The TetraSki is a modified version of the Tessier Snow’Kart, which features electric-powered actuators on each ski and both a joystick and mouth-controlled system for independent control of turning and speed.
A tether — to the instructor — is used as an emergency brake but is not used for turning directions. A wireless remote offers TetraSki instructors a safe way to demonstrate proper skiing technique.
The TetraSki offers an unbelievable level of independent control over a wide variety of terrain. This technology — tested extensively through the University of Utah adaptive ski program (TRAILS) — has replaced the traditional, tethered bi-ski approach in the TRAILS program for individuals with high spinal cord injury and for other diagnoses with significant upper extremity impairments or asymmetry.
A TetraSki computer simulator also has been developed to dial-in customized control settings that can be exported and used with the actual TetraSki