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Prostheses for winter sports

Prostheses for winter sports

Active and safe movement on snow and ice

Winter sports are synonymous with freedom, speed, and outdoor fun. Even with a leg or arm amputation, it is possible to participate in winter sports. With the right prosthesis and professional guidance, activities such as skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed safely and comfortably.

At Amputee Care Center (ACC by Spronken), we support prosthesis wearers who want to actively participate in winter sports. Winter sports with an amputation are certainly possible with the right precautions and adjustments to your prosthesis. Ask one of our experts for advice! Discover new possibilities and the costs.

Book an introductory meeting

Book an introductory meeting with a delicious cup of coffee!

Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888. We are at your service.

Skiing and snowboarding with a prosthetic leg - discover new possibilities!

At the Amputee Care Center (by Spronken), we follow global innovations that make skiing with a upper leg prosthesis or lower leg prosthesis more exciting! We design and manufacture ski prostheses for amateur and professional athletes, taking your budget into account.

Innovative knees for your winter sports ski prosthesis

New prosthetic knees with shock absorption and precision movement allow for faster turns and less strain on your good leg, taking your speed and control to the next level. A bionic knee integrates with your muscles for natural, fast movements on slopes and obstacles, while some prosthetic knees use AI (artificial intelligence) for effortless walking on uneven snow.

Skiing and snowboarding with a lower leg prosthesis

Discover new possibilities! For feet, check out the Alpine Foot (directly on skis for lighter and faster setup) and new generation models (such as the Salomon Adaptive Project) with AI sensors and carbon fiber for energy storage or SoftFoot systems for flexible grip on ice. Come by for a chat and discover how these can boost your slope adventures!

Boy tying his shoe sitting on his snowboard

Winter sports arm prostheses - New generation developments

At the Amputee Care Center, BeNeLux prosthetics center in Genk, Belgium, we design and manufacture custom sports prostheses. With special modifications, winter sports are also possible for active arm prosthesis wearers. There are arm prosthesis parts or components specifically designed for skiing and snowboarding that attach to ski poles as hand replacements for better grip, balance, and control during downhill, cross-country, or Nordic skiing. Other options, such as upper-limb prosthetics from Robobionics, offer extra stability via outriggers for balance in adaptive skiing or core support in snowboarding.

Why winter sports place specific demands on prostheses

Winter sports place high demands on both the body and prostheses. Low temperatures, moisture, snow, and ice affect materials and moving parts. In addition, winter sports involve dynamic movements and rapid changes of direction. The load varies constantly.

A daily prosthesis is often not designed for this. Winter sports prostheses are adapted to offer more stability and control, while remaining reliable in cold and wet conditions. The goal is always safety and confidence when moving.

Features of a winter sports prosthesis

At Amputee Care Center, we always tailor a prosthesis for winter sports to the sport and to you as a person. Important considerations include:

  • Good shock absorption for varying surfaces
  • Sufficient freedom of movement for dynamic movements
  • Materials that continue to function well at low temperatures
  • A stable suspension system that does not shift during intensive use
  • Good connection to ski boots or other sports-specific equipment

When skiing, for example, alignment and ankle behavior play an important role in balance and control. Other winter sports may require different adjustments.

Winter sports with an arm or leg prosthesis

Both arm and leg prostheses have specific requirements when it comes to winter sports. With a leg prosthesis, the focus is mainly on stability and controlled power transfer. Skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing require good coordination between the prosthesis, body, and equipment. Think about making quick turns and maintaining control on varying surfaces. Would you like to know more? Come in for a consultation! We will be happy to inform you about the options and costs. 

Other aspects play a role with arm prostheses. Winter sports often require support and balance, but you also need to be able to hold your ski poles or other aids. An arm prosthesis suitable for winter sports must continue to function reliably in cold and wet conditions and offer sufficient grip and freedom of movement. Sometimes we use additional aids or adjustments to make the use of ski poles more comfortable and safer. We will be happy to advise you on this during an introductory meeting.

