History of the TetraSki

Design and development of the TetraSki started in 2014 at the University of Utah. Testing and training for TetraSki technology is through TRAILS Adaptive (Technology, Recreation, Access, Independence, Lifestyle, Sports), the University of Utah Health’s regional, national and global adaptive sports and recreation program.

 

The TetraSki concept began as a University of Utah mechanical engineering capstone project, culminating in the production of this TetraSki demo.
— 2014


First on-snow test of the TetraSki in Utah.
— 2015
First skier with a spinal cord injury tests the TetraSki by using a joystick.
— 2016

Brian McKenna tests the TetraSki by using a sip and puff device. Brian’s testing and feedback would eventually lead to the first ever TetraSki race event in 2022.
— 2017
• Completion of the “release version” prototype and first national TetraSki training for instructors and coaches.

• The TetraSki debuted at the Ski Spectacular, one of the U.S.’s largest winter sports festivals for people with disabilities.
— Dec. 2018
   
The official release of the TetraSki and first expansion of the ski delivered to other adaptive programs nationally and internationally to Vancouver, Canada.
— 2019



The TetraSki is featured on NBC’s “Today Show” with renowned journalist Harry Smith. The video tells the story of adaptive athlete Derek Sundquist and TetraSki founder Jeff Rosenbluth.
— March 2019

The International Paralympic Committee welcomed a demonstration of the TetraSki at the 2019 World Para Alpine Skiing Championship in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.
— Jan. 2019

Continued instructor training and expansion of the TetraSki to adaptive programs across the U.S. Pictured is the TetraSki with adaptive sports partners in New Hampshire: sunset run at Loon Mountain.
— Winter 2019-20

TetraSki instructor training expands to adaptive programs in France, which now has a TetraSki for participants to try out.
— Dec. 2020


The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) releases its “Chasing Greatness” video, featuring the TetraSki.
— Feb. 2020


World’s first TetraSki race at Powder Mountain in Eden, Utah: The Brian McKenna TetraSki Express.
— March 2022
   


TetraSki European Tour and training takes place in Switzerland with a demonstration in The Netherlands. Switzerland receives its first TetraSki.
— Nov. 2022


First regional qualifier TetraSki and Snow’Kart race hosted by High Country Adaptive Sports at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Ariz.
— Feb. 2023



Due to an epic snowstorm that hit Powder Mountain Resort in Utah, we were forced to cancel the 2023 Brian McKenna TetraSki Express National Championship race to insure the safety of athletes and volunteers. The 2024 race will take place on March 29!
— March 24, '23