Stand-up skiing has been at the core of VASS for nearly half a century. Skiing allows for better balance adjustments than snowboarding, making it easier for students to control their speed until they master turning and terrain management. Explore the program descriptions below.
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* 2 NEW PROGRAMS* :
Explore the links above to jump to the full descriptions of two programs designed for family and friends to ski together, supporting a student’s journey towards independent skiing. |
Tuesday Night Autism Spectrum Disorder Skiing | Grouse Mountain $250 
January 23 – February 27 2024 – 6:00 – 8:30 pm — 6 weeks
This program was established years ago in partnership with the Vancouver Autism Network. Since then, our national training association has developed a robust teaching methodology, enabling us to effectively instruct students on the autism spectrum. Our instructors possess exceptional knowledge and a profound dedication to working with students, meeting them where they are. Open to all ages and ability levels.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Tuesday Night ASD Ski
Tuesday Night Intermediate and Advance Skiing | Cypress Mountain $250 
January 23 – February 27, 2024 – 6:00-9:00 pm — 6 weeks
Cypress Mountain, nestled in the stunning north shore, offers an ideal terrain for more skilled skiers. Reserved for our accomplished skiers requiring only 1-on-1 instruction, capable of negotiating blue runs. While rentals can be arranged, having personal gear is beneficial at this performance level.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Tuesday Night Cypress Ski
Wednesday Night Ski | Grouse Mountain $250
January 24 – February 28, 2024 – 6:00-8:30 pm — 6 weeks
Our powerhouse evening session is open to individuals of all abilities. Last year, participants’ ages ranged from 6 to 68. It’s perfect for both new skiers and those honing their skills, potentially needing extra support. This is an inclusive session where you might even find VASS’s president, ANNE, volunteering. Don’t miss the chance to say hello!
Saturday Morning Ski | Grouse Mountain $250
January 27- March 2, 2024 – 7:30-10:30 am — 6 weeks
Saturday morning skiing is electrifying, with special permission to catch the very first tram before the crowds. Daytime sessions are particularly suitable for some of our students, such as younger students or students with partial vision. Our team of instructors is fully prepared to assist anyone with a disability. Many families, passionate about skiing, seize the opportunity to hit the slopes while their family member is in a lesson with us, often skiing together after lessons.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Saturday Morning Ski
Sunday Morning Ski | Grouse Mountain $250
January 28 – March 3, 2024 – 7:30-10:30 am — 6 weeks
While the Sunday team can accommodate any skier or sit-skier, there’s also a concurrent twin snowboarding program. If you’re undecided about skiing or snowboarding, this program is perfect, offering more options to learn about sliding on snow. Open to all ages and individuals with any disabilities.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Sunday Morning Ski
Friday Night Ski And Snowboard Club | Grouse Mountain $250
January 26 – Mar 1 2024 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm — 6 weeks
This program is designed for friends and family who have gained some independence in skiing or snowboarding through our VASS programs and now wish to ski or ride together. The objective is to provide an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy the mountain collectively without formal lessons. Instructors will be available to assist with using the yurt and obtaining any specialized equipment participants may require, as well as to answer skiing or boarding queries. An additional perk is the chance to meet new people, highlighted by an 8 pm hot chocolate gathering at the yurt each night.
- STUDENTS: register as a student, if they identify as having a disability. The program cost is $250 and in addition, a CADS membership is also required ($55). Rental equipment is included.
- FRIENDS/FAMILY: register as a ‘student‘ with a separate profile from the student you are supporting on the Snowline website and purchase a CADS membership ($55). If under the age of 15 yrs, rental equipment is included. Cost for friends or family members is $100 + $55.
- ANYONE ELSE besides Friends or Family: if over the age of 15 years old and skiing to support the family member or friend, register as a ‘Instructor‘. Everyone will need to have their CADS membership and everyone will also register their own profile with VASS. The CADS membership are $50 for instructor volunteers. All Instructor Volunteers, people over the age of 15, will have to arrange their own ski or board rentals, but the program cost is FREE.
- Note: only VASS Students and friends/family under the age of 15 get rentals included in the Program fee
CLICK TO REGISTER FridayNight Club
Blue Streaks ALL MOUNTAIN | Grouse Mountain – $250
January 28 – March 3, 2024- 1:00- 4:00pm — 6 weeks
This program is designed for students at an intermediate skill level in skiing or snowboarding, seeking a group setting with less direct supervision to enhance their abilities and enjoy more time on the slopes. The primary focus is on gaining mileage and having a great time, with a balance of instruction and terrain-based learning.