Whether it's an arm or leg prosthesis, the most important thing is that the prosthesis suits your sport, level, and way of moving. By looking at this carefully in advance, you'll feel more confident and can enjoy the snow more. We're happy to help you at the Amputee Care Center. We'd like to invite you for a free, no-obligation introductory meeting at our prosthetics center.

Book an introductory meeting

Book an introductory meeting with a delicious cup of coffee!

Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888. We are at your service.

Personal guidance for amputations

Every amputation and every sporting ambition is different. That is why a prosthesis for winter sports always starts with a personal introductory meeting or a second opinion at our prosthetics center. We look at the level of amputation, physical capacity, previous sporting experience, and your goals. Based on this, we start working on creating a customized prosthesis.

During the fitting and testing, we pay close attention to comfort and control during movement. We often recommend trying out the prosthesis in a controlled environment first, so that your body can get used to it before you hit the slopes.

How much does a ski prosthesis or winter sports prosthesis cost?

Ski prostheses and other sports prostheses are specialized prostheses and are not covered by standard health insurance or insurance in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The costs vary depending on the type (e.g., lower leg or upper leg), materials (such as 3D printing, carbon, or titanium), and adjustments, but are generally between €2,000 and €15,000. Top-level sports prostheses are considerably more expensive and can even cost more than €100,000. Prices vary enormously, depending on your needs and the performance you expect to achieve. The advantage? Everyone is eligible for a winter sports prosthesis or adjustment according to their budget. We are happy to provide you with a personal quote, without obligation.  

Reimbursement for winter sports prostheses in Belgium and the Netherlands

The Amputee Care Center, BeNeLux prosthesis center in Genk, is well known among prosthesis wearers in Belgium and the Netherlands. We are a recognized supplier of prostheses in Belgium and the Netherlands and have agreements with health insurance funds and most health insurers. 

Consult a prosthesis specialist at the Amputee Care Center by Spronken for an accurate estimate and assistance with applications in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Belgium

A basic prosthesis is often fully or largely reimbursed by the RIZIV (through your health insurance fund), but a ski prosthesis falls under the category of sports prostheses and is not reimbursed or refunded as standard. Depending on your situation, there are possibilities for (partial) reimbursement through supplementary insurance, sports funds, or rehabilitation programs. Please contact the Amputee Care Center in Genk for advice.

Netherlands

Basic insurance policies fully reimburse functional prostheses (if medically necessary and prescribed by a specialist), but sports prostheses such as ski prostheses are not considered medically necessary and are not eligible for standard reimbursement. Supplementary insurance policies, the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) or funds (e.g. Uniek Sporten) may sometimes provide (partial) support. A personal contribution may apply for advanced components.

Preparation and training

In addition to the right prosthesis for skiing or snowboarding, preparation is essential. These sports require strength, coordination, and endurance. Targeted training helps prepare the body for this and reduces the risk of injury.

At Amputee Care Center (ACC), we recommend that you start with regular balance exercises, strength training, or practice in advance at indoor ski facilities. This will help you learn how the prosthesis responds during movement and build confidence at your own pace.

With a well-fitted winter sports prosthesis for skiing and snowboarding from ACC, you can focus on what really matters: fun and exercise. In our experience, it gives you peace of mind to know that the prosthesis is tailored to the conditions and your way of moving. Good instruction from our experienced prosthetists and realistic expectations ensure a positive experience. Many people discover that more is possible than they thought beforehand!

Guidance on sports with amputation by Amputee Care Center

At Amputee Care Center, we believe that an active lifestyle should remain achievable even after an amputation. Whether you want to ski recreationally, train at a high level for the Winter Paralympics, for example, or enjoy the winter with your family, we are here for you with guidance and customized prosthetic solutions.

Are you curious about what is possible in your situation, or do you have plans for winter sports with an amputation? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to think along with you and guide you step by step.

Book an introductory meeting

Book an introductory meeting with a delicious cup of coffee!

Contact us by completing the Contact Form or by calling +32 (0)470 500 888. We are at your service.

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