Stowe TetraSki and Snow’Kart

Independent Skiing for People with Complex Disabilities

We are proud to own one of the 25 TetraSkis in the world, and the first in Vermont!

The Stowe TetraSki and the Snow’Kart program is run through a partnership between Green Mountain Adaptive Sports and Northeast Disabled Athletic Association.  

The program is run independently from the Stowe Mountain Resort’s ski school. The 3-hour private lessons are administered and run through our own certified trained staff and take place at Spruce Peak, or at Mount Mansfield. There is a one-time $25 registration fee, and lessons are $75 each. A limited number of scholarships for full-time Vermont residents in need of financial assistance are available if these fees are a financial hardship. 

Read more below to see if you could be a candidate for this program.

The TetraSki and Snow’Kart Program

The Stowe TetraSki and Snow’Kart Program runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in half day shifts. Times are 9am-12pm, and 1pm-4pm. Provided with the lesson (other than the experience of a lifetime) is a lift ticket and heated garments. 

Participants need to pre-register using the form below. Once the skier is registered, they will be contacted by Cathy Webster to schedule the lesson(s).

Skiers are matched with the most appropriate ski (TetraSki or Snow’Kart) based on their function, ski experience and stamina, which may change over the course of the season. The weight limit for both skis is 200 lbs.

Additional information will also be shared after registering, such as directions to Stowe Mountain Resort, parking instructions, transferring options, clothing recommendation, cancellation policy, and other important details to make this a great experience on and off the slopes.

We invite you to register on the application form below. Space is limited and lessons are awarded on a first come first serve basis until space runs out. We do our best to accommodate individual preferences but cannot guarantee that all preferred times can be offered. You can also request to be added to the back up list so we can contact you if a space opens up. Contact Cathy Webster with questions. To volunteer for the program, please contact us at info@greenmtnadaptive.org.

Tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated and will go toward the development of the program and scholarships to fund the participation of athletes in need.

The Technology that Empowers

The TetraSki represents technology that has caught up with our adaptive skiers’ dreams as it offers independent skiing for people with complex physical disabilities due to physical injury or illness. Electric actuators on the TetraSki provide independent turning and speed variability through the use of a joystick or breath control, allowing the skier with limited strength and dexterity to operate the TetraSki safely and with a high degree of performance and independence. The TetraSki does not work like a motor to push the skier forward to increase speed. The skier’s choice alone determines how fast the ski goes. Skiers in both skis the TetraSki and the Snow’Kart generate turns independently, and both are connected to a tether cord linked to the instructor for safety or emergency braking.

The TetraSki was designed at the University of Utah, built by Tetradapt, and operated by TRAILS Adaptive with early and continued support by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.

The Tessier Snow’Kart represents another incredible piece of technology we are offering at Stowe Mountain Resort. Ski independently with the Snow’Kart, a ski designed for people who may have suffered from a stroke, and have lack of strength or coordination in the upper limbs and/or who have limited balance. Thanks to the Easy Drive kit, the Snow’Kart is the only equipment in the world that is able to be controlled with one hand. For security and safety reasons, skiers are tethered by an instructor at all times.

Both skis have a low center of gravity, offering excellent stability on snow.

After reading all the information, if you are unsure that you are a candidate for this program, contact Cathy Webster.

More opportunity & participation. More equity & inclusion.

One of our annual goals for the program is to prepare a few athletes to participate in an annual regional TetraSki race in preparation for the Brian McKenna TetraSki Express National Championship. This national event, which debuted in 2022 now draws dozens of athletes from all over the country, and is the first ski race series for athletes with complex physical injury or illness. It takes place annually in late March at Powder Mountain in Utah, featuring races in the TetraSki and Tessier Snow’Kart. The giant slalom race includes manual, sip and puff, and joystick skiers.

The TetraSki Express is named in honor of the indelible Brian McKenna — son, brother, friend, coworker and TetraSki athlete who redefined what was possible. Read out 2024 recap here.