Volunteering with VISAS

Our members jointly 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.

Check here as the date approaches for exact time and location.

Volunteer Instructor Requirements:

  • Have a strong desire to assist mentally and physically challenged people.
  • Strong physical condition, good intermediate skiing 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 working the Herb Bradley Challenge.
  • Become a BC Adaptive Snowsports volunteer member (cost $48.00) to be part of the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) organization.
    Attend CADS four day training (first two weekends of season at Mount Washington (first year only). Returning instructors get one day refresher training.)
  • Submit a current Criminal Record check through the RCMP (all info is strictly confidential).

Training:

  • Candidates who possess these requirements are given a four (4) day training program to prepare them for a Level 1 CADS certification
  • This involves a combination of “on-hill” technical training as well as sessions on how to assess and work with mentally and physically challenged people
  • All of our training techniques emphasize the “progression methods” established by the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA).
  • Note: There is a $100.00 cost (approx) for training materials and training day lift passes.

Instructor Benefits and Recognition:

  • Season ski pass provided by MWAR and VISAS (first year). Family pass for subsequent years if VISAS membership is in good standing.
  • Recognition by Mount Washington as “volunteer staff”
  • Opportunity for ski improvement with Ski School CSIA Level 3 and Level 4 instructors
  • Assisting people to “accent their abilities” in a challenging environment
  • Working alongside a well established group of professionals teaching adaptive snowsports
  • Being part of a “national” team bringing snowsport access to physically or cognitively challenged people.

 

Please consider joining a great team!