ET Blog
Corvallis Sister Cities Association partners with Uzhhorod, Ukraine
In 2025, after learning about the tens of thousands of amputations that have resulted from the war in Ukraine, I designed and administered a program of adaptive skiing through Corvallis Sister Cities Association (a 501c3 organization), which has had a sister city relationship with Uzhhorod, Ukraine for over 30 years. I wanted to introduce 3-track and mono-skiing so vets could ski completely independently. We collaborate with Veterans Alliance, a national Ukrainian organization based in Ki’iv. Another organization began work in Ukraine at about the same time as ours, and adaptive skiing is spreading very quickly across the Carpathian Mountains.
Our program brought 5 amputees and two certified Ukrainian ski instructors to Oregon in 2025 to learn (and learn to teach) 3-track. One of the instructors returned this year in January to learn mono-ski and bi-ski. During the 2026 ski season in Ukraine, the veterans who learned in the United States all skied, many more took lessons to learn 3-track skiing, and a few double amputees even learned learned mono-skiing.
We have sent some more outriggers, but we still need more. Kris (our Ukrainian instructor) is teaching other instructors and wants to get outriggers to their ski areas so there will be adaptive lessons available at areas all over the Country.
In addition to outriggers, we also need bi-skis, extra seats in good condition, skis for bi-skis, and short bi-ski outriggers.
I have seen both the physical AND mental conditions of the amputees vastly improve with skiing. There is not much money left in the adaptive skiing program budget, so I am hoping we can get donations and used equipment to the Ukrainians. Thank you for your consideration.
Below is a video of the program in Oregon last year.
Carol Paulson
Corvallis Sister Cities Assn. Adaptive Skiing Project
How to: Tune Your Suspension
For many sit skiers, after a “one size fits all” shock setting has been found then the shock's dials are ignored and the suspension stays out of sight and out of mind. Below is a quick and dirty guide to tune your suspension and find a good base setting for most ski days. This tuning method can be replicated on fresh powder days, stale ice days and everything in between to hone in your suspension for whatever conditions exist.
Before You Begin
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The session may seem monotonous, but pick one run on a day when conditions are to your liking and keep that variable unchanged.
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Take notes! Documenting what settings you are at and how they feel through the day will help you keep track of what works and what doesn’t.
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One turn of a shock’s dial is accompanied by a click which indicates you’ve made a change. Clicking through your entire settings will help you realize how many adjustments are available and where the middle is at.
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Keep in mind that this is a process and taking the time to go through the steps chronologically will pay off in knowledge gained about how your suspension performs.
Step 1: Set Your Sag
Arguably the most important step, if the sag isn’t set correctly then your sitski will not perform to its potential. It’s vital that the spring’s rated weight correlates with the user’s body weight. If your spring is rated for the wrong weight, you’re going to have a bad time.
Attach your sit ski to its ski(s) on a level surface. You won’t be touching the dials while setting sag, only the adjustable ring to regulate the spring’s compression on the shock body. Start by twisting the adjustment ring in small increments to tighten or loosen the spring’s compression on the shock. Tightening the ring compresses the spring which translates to a supportive ride. Loosening the ring allows the spring to expand which makes for a responsive ride. The spring adjustment ring should never be loosened to the point of being able to spin freely on the shock, nor should it be tightened to the point of allowing for coil binding on the spring (coils rubbing against each other when compressed).
Transfer into the sitski and bounce to eliminate stiction before settling. Have a buddy check the suspension’s compression while you’re seated; this may require multiple tries. Finding a balance between supportive and responsive is ideal when searching for that base setting. The sweet spot is achieved when the spring is held firmly in place and the shock compresses about 30% with the skier seated. If you are the only person riding your sitski you shouldn’t have to adjust sag again. Programs may need to re-adjust based on the fluctuation of skier’s weights.
Step 2: Tune the High Speed Compression
High Speed Compression or HSC is the shock setting that soaks up big impacts. Think about hitting a mogul and the subsequent impact from that feature. Your HSC eats up that impact to prevent the suspension from bottoming out which keeps you ready for the next obstacle. A little HSC can go a long way and the goal is to use as little HSC as necessary to prevent bottoming out.
