SPACER
REGISTRATION for volunteer instructors is October 1 – November 15 2026
VASS and CADS Courses
Below you find some of our training opportunities this year as well as recorded training sessions that you might have missed. Also if you are looking for any manuals or course work books, they can now be found in SNOWLINE on the landing page under the heading LIBRARY.
What is CADS Level 1 Training?
Our foundation is grounded in the national ski and snowboard organizations, particularly the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) training programs. The CADS Level 1 course is the national, entry-level certification for adaptive ski and snowboard instructors. It equips you with the foundational skills, teaching methods, and safety knowledge you’ll need to deliver adaptive lessons on snow. Whether you’re working with beginners, supporting specialized equipment, or adapting to unique learning needs, this course provides the framework to help you succeed as an instructor.
Why Take it?
Completing Level 1 means you’re not only learning how to teach — you’re learning how to adapt. CADS instructors are trained to assess each student’s abilities, create inclusive lesson plans, and use nationally recognized teaching progressions. The certification connects you to a broader network of adaptive snow sports professionals across Canada and gives you a strong foundation to grow into more advanced certifications in the future.
Who Needs It?
Every VASS instructor — whether you’re brand new or a returning volunteer — must complete the CADS Level 1 course as part of our instructor team. It’s your first step to becoming a confident, skilled adaptive snow sports instructor and ensures that all lessons are delivered with the same high standards of safety, inclusivity, and fun.
CADS Courses
✅ In addition to the CADS Level 1 course, these two e-courses are required (mandatory for everyone):
1) SafeSport Training – FREE (Complete in October before being accepted)
What: SafeSport is a mandatory e-course that must be completed by all volunteers across Canada, and if you have already completed it, enter your NCCP number into your profile under the ‘Skills & Certs’ tab.
Time: ~60–90 minutes (self-paced, online).
Start Here: SafeSport Training
2) Countdown Training – FREE (Complete in December before the course)
What: With a grant from Autism Speaks and input from experts, this interactive eLearning from CADS is designed to provide ski & snowboard instructors and parents with practical and inclusive tools and strategies to help create positive experiences for participants of diverse learning abilities. Once you have made a profile for yourself on Snowline and paid your CADS Membership, this e-course is free. This is excellent prep for the Neurodiversity Presentation.
Time: 1.5 hours (self-paced, online)
How to join:
i. Sign into your Snowline account.
ii. Scroll to the bottom of the screen.
iii. Click ‘eLearning’ in the black footer section.
iv. Choose ‘Countdown Learning’ from the top of the list
CADS Level 1 – Upcoming Courses
- OPTION 1 | Location: Grouse Mountain – $50
- Intro to Instructing – December 29 2026
- Neurodiversity Presentation – January 2027
- CADS course – Thursday Jan 7, Saturday Jan 9, Sunday Jan 10 2027
- OPTION 2 | Location: Grouse Mountain – $50
- Intro to Instructing – December 29 2026
- Neurodiversity Presentation – January 2027
- CADS course – Thursday Jan 14, Saturday Jan 16, Sunday Jan 17 2027
Manual will be accessible once you have registered in a course.
CADS Level 2 – Upcoming Courses
- Date: Training Weekend – January 2 & 3 2027 | Location: Grouse Mountain
- strongly recommended to prepare for the evaluation which will allow 3 weeks of further preparation and time to receive additional tutoring
- Date: Exam Weekend – January 23 & 24 2027 | Location: Grouse Mountain
- both days are mandatory from 8:00 – 4:00 pm. The learning areas, Paradise, and the Cut are used for this course.
CADS Level 3 – Upcoming Courses
- Date: Training – Call 604-646-8277 or Email james@vass.ca | Location: Grouse Mountain
- Date: Examination Weekend – TBA | Location: Grouse Mountain
Note: For any course, please bring extra gloves, socks, base layers, snacks, and plenty of water. Be prepared to meet promptly at the base of the mountain with your skis or snowboard and your gear.
Prices & Membership
- $50 – price of a CADS Level 1 course
- $57 – CADS/VASS Membership fee (includes liability insurance and perks)
- $175 – rent (with a deposit) a jacket or buy your own VASS-logoed jacket
- $5 – SKIMP – night lessons only for VASS instructors (optional lessons)
CADS Perks & Benefits
As a thank you for choosing to volunteer with VASS, we’ve arranged access to pro deals at Outdoor Prolink. With your free membership you will have access to 30-50% off 130+ top outdoor brands like RAB, La Sportiva, Mammut, Thule, Big Agnes and more.
1. Head to https://outdoorprolink.ca/signup
2. Fill in the application. Put your job industry as “not for profit”, use the application code “VASS41224LI” and company name “Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports”
3. That’s it! Your application will be processed and you can start shopping.
Please reach out to apply@outdoorprolink.com if you have any questions along the way.
VASS Training
Orientation Night:
Orientation is our season kick-off for your program! It is an in-person group meeting at the mountain you are volunteering at exactly 1 week prior to your first student lesson. In about 60–90 minutes, we’ll cover:
- your student and your co-instructor for the 6 weeks
- safety protocols
- lesson flow
- how to manage your students’ rental equipment
- first-lesson logistics (where to meet, lift passes, times)
Attendance is required for first-time instructors and strongly encouraged for returning volunteers so everyone starts week one aligned, prepared, and ready to have fun.
SKIMP Nights (Ski Improvement) – $5 per lesson:
SKIMP sessions are optional night lessons for VASS instructors to improve and work on their skiing and snowboarding. Sessions are led by CSIA/CASI Level 3 or 4 trainers and are opportunities to refine your techniques, ask questions, and gain insights from experienced instructors. They are also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow skiers and snowboarders. Starts from the yurt at the top of Grouse Mountain. Be ready to ski or snowboard immediately.
SKIMP Ski 2027
Date: January TBA | Location: Grouse Mountain
Date: February TBA | Location: Grouse Mountain
Date: ADVANCED Ski TBA | Location: Grouse Mountain
SKIMP Snowboard 2027
Date: January TBA | Location: Grouse Mountain
Date: February TBA | Location: Grouse Mountain
Date: March TBA | Location: Grouse Mountain
Resources
FAQ
Making the mountains accessible to all
