Alpine Skiing is downhill ski racing. Special Olympics athletes compete in Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced ability levels. All levels can compete in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events. Advanced & Intermediate skiers may also compete in the Super G events. For athletes just beginning or with lower ability, Special Olympics also offers the Glide or Super Glide events. For each event, the course is set to match the ability level of the athletes.
Additionally, athletes can compete in Unified Sports competition for the Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom events. Unified Sports pairs a Special Olympics athlete with a peer athlete without intellectual disabilities, for training and competition. In Unified Sports, we combine the times for the Special Olympics athlete and the Unified Partner to create the Unified team score.
Our Alpine Skiing program is not a learn-to-ski program. Athletes must be able to ski without assistance on a beginner slope in order to participate in this program. Athletes between the ages of 8 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all practices and competitions and be registered as a volunteer.
| Coaches | Mike Maryn – Head Coach Rachel Maryn – Sport Director |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Dryland training: Saturdays, starting November 15, 2025 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg (meet by the picnic shelters) SOMD On-Snow Gate Trainings: Saturdays, January 10 & February 7, 2026 at Whitetail Resort SOMO Team On-Snow Practices: Dates TBD at Wisp Resort Qualifiers: (Time Trials) Sunday of Winter Games Signup Begins: Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 6 PM |
| Athlete & Volunteer Registration Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date: February 24, 2026 All Forms must be up to date before the signup date (first Sunday in August). The expiration date on an Athlete’s Registration form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above State Games competition date to participate in the upcoming season. |
You can find the official Special Olympics Rules, Fact Sheet, Coaching Guide, and other resources at this link: Special Olympics Alpine Skiing.
Athletes are responsible for providing their own skis, poles, ski goggles, and boots. Athletes competing in the Giant Slalom or Super G must use an FIS-certified racing helmet. If athletes cannot provide their own equipment, SOMO can assist with seeking donated equipment, but its difficult to find donated boots and skis that can fit an athlete appropriately. SOMO has a very limited supply of FIS-certified helmets available, so athletes are encouraged to purchase their own helmets. Athletes may also rent ski equipment at any area ski resort where our team practices or competes.
SOMO will provide athletes with a jacket, a fleece, and an FIS-certified racing helmet. Families can purchase and keep their uniform and/or helmet or return them at the end of the season. Athletes are responsible for all other apparel. We recommend that athletes wear a neck gator and some form of water-resistant pants for Alpine Skiing. Athletes must also wear ski gloves.
There are three types of Alpine Skiing practices: hiking, dryland fitness training, and on-snow training at area ski resorts
Hiking: The first two practice sessions consist of hikes to build endurance. Hiking locations will be announced closer to season start.
Dryland Fitness Training: Dryland Fitness Training practices occur at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg on Saturdays from the season’s start through the end of December. Location: Bohrer Park (506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877). Meet at the picnic pavilion.
On-Snow Training: On-Snow Training practices occur at area ski resorts during January and February. On-Snow Gate Training, organized by Special Olympics Maryland, is available on two dates each season. SOMO also organizes team practices at Wisp Resort. SOMO provides athletes with lift tickets. Family members are able to purchase lift tickets at the discounted price offered to SOMO by the ski area.
Alpine Time Trials occur at Wisp Resort on the Sunday of SOMD Winter Games.
SOMD Winter Games are held at Wisp Resort in late February.
Athletes must attend at least 8 practices and participate in Time Trials to be eligible to compete in Winter Games. Athletes that cannot participate in Winter Games due to other commitments (e.g., school or work) are encouraged to participate in Time Trials in order to have an on-snow competition experience.
Alpine Skiing athletes can participate in other SOMO sports as long as the athlete can maintain full practice and competition participation in each participating sport.
Not Required
Athletes participating in Winter Games will be housed for two nights in hotels at or near Wisp Resort along with chaperones and the coaching staff, at a ratio of 3 athletes per chaperone/coach.
Athletes participating in Time Trials alone will participate as Day-of Athletes, without housing.
FIS stands for the Fédération Internationale de Ski (International Ski Federation).
