Adaptive programme co-ordinator at the Remarkables, Ross James, has been running the programme for the past eight years and said he loved watching adaptive skiers pick up the sport faster than more abled skiers, to the point they were "overtaking their mates".
Mr James said the programme catered to anyone with a disability.
Various equipment, sourced mostly from the United States, was used to allow adaptive skiers and snowboarders to experience a level of independence.
"There's a guy who comes up from Southland who can pretty much only move his head, he sits in a sit-ski ... and with the support of a volunteer tethered to the sit-ski, with the movement of his head he can control the speed and direction."
For those not able to move their legs, the dual-ski or mono-ski would likely be their equipment of choice.
These skis could be loaded on to the chairlifts.
Skiers' arms were fitted with "outriggers", which were crutches with ski tips at the end.
Skiers with little leg strength, such as winter paralympian medallist Adam Hall, were also able to use the outriggers, and snowboarders could use a "rider bar", a frame mounted on the board to take the weight off the rider's legs.
Visually impaired skiers could also be catered for, using regular equipment and assisted by a volunteer.
Mr James said users of the programme reflected the mix of skiers and riders who visited the mountain, and "local schools are hooked in really nicely".
All Queenstown schools visited NZSki fields and adaptive children were able to "get in and do what the other children do".
"They are able to participate with their mates up the mountain," Mr James said.
An adaptive skier at a Queenstown primary school who has been using the programme for the past seven years did not have the co-ordination to "make a wedge", so his skis were attached at the tips and a spacer bar separated the heels.
Over the years he has needed less and less equipment and support.
During the 2012 season the programme acquired the dual-ski through funding from the "Ski into the Grave" club, which is a local seniors' skiing group.
"They wanted to share their passion of skiing with others and that's what's enabled us to buy the dual-ski," Mr James said.
Funding came from a variety of sources.
It was needed for the equipment and for the training of the 20 volunteers, and Mr James expected the programme to continue to grow, along with the planned growth of the Remarkables.
Instructors received comprehensive training and of the volunteers, "some are staff and others are just people in the Queenstown community, some have been doing it since we started ... like the people who take the [training] course, they are really committed to what they are doing".
Those wishing to experience adaptive skiing should email: adaptive@remarkables.co.nz.
