Hello everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on skiining please…
I have RR MS - OK but for a very weak right leg. I tried skiing last year (for the first time) but found it quite hard as my right leg is not as strong as my left.
I’d like to go again this year. I spoke to my Neurologist who reckons it’s just bad technique on my part, and I should be able to do this 
Is there anyone out there who has tried skiing and who has a similar problem? Did you find a way around this (shorter skis?). I’d be grateful for any info
Thanks
Helen
Hi I don’t have a diagnosis yet but skied a lot when younger is there a dry or indoor slope nearby that you can get to as some pretrip fitness maybe a good idea also try exercise on your weaker leg to build it up. I didn’t have my present problems when I skied but I had been ill for some time and had problems with my right hip so worked on this one it had a habit of locking when I was trying to turn so i made some pretty sharp turns and had some good crashes. I was told by my skiclub trainer that every one has a stronger and weaker leg and that I had to even them up with training.
Hope this helps and have a good time and not too much apri ski
Hi Helen,
I am a ski instructor diagnosed with MS in March. My MS symptoms were affecting my performance this year a lot. My Physio is helping me work towards next season.
Everyone has one leg stronger than the other and most beginners without MS will use one leg better than the other. Balance exercises will also help as will core strength training. Most people don’t do anything until the ski season then wonder why they struggle to keep going 6 days in a row. You are thinking about this well in advance so slowly build your activity levels towards the winter. Just remember to listen to your body and stop if you need to Private lessons might be the best idea.
Happy Skiing!
Snowqueen x
Hi Helen, I have Skied unfortunately not anymore. I can’t add to the advice already given, build up the strength and practice as much as you can. Pay attention to you body and don’t overdo things.
Happy Skiing.
Jan x
Book some time with a physio and get a programme to work on the specific muscle groups needed for skiing. We all have a weaker side, but not everyone has MS to contend with, so don’t be too hard on yourself and enjoy the mountains.
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Hi Helen! Ms will definitely not stop you skiing and depending on how it affects you there are multiple options out there for you 
Like the others have said, building up core strength and muscles beforehand is very useful as it is a tiring sport when learning. Advice I give to my fellow skiers is listen to your body, you know its limits best so if you feel tired-have a break even if you are having a blast. 5 shorter days are better than one long day and 4 days to recover!
Disability snowsport uk is a great place to start- they have a range of options for you with private lessons, group monthly meets, activity holidays and years worth of experince and knowledge.
Sounds like you would be able to stand up ski, an instructor will be able to guide you with techniques and there are many ways to get the body to turn- it doesnt have to be perfect and at performance level but if it works for you who cares! There are also outriggers which are crutches with skis on and can help with balance and aid the turn if your legs don’t always co-operate. If your legs tire easily and you find it more of a struggle and want more a different way to explore the mountains-a mono sit ski could work if you can good upper body strength and can balance well sitting down. You can be fully independent and they are super good fun! It takes time to get used to but if you feel you want to ski regularly then it could be an option but they are expensive to buy but Disability snowsport have some and so do some big ski resorts. If you feel you don’t have the strength/co-ordination or aren’t going to ski too often a bi-ski is a sit ski and is much more stable and you always have an instructor working with you on the slopes. You can get semi-independant on them and can explore large areas of slopes. Again DSUK have these and so do some big resorts.
I am currently living in limbo land, but have skied with my balance issues and a weaker right leg too. I found my legs would go into spasm if i went to hard and long, and fatigued more quickly but taking breaks and eating/drinking lots does help and good excuse to enjoy some apres! I also had to watch the cold as I can’t feel parts of lower legs had to check they weren’t too cold/frostnip forming. Speed can be your friend too as I find if I go too slow its harder work! I did find shorter skis help (tips around shoulder height/chin height is sufficient) to begin with and as you can speed/skills/confidence longer skis are usually more suitable. I am going to go to a indoor snow slope this summer (much quieter than winter) and see how this latest health blip has affect my ability. I have definitely got worse in the 6 months since I last went but am determined to enjoy my favourite sport still-even if it is a different manner!
Are you aiming to learn in Britain or go on holiday with family/friends, by yourself? Avoid dry slopes unless its absolutely necessary!
Sorry for the waffly message! Defo keep going and persevere as skiing itself is a great workout for the whole body and does feel like freedom when you get going! enjoy your trip, set realistic goals for yourself and what you want to achieve,the socialising is great, enjoy other mountain activities if you do want a rest day, listen to your body but most importantly HAVE FUN!
I used to/aiming to get back to working as an adaptive sports instructor and specialise in skiing so I am more than happy to try and help if you have any more specific questions!
Thank you SO MUCH for all of your helpful messages. I really appreciate them.
Private lessons - a good idea, and I’ve spoken to a ski school who have experience in teaching less-able, disabled and less-strong people, so I shall book those. I’m going with a group of friends, but I wont be able to keep up with them …!
Physio - is a good idea too. I will try to build up my strength myself too, but a physio will know exactly what I need
Practise before going - yes, I shall try to get to the snow dome at Milton Keynes over the next few months (and avoid the dry slopes).
Disability snowsport - I shall look them up!!
Sometimes I feel crazy for trying out all of these activities… thank you all for your words of encouragement.
No one has mentioned anything about Apres Ski, so I assume I shouldn’t have several gin and tonics the night before, but instead get an early night!!