At VASS we believe it takes a village in that we foster inclusive ski and snowboard experiences, promoting group dynamics where students can learn, grow, and enjoy the mountains alongside their support persons, family members, or friends. We have 3 pathways for this:
- Become a trained volunteer – If you are over the age of 15 and ski or board at a green level or better consider becoming a volunteer. Click here for all the details.
- Join the Friends and Family Program – Over 15 year old – detail below
- Join the Peer to Peer Program – Under 15 year old- details below
Available on all Mountains — $150 for the Adult Supporter ($250 for the Student)
HOW IT WORKS: First, we offer training to you so you can feel confident on the hill, whether you are a never-ever or an accomplished skier or rider. Second, you will then accompany the person that you are supporting to all of their lessons. This will give you time to learn more yourself and find how you can be integrated into their lessons.
FOR NEW SKIERS: If you’re brand new to skiing or snowboarding , we’ll teach you how to ski and introduce safety protocols for mountain play. This includes 4 evening lessons focusing on personal development and a session on basic use of adaptive equipment. Fees cover rentals if needed, lift tickets for Grouse, or privileges at other mountain programs. You’ll need your own clothing, helmet, and a BCAS membership priced at $60, which can be purchased during registration.
DATES:
December 16 & 18 2024 (Monday & Wednesday) – 6-9pm
January 6 & 8 2025 – (Monday & Wednesday) – 6-9 pm
FOR EXPERIENCED SKIERS: If you can already ski or ride at a green run level, you’ll have 2 classes to refresh. The first lesson will focus on drills to enhance skills, and the second will cover basic adaptive equipment. Fees cover rentals if needed, lift tickets to Grouse, or privileges at other mountain programs. You’ll need your own clothing, helmet, and a BCAS membership ($60) which can be purchased during registration.
DATES:
January 6 & 8 2025 – 6-9 pm
JOINING THE PROGRAM WITH YOUR STUDENT: Once your student is already accepted into a 6-week program, you’re invited to attend all 6 weeks with them.
During this 6-week program, the focus will be on your students’ developing skills, and during the first 3 weeks, you’ll observe and work on your own skiing. For the last 3 weeks, you’ll be integrated into the lesson with your student, aiming for independence as a pair by the end of 6 weeks.
There are only 30 spots available and your student needs to be accepted into a program first. You’ll sign up as a student yourself, complete a profile, and have a BCAS membership ($60). When signing up, please indicate on the Information tab who you’ll be supporting. VASS will find ways to support your development in any way we can. If you have questions, please reach out to us at 604-646-8277 or email info@vass.ca
CLICK TO REGISTER for Support/Family Support
Available on all Mountains — $150 for the Peer ($250 for the Student)
If you’re between 5-15 and wish to accompany a friend or sibling for an adaptive ski lesson, we’ll teach you how to ski or ride with the other VASS participant.
HOW IT WORKS: the peer of the VASS Student, who has already been accepted into a 6-week program, will be invited to accompany their friend for all 6 lessons. The goal is that both of you are at similar developmental levels, allowing us to teach both of you together. There are only 10 spots available.
Fees cover rentals if needed, instruction and all lift tickets. You will need your own winter clothing and a helmet. This program is an add-on to a student securing a spot in a 6-week program, priced at $150. You’ll sign up as a student yourself, complete a profile, and also purchase a CADS membership ($60). When signing up, please indicate on the Information tab whom you’ll be supporting. VASS will find a way to support your development in any way we can. It’s going to be awesome, and if you have questions, please reach out to us at 604-646-8277 or email info@vass.ca
CLICK TO REGISTER for Peer to Peer