Customer Reviews

Alpine Achievement: A Chronicle of the United States Disabled Ski Team

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
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Alpine Achievement: A Chronicle Of The United States Disabled Ski Team by Lori Batcheller is the first book to thoroughly chronicle the history and sport of disabled alpine skiing. From the inception of this activity in Europe after World War II down to the present day, and with an especial focus on how the U.S. Disabled Ski Team triumphed over their disabilities to become high-caliber athletes, Alpine Achievement is as much a story of hope, success, and making the most of oneself as it is a story of sport on snowy slopes. Alpine Achievement is highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in skiing in general, and disability rehabilitation/athletic competition in particular.

Hope people don't assume this is a book ONLY for those who are disabled, because it isn't. And shy 200 pages it packs a lot of information into the pages. Everything from the history of disabled skiing, to the evolution of equipment that the skier uses.

Then there is the sections on skiing blind, above the knee amputees, arm amputees, those who ski mono and those who want to do so for pleasure as well as competition. It also talks about NASTAR , which is the acronym for the National Standard Race and is the largest public recreational grassroots ski race program in the world, developed in 1968.

This year over 100 ski area courses are scheduled to have meets.

On page 105 the author notes (and I agree) "Anyone who enjoys skiing knows the pleasure that comes from being out in fresh mountain air, viewing the surrounding landscape from ski lifts and mountaintops, and the feeling of wind brushing across your face as you glide across the snow covered hillside. Skiing also improves strength, endurance and balance, which is especially beneficial for people with disabilities."

There is a healthy size glossary of terms at the back of the book along with pages 141-178 dedicated to names, addresses and other contacts for ski areas in all ski states. As well as information on how to get involved.

This is a book I am getting my library since I want more people from my community to know that just because they or a family member or friend is in a wheel chair or otherwise disabled doesn't mean they cant take part in winter sports!

First time author Lori J. Batcheller has worked up an eminently readable history book & catalogue of the who, why, what, when & how of Disabled Skiing.

From how Disabled Skiing got it start after WWII to the legends in the sport, athletes, coaches, sponsors & supporting staff, to classifications & training schedules, this book covers it all.

ALPINE ACHIEVEMENT is an exciting, exhilarating, informative edition to your sports library.

This is the story of the often unbelievable feats, courage and spirit of the United States Disabled Olympic Ski Team. It is a comprehensive history of those diasabled persons who have overcome and adjusted to obstacles of great magnitude, and become first rate athletes. An enjoyable read and a resource for anyone who is interested in, or wants to know more about, the necessary adjustments required of a blind skiier, for example, or a one-legged person--as well as the history of disabled skiing; chronicling its beginnings from shortly after WWII to the present.

Read about the prosthetic and adaptive equipment made available by various equipment manufacturers, as well as the efforts of rehabilitation professionals and volunteers.

This is a well-written account, easily worth five stars.

Joseph Pierre