Time to ski! Set your High Speed Compression at zero, and the Low Speed Compression and Rebound in the middle and take a run. Don’t go send a 15’ kicker, you’ll bottom out and likely ruin your suspension**. With the other knobs still set in the middle, adjust the High Speed Compression a click up from zero for the next run. Take notice of the difference from the HSC being set at zero. You should experience less chance of bottoming out. Keep cranking the HSC up a turn at a time until you are no longer bottoming out at all. Keep taking runs and notes while playing with the HSC adjustment on different terrain and when you find a setting that works, leave it there. We settled on a HSC of 2 for the Monique Monoski.
**If you do plan to send 15’ kickers (looking at you Trevor) be sure to start small and work your way up to understand which HSC settings apply to which size jump and apply the correct amount of HSC before sending.
Step 3: Tune the Low Speed Compression
Low Speed Compression or LSC is the shock setting that constantly works to keep you riding plush or stiff depending on the day’s terrain. Too little LSC and you will be in for a sloppy, overly plush ride. Too much LSC and you will be jarred by the stiff suspension.
Try a run with the LSC and Rebound in the middle, and the HSC in its new setting. Changing the LSC in increments of 5 clicks works well. If you are skiing groomers you will probably want to stiffen the suspension by turning up the Low Speed Compression dial. The stiffer LSC will prevent the suspension from over compressing through groomed turns. If you are skiing a powder or packed powder day then turning down the LSC will allow for a plusher ride. The lower LSC setting will allow your suspension to soak up the dips into fresh pow or chunky snow as you work your way down the hill. We found that a LSC about 5 clicks up from middle rode well for our Monique monoski on packed powder. Pick a LSC setting that you like and keep it there.
Step 4: Tune the Rebound
The Rebound setting determines the rate that your shock returns to its “ready” position after the shock has absorbed an impact. The optimal Rebound setting allows for a smooth and controlled return. Too little or too much Rebound will leave your sitski’s suspension operating poorly because the Rebound will over or undercompensate on the return to that “ready” position.
With the HSC and LSC unchanged from the settings you found, take some turns with the Rebound in the middle and note the feel. If you feel as though you are getting stuck in your turns and the shock is not resetting quickly enough you should turn down the rebound to quicken its return speed. If it feels like you’re getting bucked on the landing after hitting an obstacle and you keep bouncing down the hill then the rebound is likely too fast and you should turn up the Rebound dial to slow its return. We found that the Monique skied best with a Rebound setting about 5 clicks below max. Everyone skis differently, so be sure to try a range of settings and pick the one that you liked best.
Keep in mind that all shocks are different and some rebound knobs do not have clicks but rather require an entire rotation for 1 adjustment. Our Monique 1 Monoski will be delivered with the shock pre-tuned, so you won't have to touch a thing.
Voilà! You should now have a base setting for your shock. Every make of shock and every skier is different, so your settings most likely won’t be the same as the ones we settled upon. We tuned the Monique’s suspension on the blue run, High Noon at Arapahoe Basin during packed powder conditions.
Written by Scott Will
Links
Disclaimer: This blog is intended to be a loose introduction for those learning how to tune their shock. For detailed tuning steps and information about your shock, be sure to consult the shock manufacturer and owner’s manual. Happy shredding!
We Have a New Mono-Ski!
Mononique, Mystique, Funtastique… the name is still being sorted out, but our NEW Mono-Ski is beginning production and is slated for action this coming winter. Building off of the success of the Dynamique Bi-Ski, we have integrated some familiar features to bring you a program friendly mono-ski. This rig is stable for new skiers to learn on, easy to chairlift load and quickly adjustable while still having enough guts to rip just about anywhere on the mountain.
These days mono-skis are trending towards higher ride heights. While a high ride height is great for quick edge to edge control and World Cup skiers, it leaves something to be desired for those new to the sport. Our NEW Mono-Ski sits at under a foot off the ground; approximately 3-6" lower than most current mono-skis. This low center of gravity is stable, forgiving to form flaws and promotes a slower transition from edge to edge while turning. Drawing from what we learned with the Dynamique we looked to carry over many proven features to the NEW Mono-Ski such as the chairlift loading system, adjustable footrest, swap-able seats, adjustable dump and versatile frame sizing. The NEW Mono-Ski can be quickly and easily adjusted to accommodate everyone from kids to adults.