Participants in this program must ski or snowboard independently. If they’re unable to do so, they may be asked to leave the program, and we may not be able to place them in another program at that time. If you’re unsure if this program suits you, feel free to call James @ 604-646-8277 to discuss more, before registration day.
Blue Streaks RACE | Grouse Mountain
TRAINING Saturdays Jan 13 – Mar 2, 2024 (8 weeks) – 7:00am-12:00pm – $250
or
PRACTICE Thursdays Jan 11 – February 29, 2024 (8 weeks) – 5:30 – 8:30pm – $450
The VASS Adaptive Alpine Racing Program operates in partnership with the Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club, and this Racing team is known as “The Blue Streaks.” This program caters to intermediate to advanced skiers with physical or intellectual disabilities who are enthusiastic about ski racing. If you’re a strong, confident skier able to navigate a blue run, we’d love to discuss you joining our team. Team members will commence dry land training in the fall, followed by training and racing at Grouse on Thursday evenings and Saturdays. The team will take part in local races at Grouse Mountain and other races held at ski areas across the province. Racers utilize recreational skis and boots or race equipment based on their ability.
This program is by invitation only. For more information and for registration please contact the program coordinator at race@vass.ca
Included in Fees:
- Coaching
- Lift passes
- Tyee Ski Club Membership ($65)
Not Included:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Race entrance fees
- Helmets (required for all racers)
NEW PROGRAMS
1. SUPPORT/ FAMILY SKI Program
Available on all Mountains — $100 for the Adult Supporter ($250 for the Student)
This was a pilot program for VASS in 2020, aimed at creating ski families and groups. We are now expanding the program to encourage training and participation in all our programs with family, friends, and supporters.
HOW IT WORKS: First, we offer training to the support person before the student hits the hill (beginning half of January 2024)
FOR NEW SKIERS: If you’re brand new to skiing, 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, a season pass to Grouse, or privileges at other mountain programs. You’ll need your own clothing, helmet, and a BCAS membership priced at $55, which can be purchased during your profile registration (on vass.skiportal.org)
6-9pm: JAN Tuesday 2, Thursday 4, Tuesday 9, & Thursday 11, 2024 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
FOR EXPERIENCED SKIERS: If you can already ski at a green run level, you’ll have 2 classes to refresh. The first lesson will focus on skiing and drills to enhance skills, and the second will cover basic adaptive equipment. Fees cover rentals if needed, a season pass to Grouse, or privileges at other mountain programs. Similar to new skiers, you’ll need your clothing, helmet, and a BCAS membership ($53) which can be purchased during your profile registration (vass.skiportal.org)
6-9pm: Jan 4 & 11, 2024 (Thursdays)
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 son or daughter’s 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 son or daughter, aiming for independence as a pair by the end of 6 weeks. The student can be at any level, and the adult participant must be a strong green run skier, at a minimum. There are only 30 spots available, and after signing up, you’ll be contacted for a brief interview to ensure a high success rate for everyone. This program is an add-on to your student securing a spot in a 6-week program, priced at $100. You’ll sign up as a student yourself, complete a profile, and have a CADS membership ($55). When signing up, please indicate on the Club Information Request 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 — $100 for the Peer ($250 for the Student)
This was a pilot program for VASS in 2022, aimed at fostering ski friendships that support one another. If you’re over the age of 10 and wish to accompany a friend or sibling for an adaptive ski lesson, we’ll teach you how to ski and guide you on supporting your friend.
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. Note: This peer must ski or snowboard independently already.
Fees cover rentals if needed and a season pass to Grouse or privileges at other mountain programs. You’ll need your clothing, helmet, and a BCAS membership ($55), which can be purchased during registration during your profile registration.
Your friend or sibling will already be registered and accepted into a 6-week program, and you’ll be invited to attend all 6 weeks with them. During the first 3 weeks, you’ll observe and possibly work on your own skiing. 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, and after signing up, you’ll be contacted for a brief interview to ensure a high success rate for everyone. This program is an add-on to a student securing a spot in a 6-week program, priced at $100. You’ll sign up as a student yourself, complete a profile, and also purchase a CADS membership ($55). When signing up, please indicate on the Club Information Request 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