# Paralytic Ski Vehicles The Snowstorm Project by Fraunhofer Allows the Disabled to Ski Down Slopes By Meghan Young | Published 2014-01-31 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowstorm-project References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2014/01/31/Ski-Vehicle-for-Disabled-Athletes) & [fraunhofer.de](http://www.fraunhofer.de/en/research-topics/information-communication/simulated-reality/customized-sit-skis-for-extraordinary-athletes.html) The products created for disabled individuals sometimes push the envelope so much that people are left astounded not at the product itself, but the capabilities of the users themselves; that is the case with the Snowstorm Project. The Snowstorm Project involves a [seating ski vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shredshox) targeting [paralyzed victims](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfinstalling-exoskeleton). In particular, it was built with Martin Fleig, a top German biathlete, in mind. Developed by the [Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linumtube) in collaboration with research and industry partners, the Snowstorm Project ski vehicle allows Fleig to rest in a kneeling position. The 'seat' is attached to traditional skis to ensure that the performance is as similar to the sport as possible. Through the Snowstorm Project, Flieg plans on competing in the Russia 2014 Paralympics. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Adaptive Ski Technology:** The development of new adaptive ski technology opens up new opportunities for people with disabilities - **Assistive Sports Equipment:** The development of more specialized and customized assistive sports equipment can help people with disabilities take part in sporting events and lead more active lives - **Paralympic Innovations:** The paralympics are driving the development of new technologies and innovations for people with disabilities, creating opportunities for businesses in this market. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sports Equipment Manufacturing:** The sports equipment manufacturing industry has the opportunity to develop more specialized and customized assistive sports equipment for people with disabilities - **Medical Technology:** Medical technology companies can develop new adaptive ski technology to help more people with disabilities enjoy outdoor sports and recreational activities - **Professional Sports and Events:** The adaptive ski technology and other paralympic innovations can create exciting new opportunities for professional sports leagues and event organizers to engage with a wider audience ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Off-Course Skier Support Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skiavec.md) - [All-Terrain Electric Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scewo-bro.md) - [Inclusive All-Terrain EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoquad-v2.md) - [Sleek Robotic Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-wheelchair.md) - [Motorized Skier Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eskimo.md) - [Accessibility-Promoting Electric Quadricycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-quadricycle.md) - [Modified Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaning-wheelchair.md) - [Accessible Amusement Park Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seatonwheels.md) - [Modular Powered Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-hand-cycle.md)