Trevor Kennison helps test at Arapahoe Basin while Bobby Luscinski observes the rig.
With our project direction established, we began work in CAD and built our first prototype. On snow testing began on a (rare for this year) powder day at Keystone Resort. Keystone’s gentle drawn-out runs felt similar to what new skiers can expect to learn on. The ride height functioned exceptionally, but the chairlift loading system left us looking a bit foolish.
Solidworks allowed us to visualize the chairlift position and translate what we felt on the slopes into a better ski.
Back in Denver we reviewed, tweaked and worked towards a second prototype. To improve the chairlift load system we lowered the lock out height, moved the balance point and increased shock support in the "up" position. We set off to Arapahoe Basin on a blue spring day and tested the redesign with promising results.
June 1st and Aprapahoe Basin still had plenty of coverage for testing.
Abasin’s north-facing terrain allowed us to continue testing well into summer. For prototype 3, we continued to tweak geometry to improve skiing and the chairlift load. Going into June we were thrilled with the low ride height and that the chairlift loading system had vastly improved from the first test day. The current rendition of the chairlift loading system is smooth, locks out crisply and is easy to operate. This translates to less rider/instructor fatigue and more runs down the mountain!
Trevor in his original KBG & Chris Witte, our GM, in the new Mono-Ski at Arapahoe Basin.
For our 4th prototype, we hoped to hone in on a winning suspension. Using the same geometry as the 3rd prototype, we integrated a rocker driven suspension. We logged a handful of days on both prototypes with a spectrum of different skiers. This allowed us to compare falling rate (prototype 3) vs. progressive suspension (prototype 4).
Not all designs make it to production... Prototype 4 tested a progressive rocker driven suspension. It improved sensitivity and bottom out support but was too costly for this project.
Ultimately, price point and our target customers helped steer the final design of the 2018 testing season. While we liked how the progressive rocker driven prototype performed, its manufacturing complexity left us feeling it didn't fit this project. As luck would have it, MRP (Dynamique shock supplier) is finalizing a progressive coil spring. With MRP's new coil spring, we can provide the support missing from prototype 3 without the complexity of prototype 4. We feel this will be the compromise between price point and performance our target customer is likely looking for.
Bobby, our engineer, logged a handful of days learning the subtleties of the design.
In the meantime we started to CNC components, water-jet cross braces and bend frames. We are looking forward to starting full production on the NEW Mono-Ski at the beginning of the 18/19 winter season!
The first production parts are trickling in! To accommodate programs, a 325mm boot sole length aligns with the RESNA suggested standard while mounting holes allow 3" of center of gravity adjustment within a slot.
The NEW Mono-Ski is available with a low frame, like the prototypes, or with a high frame which includes a handle bar and tether points.
What should we name our NEW Mono-Ski? Keep an eye out on Instagram & Facebook for your chance to comment a name for our NEW Mono-Ski! We will be taking name suggestions until October 1st. We like the idea of staying with the “-ique” ending trend, but all submissions will be considered. After Oct. 1st we'll pick 5 names and hold a customer vote for #1 this winter!
Scott Will, our account rep, gives the NEW Mono-Ski two thumbs up.
BIG THANKS TO TESTERS TREVOR & CHARLEY, AND TO ALL OF THE LIFTIES WHO DEALT WITH OUR CHAIRLIFT STRUGGLES.
Written by Scott Will
An Easier Way to Load the Chairlift
New adaptive sit-skiers are not only faced with the daunting task of (re)learning how to ski, but also figuring out how to load a chairlift with adaptive equipment. That once benign chair harmlessly rotating around its top wheel can now seem to have a vengeance for any unknowing and unprepared novice sit-skiers. We're here to bring you up to speed so that you can make loading the chair look easy in a sit-ski.
