Volunteering with VISAS – We are a “hands-on” team

Our members volunteer thousands of hours each year to bring their love for skiing and snowboarding to people who dream of sliding along in the fresh crisp air and the brilliant landscape of the mountains that surround them.

Each year we have a recruitment meeting in November.

This year’s recruitment date is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26th, 2022. Meet with us at the Florence Filberg Centre – at 7:00 pm for a couple of hours of information and inspiration.

Volunteer Instructor Requirements

• Have a desire to assist mentally and physically challenged people.
• Strong physical condition, good intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability, minimum age: 19
• Be able to commit to a specific duty day each week during the season.
• In addition, be able to commit some hours to fundraising events such as raffle ticket sales and Fundraising Events.
• Become a BC Adaptive Snowsports (BCAS) volunteer member and a member of the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) organization, a dual membership, cost $48.00 per year.
• Attend 1 day of Dryland training on Sunday November 20th.
• Shadow 2 lessons between Dec.16th and Jan. 6th
• Attend Jan. 7&8  CSIA/CASI teaching methodology and 3 days from Jan. 13th to 15th of full CADS Level 1 evaluation.

Training

• Candidates are required to submit a questionnaire via Google Form sent by email.
• The training involves a combination of “on-hill” technical training as well as sessions on how to assess and work with mentally and physically challenged people and adaptive equipment available.
• All training techniques emphasize the “progression methods” established by the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA).
• There is a $100.00 cost (approx.) for training materials and fees.

Instructor Benefits and Recognition

• Season’s pass provided by Mount Washington Alpine Resort (MWAR) and VISAS (first year). Family pass for qualifying family members in subsequent years if VISAS membership is in good standing.
• Recognition by Mount Washington as “Volunteer Staff”.
• Opportunity for skill development with Snow School CSIA Level 3 and Level 4 instructors.
• Assisting people to “accent their abilities”.
• Working alongside a well-established group, teaching adaptive snowsports.
• Being part of a “national” team bringing snowsports to physically or cognitively challenged people.

Current News & Events for Instructors