Director of the Monegasque Skiing Federation: Jacques Pastor jpastor.monaco@gmail.com

To find a pilot, see: www.handiski06.com