Chairlifts come in all shapes and sizes. High loading, thickly cushioned, plywood bottomed, sharply angled. As nice as it would be to have one uniform chairlift configuration that just isn't the case. Fortunately, there is a way to load most any chair that takes the guess work out of the classic hop and pray loading style.
- When approaching the load station be sure to vocalize to the lifty if you would like a slow or stop.
- Align yourself with either end of the chair and approach to the loading line.
- Rather than loading straight back onto the chair, turn the sit-ski to a 45 degree angle with your closest side to the upcoming chairlift handle.
- Steady yourself with your inside hand and outrigger.
- With your outside hand flip the outrigger on top of your arm and prepare to grab the approaching chairlift handle.
- Grab the handle and simultaneously push up with the inside outrigger to "dip" onto the chair.
- Straighten out and be sure that your sit-ski is fully back onto the chair before lowering the safety bar and enjoying the ride up!
This video features the handle grab style mentioned above along with a variety of loading styles and safety information regarding chairlift loading.
Written by Scott Will
2018 Paralympic Winter Games - Viewing & Additional Info
Good luck to Team USA and all of our sponsored athletes competing at PyeongChang!
Streaming Sites:
- Olympic Coverage by International Paralympic Committee
- Olympic Coverage by NBC
- Olympic Coverage by Olympic Channel
Scheduling & Additional Info:
NEXGen Fixed Outriggers - The Backstory
We’re proud to announce that our new NEXGen Fixed Outriggers are ready to hit the snow! Gone are the shortcomings of the old “ankle buster” fixed riggers. These NEXGen Fixed Outriggers have undergone extensive R&D to ensure that they seamlessly complement our bi-skis. We designed, tested and scrapped over a dozen variations before finding the sweet spot with regard to outrigger position, function & strength.
While our original fixed outriggers served well, they left something to be desired on the snow. Goals that our team addressed were: to create a product that is compatible with both the Dynamique & Bi-Unique, move the outrigger positioning forward to create a stable & balanced turn shape that won't tumble over, and to find the balance between high performance and affordable pricing.
Our fixed outriggers began their testing on the spring chunder of Breckenridge and continued at Arapahoe Basin. We were able to test on snow well into June thanks to the Basin’s long season. Although we learned a lot, by the time the 2016-17 ski season came to a close outrigger testing was not yet complete. Fortunately for us, we were able to continue testing the fixed outriggers over the summer by traversing the endless slopes at the SNÖBAHN indoor skiing facility. Throughout the summer, SNÖBAHN’s incredible staff and facilities helped our team bring this project from the testing phase to fruition.
The last hurdle for this project emerged during material sourcing and component testing. We took strives to make sure that every piece of hardware used on the NEXGen Fixed Outriggers will withstand a beating time and again while remaining affordable. Thanks to the BOEC (and their interns) we were able to make some final adjustments that greatly strengthen the outriggers. Through this process of research and development the NEXGen Fixed Outriggers slowly took shape and transformed into a product that works great on the Dynamique & Bi-Unique.
Having been put through the paces on both real snow and synthetic indoor ski slopes, these outriggers - crafted from laser cut & zinc plated steel, CNC’d billet aluminum & Super Tough ™ molded plastic - are guaranteed to perform at the highest level. We’re excited to provide you with our new bi-ski fixed outrigger technology.
Click Here to View the NEXGen Fixed Outriggers.
Special thanks to instructors Charley & Louis (tetherers), Nikki S. (Photos), BOEC, & the team at SNÖBAHN for all of your help with this project.
Written by Scott Will
She's Back; Alana Nichols Returns to Ski Racing!
Born and raised in Farmington, NM, Alana Nichols is no stranger to competitive sports. While growing up in northern New Mexico Alana split her time between softball, volleyball, basketball and snowboarding. During a snowboarding trip to the CO backcountry when she was 17, Alana had the opportunity to send a backflip; something she prepared for all summer. It was late in the day and early in the season, but not being one to back down from a challenge Alana hit the jump and over-rotated onto her back. Unbeknownst to her there were rocks lying just beneath the snow’s surface. She was instantly paralyzed.
