We’re excited to provide valuable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for students before they hit the slopes!
Explore these fantastic resources prepared for your upcoming mountain lessons. We’ve created this dedicated space to familiarize you with the lesson experience and equip you with helpful knowledge. By offering these resources upfront, our aim is to proactively address any concerns, reduce anxiety, and boost your confidence. We believe that well-prepared students make the most out of their lessons, allowing for a fantastic skiing or snowboarding journey ahead.
Happy skiing or snowboarding!
QUICK LINKS:
 What to Wear |
 Safety Equipment |
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One story board for skiers and another storyboard for snowboarders. Can be used as a bedtime story to prepare students for their first lesson |
What a chairlift looks like, how to approach and load onto the chairs safely. And finally, how to get off safely and continue having fun. |
Social Stories for Skiing and Snowboard Lessons at Grouse Mountain
Downloadable pdf’s that tell a social story to get a student ready for the lesson at Grouse Mountain and can be used as a bedtime story book to help ease anxiety and prime them for what to expect before their 1st lesson.
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Lesson Story book_Ski VASS |
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Lesson Story book – Snowboard VASS
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What To Wear
Let’s jump into what makes the picture below invaluable for a successful skiing or snowboarding experience. The first picture encompasses all the essential clothing for a snow lesson in the Vancouver area. It’s crucial to prioritize waterproof pants and jackets, given the typically wet snow conditions. Socks, longer than the top of your boots, are a must for skiing or riding. Carrying a bag for boots not only keeps them organized but also allows you to pack essentials like water and snacks for breaks.
In the second picture, you’ll find insights on managing temperature effectively. In the Vancouver mountains, temperatures often range from +2 to -10 degrees Celsius. Tailor your outfit accordingly, opting for waterproof outer layers, ideally 3L coats and pants for the damp west coast conditions. If you venture to colder and dryer terrains like Sun Peaks, Manning Park, Big White, or even Alberta, insulated coats are preferable due to drier, powdery snow. However, on Grouse, Seymour, or Cypress mountains, a 3L waterproof shell over a couple of base layers is ideal since the snow tends to be wetter and heavier.
Always remember, avoid storing your board or skis in your carry bag directly after a lesson to prevent rusting of edges. Water will not easily evaporate if the bag is left closed, and within a week, rusting will occur. Also, promptly repair any significant scratches or cracks to maintain their integrity. Dropping your skis or board hard on asphalt or concrete can create weak points, potentially allowing water to seep into the inner layers and cause damage.
Safety Equipment (Helmet & Goggles)
Here’s an informative video that provides detailed guidance on how to properly size a helmet and discusses various features, helping you determine what may suit you best. For some of our students, particularly those on the autism spectrum, wearing a helmet and goggles can be a new and overwhelming experience. We recommend allowing the students to wear the helmet and/or helmet with goggles during other play activities to help them become accustomed to it. Setting small, achievable time goals for wearing this safety gear can effectively introduce it.
How Lifts Work
This informative video is excellent for sharing with students. It thoroughly covers the safety aspects of riding lifts, addressing potential questions and providing an entertaining way to learn how chairlifts work. Watching this video multiple times can be highly valuable!