Our cognitive and neurodiverse population programming is for children and youth age 3-18 and all ability levels. Competitive pathways exist in most sports. If you are interested in bursary funding please see our funding page. If you are new to Whistler Adaptive please register for programs here. If you are a returning athlete and would like more information please contact info@whistleradaptive.com
Whistler Adaptive offers a variety of biking programs, ranging from cruising the valley trail to tackling Whistler’s off-road single track trails. Our biking programs are available to participants of all abilities and all levels from novice to experienced riders.
Kids & Youth Biking Group
This group lesson focuses on building skills and confidence and trying new things in a safe, controlled environment. With additional volunteers, it is possible to split the group according to skill focus or level. We utilize the Lost Lake trail network which provides an excellent variety of terrain for all levels of riders. If you cannot make it every week you are still welcome to join for drop in sessions.
What: Weekly teen mountain biking group designed to improve skills, build confidence, and have fun!
When: On hold until Spring 2023
Who: Ages 12-18
Where: Lost Lake Passivhaus (Cross Country Connection)
**Don’t have your own equipment? Rental options are available through the Cross-Country Connection
Private Bike Lessons
Whistler Adaptive offers private bike lessons for kids who are looking to try out biking or improve their biking skills. Whistler offers a wide variety of biking terrain, from the valley trail to technical single track, which allows us to tailor your lesson to your needs and goals.
What: Private lessons designed to improve skills, build confidence, and have fun!
When: Private booking
Who: Ages 3-18
Where: Lost Lake Passivhaus (Cross Country Connection), Lessons also available in Squamish
How to register: Contact us here
Our Buddy Programs pair school-age children with diverse needs with trained staff and volunteers so that they can access programming in their municipality. Activities including but not limited to swimming, gymnastics, skating, volleyball, etc.
Squamish
Whistler Adaptive and the Brennan Park Recreation Centre have partnered on the Leisure Buddy Program to pair children (ages 3 to 12) with trained staff and volunteers. The program provides access and inclusion for Squamish and area residents into existing recreational programs through the support of sports assistants (buddies).
What: Integrated and supported programming for children with diverse needs at Brennan Park.
When: Year Round
Where: Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Age range: 3 - 19
How to register: To register as a new athlete, use the Whistler Adaptive Leisure Buddy Registration form. Once you are registered with Whistler Adaptive you do not need to do this again unless your information changes. Each season browse through the Brennan Park Recreation guide and register through the Brennan Park's website or at the front desk. To request a buddy, please fill out the buddy request form so we can match a buddy to the program you have registered for.
Whistler
The Whistler Leisure Buddy Program partners with various sports organizations in the community to pair athletes with diverse needs with trained staff and volunteers. Buddies can be provided for: DFX, WORCA, CanSkate, Ski school, Gymnastics, Sailing Association, and many more.
What: Integrated and supported programming for children with diverse needs in various Whistler sports clubs and programs.
When: Year Round
Where: Various locations around Whistler
Age range: 3 - 19
How to register: To register as a new athlete, use the Whistler Adaptive Leisure Buddy Registration form. Once you are registered with Whistler Adaptive you do not need to do this again unless your information changes. Inquire with Whistler Adaptive staff regarding the feasibility of buddies joining other local sport organization programs prior to registering. To request a buddy, please fill out the buddy request form so we can match a buddy to the program you have registered for.
Pemberton
Whistler Adaptive and the Pemberton & District Community Centre have partnered on the Pemberton & District Leisure Buddy Program to pair children (ages 3 and up), youth and adults with diverse needs with trained staff and volunteers. The program provides access and inclusion for Pemberton and area residents into existing recreational programs through the support of sport assistants (buddies).
What: Integrated and supported programming for children with diverse needs in various Pemberton and District programs.
When: Year round
Where: Pemberton & District Community Centre
Age range: 3 - adult
How to register: How to register: To register as a new athlete, use the Whistler Adaptive Leisure Buddy Registration form. Once you are registered with Whistler Adaptive you do not need to do this again unless your information changes. Each season browse through the Pemberton & District Community Centre guide and register through website or at the front desk. To request a buddy, please fill out the buddy request form so we can match a buddy to the program you have registered for.
Our canoeing program builds skills through games and activities on the water while offering beautiful views on Alta Lake. Our instructors will guide progression on dryland and on the water focusing on safety, skills and fun! Children will be in a canoe with an instructor who can help them work on their canoeing skills individually and ensure safety at all times. Private canoe lessons are also available for individuals or families. Participants will be provided with all the equipment they need, however please bring a hat, sunscreen, raincoat, waterproof shoes, and a water bottle.