The overnight transition from being a full-time athlete to being wheelchair bound plunged Alana into uncharted territory. It wasn’t until Alana discovered wheelchair basketball at the University of New Mexico two years later that she realized she could still ball out and fuel her love for competition through adaptive sports.
Now a Paralympic Gold Medalist in both the Summer & Winter Games, Alana is a force to be reckoned with on multiple playing fields, and a leading advocate of adaptive sports progression.
Photo By: Sydney Prather
In August you announced your plan to race in the Pyeongchang Games with little more than half a year to prepare. How do you approach training to ski at the Paralympics in such a short time frame?
"Yes, I announced my comeback very late because it was a very personal decision for me to make. I have a few short months before the games and a great team of coaches and athletic trainers to help me accomplish this goal! I actually really love and thrive under pressure so I’m excited about it all!"
You’ve won gold at the summer and winter games, do you favor one over the other? Why?
"I have had the great fortune of competing in 5 Paralympic Games 2 winter, 3 summer (so far) and would have to say, I prefer the summer games! The summer Paralympics are so much bigger than the winter games because of the number of sports offered. It’s absolutely grandiose with almost 4,500 athletes, its mind blowing!"
Do you have one Paralympic memory that stands out above the rest?
"Oh gosh, I have had some awesome Paralympic memories... my favorite is probably after winning my first gold in Vancouver in 2010. With that medal I became the first female to win gold in the summer and winter games and it was a huge accomplishment for me after a very hard life experience going into it. I love thinking about seeing my whole team standing out in the rain getting soaked at the medal ceremony, singing out the national anthem, and being so happy for me. Was incredibly special."
Alana had an incredibly successful Vancouver Winter Games showing in 2010. She brought home four medals including golds in both the downhill and giant slalom.
What motivates you to keep trying different sporting events and striving for success at the highest level in each?
"I am motivated to excel at new sports at the highest level by the process or 'the reach'. It’s not as much for me about mastering the skill but learning it. If I don’t know how to perform a task or I’m not coordinated enough to successfully complete a goal, I’m intrigued! I love the process of learning; trying something, analyzing to skill, adjusting and trying again. Right now surfing has most of my attention because I am always studying the ocean and it’s always changing!"
If you had to choose a liquid medium to play in for the rest of your life would you choose frozen or thawed?
"I can’t choose between frozen or thawed because they are both so fun to play on. I will say however that the thawed version of water is much softer to land on :) "
If you could hop on a plane tomorrow where would you go and what would you do?
"If I could hop on a plane right now, I would go to Norway! And when I get there I want to accomplish the “Extreme S day” (needs a new name) Sky Dive-> Ski-> Surf->Scuba! I’ve always dreamt of seeing Norway because my heritage is mostly Norwegian. I also have seen some the most amazing pictures of the fjords."
Adaptive surfing is starting to catch on and will likely become the next big platform for adaptive competition. Alana is at the forefront of the surfing movement, and recently took home 1st place at the US Open Adaptive Surfing Championship held just north of San Diego.
What are you looking forward to the most about Pyeongchang?
"I am really looking forward to the downhill ski race in Pyeongchang! There are three jumps in the race and it looks really fun from what I’ve seen on video."
While waiting in the blocks on race day before dropping into a ski event, how do you calm your nerves?
"How do I calm my nerves before a ski race? One word... BREATHE. As an athlete, harnessing your emotional response by breathing is absolutely essential. I have gotten pretty good at slowing my heart rate down just before a race in order to focus."
What’s your favorite pump up track?
"I don’t have a pump up track before I race because I don’t listen to music when I ski. I feel like it’s distracting for me when I need to be more focused than ever!"
Could you see yourself coaching after your days of competing come to a close?
"I have been coaching Paralympic hopefuls and kids and young adults with disabilities since 2006 at various sports camps for skiing, basketball, surfing... etc. I absolutely plan to continue coaching when I retire! It’s all about the giveback."
Will you be feasting on McDonalds during the 2018 Games, if so, what is your go to menu item?
"Lastly, I don’t prefer McDonald’s on a regular basis so I probably won’t (and haven’t) eat it at the games but I do love the McCafé! They have pretty great espresso :) "
Written by Scott Will
What fuels Andrew Kurka?
