Community fundraisers extraordinaire, the Downhill Derelicts are back in Whistler from Monday March 9 – 13 for their 24th annual ski trip and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them.
What began in 2003 as a few friends heading off on an annual ski holiday has grown, one vertical foot at a time, into a powerful and deeply connected community of fundraisers. Today, the Downhill Derelicts include more than 100 members from five countries and have raised over $340,000 in support of adaptive sports and the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
“We believe in the power of collective action,” says founder DJ Taylor. “Our motto is, ‘The impact of every avalanche starts with a single snowflake.’ When we bring our individual efforts together, we can make a real difference for others.”
Svend ‘Rainmaker’ Deal, a long-time Downhill Derelict, reflects on what drew him to the trip and the purpose behind it:
“Prior to going to law school, I worked for ten years in outdoor education, mostly as a mountain bike instructor and program director. Getting people into the outdoors, in whatever way, is a life passion. When I was first asked to come to Whistler for the DD trip, I did it more because the person who invited me made a good pitch to me about the skiing and camaraderie. However, once I got on site and had the bandwidth to take in the purpose of the trip, and what the organization does, I went all in. My friends, family and I, for the most part, take getting into nature for granted. It is an easy ask and really an obligation to do what I can to help people gain this type of experience.”
DD, Marty Arnwine added, “It feels good to give. What could have been just another ski trip with friends has now turned into something bigger that really helps unite the group in a common purpose, and one we look forward to every year. Yeah, it isn’t always easy to ask friends and family to donate each year, but all it takes is one lift ride with someone with Whistler Adaptive to feel the appreciation they have for what we do. Or to speak with the recipients and their families at our opening ceremonies that really puts the human element in perspective. That doesn’t always happen with many fundraisers. I take these conversations with me and use them each year to keep my donors inspired. Another benefit is that I think fundraising ties our group even closer to the Whistler community. It isn’t a place just to go ski and get rowdy. We’ve made lasting friendships with so many there in the valley, and even though we come from far and wide, we all feel an attachment to the place you all are lucky enough to call home. Lastly, it never fails that we will have some complete strangers be motivated by our actions and provide a sizable contribution. Feeling good isn’t limited to just us!”
Each year, the Downhill Derelicts induct new members into their crew and giving back philosophy, this year they will host their Opening Ceremony at the SLCC’s Longhouse and with invited guest speakers, WAS program alumni, brothers Ben and Jeff Thompson and John Ferris, the DD’s longtime Whistler caterer and parent of program participant Sam.
Last year, the Derelicts connected with Whistler local Aven Elsberg and met the Squamish based Mackenzie-Lamb family to gain a gain a deeper understanding of what it means to participate in a Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
This week, the Downhill Derelicts will be out on the mountain raising funds for Whistler Adaptive. You can follow their progress and support their efforts at https://charity.pledgeit.org/DownhillDerelicts2026 or join the crew for après at the Longhorn Saloon on Tuesday and Friday 3.30 – 5.00pm.
If you’re inspired by the Downhill Derelicts’ approach, head to our Community Fundraising page to learn how you can start a fundraiser of your own for the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. Whether it’s a ski day, a ride, a run, a birthday celebration, or a small group challenge, every effort helps create more opportunities for people with disabilities to access sport and adventure. And the best part? It’s not only impactful – it’s Fun to Fundraise!