What: Canoeing on Alta Lake
When: On hold until summer 2023
Who: All Ages
Where: Wayside Park on Alta Lake
How to register: Contact us here
Working with Don Butler, of Captain Holiday’s Kayak and Adventure School, our weekly kayaking program immerses participants in a paddling environment where they will learn kayaking skills through fun games and activities. The full day program allows participants to work on their skills, and build confidence and independence at their own pace. Private kayaking lessons for individuals or families are also available which offer the full kayak experience in a one-on-one setting. Participants will be provided all the equipment they need and we offer a variety of kayaks to suit the needs of each individual including white water kayaks, double kayaks, and adaptive kayaks. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, lunch, and a change of clothes.
What: Weekly group kayaking on Alta Lake
When: On hold until Summer 2023
Where: The Cabin at Alta Lake Park
Age range: 6+
Kids Camp builds physical literacy through games and activities in a land and water environment for school aged kids and youth. Fun is the name of the game for participants while building physical literacy in land and water sport environments. A typical Friday consists of canoeing, walks around the lake, physical literacy games, snack breaks, lunch, and sometimes crafts. Campers are split into two groups based on ages 5-10 and 11-19.
What: Kids camp is designed for school aged children. Learn physical literacy through games and activities in a land and water environment.
When: On hold until summer 2023
Where: The Cabin at Alta Lake and Various Field trips around Whistler
Age range: 5 - 19
How to Register: Contact us here
Whistler Adaptive offers rowing instruction and coaching using our adaptive rowing shells. These shells can be adapted with stability pontoons, a specialized seat and strapping to suit the needs of any individual. We offer 2 hour private rowing lessons. Rowing offers independence, a great workout, and the thrill of gliding across Alta Lake.
What: Introduction to Rowing
When: By private booking
Who: Ages 12-18
Where: The Cabin at Alta Lake Park
How to register: Contact us here
Enjoy land activities and sports, such as hiking, scavenger hunts, and ball games, for half of the session (1:30-3:30). From 3:30-5:00 the group paddles and plays games on the lake using boats provided by the Pemberton Canoe Association. Participants are welcome to join for just one half of the session of the whole thing. Participants of all ages are encouraged to attend.
What: Land and water sports at One Mile Lake in Pemberton
Who: All ages
Where: One Mile Lake in Pemberton
When: On hold until spring 2023
How to register: Contact us here
Paddleboarding: We offer paddleboard lessons for individuals or families on Alta Lake. Paddleboarding is a wonderful way to enjoy the lake. We also have an adaptive paddleboard that is extra stable and can accommodate a wheelchair as well as a family sized paddleboard.
What: Paddleboarding on Alta Lake
When: By private booking
Who: All ages
Where: Wayside Park on Alta Lake
How to register: Contact us here
Whistler Adaptive offers 2 hour private sailing lessons out of the Whistler Sailing Association’s facility on Alta Lake.
The Martin 16 is a breakthrough in small boat design. The weighted keel makes it a very safe boat for people with physical disabilities. The high lift keel makes the boat very stable, trailer launching is simple and the boat can be easily rigged by one person.
The inherent stability of the boat, along with the adjustable seating and specialized control systems make the Martin 16 truly accessible to all sailors with a physical disability. It is a lively performance boat making it ideal for sailors of all abilities.
The Martin 16 is easily managed by one person with any level of physical ability with a narrow, easily-driven hull that provides impressive performance and excellent responsiveness. Stability and adjustable seating with specialized control systems and the simplicity of use makes the Martin 16 an ideal program boat that can accommodate up to three individuals at one time.
What: Introduction to Sailing
When: By private booking
Who: Ages 12-18
Where: The Point at Alta Lake
How to register: Contact us here
We offer private lessons at Whistler Blackcomb for children and adults who ski, sit-ski or snowboard. Kids are also eligible to take part in our Buddy Program where athletes are paired up with a volunteer and join a group snow school lesson. Please bring a warm jacket, snow pants, warm socks, goggles, toque, gloves. Snow sport equipment is included complimentary with our Adaptive lessons, thanks to the Epic Foundation and The Whistler Adaptive Society
What: Adaptive Snowsports lessons
When: Nov 24 2022 to April 16 2023 9:15 am to 3 pm
Where: Whistler Adaptive Desk at Carleton Lodge
Age range: All ages starting at 3
How to register: For more information about the program go to Adaptive | Whistler Blackcomb. When you are ready to register please go to Register for Winter Programs | Whistler Adaptive Sports Program and an agent will get back to you.