Andrew Kurka hails from the land of the midnight sun. Born and raised in Palmer, Alaska, Kurka grew up fishing, hunting and playing sports. As a kid, Andrew won multiple AK State wrestling titles and aspired to compete as a wrestler in the Olympics, but when he was 13 years old an ATV accident left him with damaged vertebrae and a spinal cord injury. His Olympic wrestling aspirations were effectively dowsed.
Two years after his injury Kurka tried monoskiing for the first time with the help of Challenge Alaska. He was a natural on the slopes, and wasted no time in pursuing a new Olympic dream. In 2012 Andrew made the U.S. Paralympic Skiing 'A' Team and debuted on the international circuit.
As a kid growing up did you ever imagine you would be ski racing on the international circuit?
"I never ever ever imagined I would be skiing, I always thought I would be a wrestler or football player. But that's the beauty of possibilities in this world. They're endless."
What motivates you?
"The simple fact that out of everything I have ever wanted in life, doing my best at everything I get the chance to do is the fuel to the fire. I want to do my best, when I get to the end I don't want to see that I missed a big opportunity or didn't do my best, I don't want any regrets."
What is your favorite part about competing all around the world?
"The culture and the competition, getting the chance to experience new things. New slopes, new foods and new competitions. It's a thing of beauty."
This past World Championship season was especially fruitful for Kurka, with a gold captured in the downhill, silver won in the giant slalom, and bronze taken in the super-G.
Congratulations on this successful World Championship season, how does it feel to win your first gold?
"The feeling of winning my first gold was surreal; it brought feelings of possibility into my life. It shredded any doubt I had and helped me to realize I'm becoming, without a doubt, one of the best competitive contenders in the world. Despite all the broken bones and hard work over the years I kept moving forward to win which is one of the largest dreams of mine. So to explain the feeling is beyond mere words. It all came together and helped every moment to feel worth it."
What is a typical race day on the World Cup circuit comprised of?
"We wake up, do activation exercises to prepare for the day, get breakfast that's usually full of healthy carbs and protein. Then travel to the race hill, get our gear on, inspect the race course, eat and take training laps till it’s our turn to race. Prior to racing we do race activation. Then go as fast as we can. When we reach the bottom, win, lose or draw we eat again and do recovery exercise. Then eat and before bed we have a debriefing team meeting. Wake up and do it again."
What do you eat on race day?
"Apples, nuts, snap peas or cheese sticks. Protein bars. Simple small things that keeps the energy up. Usually protein and simple carbs."
What moment from this 2017 season has been the most memorable for you?
"The victory of the World Championship, I couldn't have been more excited. It's a check mark on a future career of what I hope will be filled with golds."
How do you occupy your time when the ski season comes to a close?
"I fish, hike and do dry land training, usually about 2 hours a day. Whether it's swimming, cycling, rock climbing or lifting in the gym I stay as active as possible and try new things whenever the opportunity arises."
During the 2014 Sochi Games, a back injury left Kurka observing the competition from the sidelines. Now he’s hungry to compete at the 2018 games and we at Enabling Technologies are stoked to see what’s in store for him in Pyeongchang.
How are you preparing for the Pyeongchang Games?
"In every way possible, we have an amazing crew with the US team that's coming together to make us as prepared as we can ever make ourselves."
Who are the big names to watch out for in the 2018 Games?
"I would watch out for Jeroen Kampschreur, of the Netherlands, young kid with lots of talent and very consistent. Corey Peters of New Zealand, he’s always a contender in speed. Taiki Morii of Japan is very consistent as well as Roman Rabl of Austria and Christoph Kunz of Switzerland."
Will you be eating McDonalds during the 2018 Games, if so what is your go to menu item?
"Hahaha no I won't be. If I did I would have a victory McFlurry."
We know you are a successful radio host, could you see yourself announcing at the Olympics somewhere down the road?
"I would love to announce the Olympics! Or even the Paralympics, I have announced the X games before and loved it. I feel like a good announcer could really bring some publicity to Paralympic sports."
Written by Scott Will