Contact us for assistance by email at WBAdaptiveProgram@vailresorts.com and by phone at 1-800-766-0449. Please ask for the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard agent on duty at Whistler Blackcomb.
If you need to contact Whistler Adaptive on the day of your lesson please contact the Whistler Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program office at 604-905-2071.
Whistler Adaptive offers strength and conditioning training in the gym during the winter and off-snow seasons. These sessions can be tailored to individual needs and use games and activities to focus on balance, stability, strength, and physical literacy. Typically these are group sessions, however we can also offer one-on-one training.
What: Strength and conditioning sessions tailored to individual needs.
Who: Children and Youth ages 8-18
When: Thursdays 9 am - 10 am
Where: Meadow Park Sports Centre / Whistler Mountain Ski Club
How to register: Contact us here
The U19 Freeride program is designed for youth who want to improve their skiing abilities and optionally participate in race programs. The program aims to improve basic skills in all terrain, to teach teamwork, and to gain confidence. Some athletes compete in the Special Olympics as well as regularly scheduled local age appropriate races. Race courses are used as a tool to improve technique, timing, balance, and confidence. A typical day consists of 6-8 runs on intermediate to advanced groomed runs (blues and an occasional easy black), with a 1 hour lunch break. Please bring, Warm clothing (ski jacket and snow pants), toque, gloves, helmet. Rentals for snowsport equipment are available.
What: U19 free program for youth who want to improve their skiing abilities have the opportunity to participate in race programs.
When: Saturdays from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Where: Carleton Lodge patio
Age range: 14-18
How to register: Contact us here
**Competitive pathways exist with Special Olympics BC and through BC Adaptive Snowsports.
Nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains, Whistler Adaptive leads participants on adventures from short alpine jaunts and peak-to-peak experiences to full-day technical trail hikes. Exploring the alpine vistas, Whistler Adaptive caters to each individual depending on their ability and creates a hiking experience specifically for them including using the lift accessed Whistler-Blackcomb trail systems. Hiking in Whistler can take you alongside rivers, up to waterfalls, through alpine flowers, and to mountain lakes. Getting outside with friends and family and encountering wildlife is therapeutic and great exercise. Please bring water, hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, hiking poles, and lunch/snacks.
What: Hiking in Whistler
When: June 2- Sept 8 (Tuesdays at 10 am) & Private booking available
Where: Various locations
Age range: All ages
How to Register: Contact us here
Nordic Skiing is offered to kids and adults weekly with instruction in skate skiing and classic skiing. Whistler Adaptive takes you through Whistler’s Lost Lake trails which is centrally located near Whistler Village or to Whistler Olympic Park in the beautiful Callaghan Valley. Instruction ranges from beginner to expert.
What: Nordic skiing in Whistler in both group and private format.
When: Various days and times contact us for more information
Where: Cross Country Connection at the Passivhaus, Lost Lake trail network.
Age Range: All Ages starting at 3
**Looking to compete in Adaptive Nordic? Whistler Adaptive will help build a training plan specific to your needs as well as identify suitable Special Olympics and local races.
Snowshoeing
Programs run weekly during our winter season. Explore Whistler Olympic Park via the low impact activity of snowshoeing. Walks can vary in length and intensity.
What: Snowshoeing in Whistler in both group and private format.
When: Various days and times. Contact us for more information.
Where: Cross Country Connection at the Passivhaus, Lost Lake trail network.
Age Range: All Ages starting at 3
Kids Swimming introduces and guides athletes through the Canadian Red Cross swimming program. Our Water Safety Instructors are certified through the Canadian Red Cross and Swim Canada. Lessons are designed specifically for the athletes individual needs. Lessons are delivered in a 1 to 1 setting at Meadow Park Sports Centre in Whistler. Please bring a bathing suit, towel, and goggles. All other swim equipment will be provided.
What: Kids Swimming introduces and guides athletes through the Canadian Red Cross swimming program.
When: Mondays 3pm - 6pm
Where: Meadow Park Sports Centre (Meet on the pool deck)
Age range: 3 - 15
How to register: Contact us here
**Competitive pathways exist depending age. Contact us today to discuss competitive swimming opportunities through our Special Olympics swim team.
Geared to 12 and under, kids yoga is fun and playful. Yoga poses and sequences are introduced through songs and games. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. All other yoga equipment is provided.
What: Kids yoga introduces children to a yoga practice through songs and games
When: Monday's 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Where: Myrtle Philip Lounge
Age range: 3 - 12
How to register: Contact us here