Our cognitive and neurodiverse population programming is for adults over the age of 19 and all ability levels. 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.
Local legend Sylvie Allen, of Sweet Skills Mountain Bike Coaching, leads this program with the help of staff and volunteers to help participants improve their biking skills in a safe, encouraging and fun environment. The extensive Lost Lake trail network allows us to take participants on trails that suit them as well as provide challenge when appropriate. If you cannot make it every week you are still welcome to join for drop-in sessions.
What: Weekly adult biking group
Who: Ages 19+
When: Wednesdays 10am-12pm from June 3-September 9 | Or by private booking
Where: Lost Lake PassivHaus (Cross Country Connection)
How to register: Contact us here
Working with Don Butler of Captain Holiday’s Kayak and Adventure School, our kayaking program immerses participants in a paddling environment where they will learn strokes, wet exits, rolls, ferries and eddy turns. 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 private setting. We offer a variety of boats to suit the needs of each individual including and will provide all the necessary equipment. The Cabin on Alta Lake is wheelchair accessible with bathroom and kitchen facilities available.
What: Weekly kayaking program on Alta Lake
When: Mondays 9am-3pm from June 15-September 10 2020 | Or by private booking
What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, water bottle, lunch, change of clothes
How to register: Contact us here
**Interested in competing in canoeing? Canoe Kayak BC is the Provincial Sport Organization who actively encourages and provides opportunities to enjoy, participate and excel in paddle sports. Our members include competitive athletes, developing athletes, enthusiasts, coaches, officials, administrators, and supporters of the sport
Our canoeing program builds skills in a controlled and safe environment while offering beautiful views on Alta Lake. Our instructors will guide progression on dryland and on the water focusing on safety, skills and fun! Participants are often in the canoe with one instructor steering the canoe, which allows for the instructor to provide one-on-one instruction, however there is always an opportunity for participants to steer the canoe if they would like. Private canoe sessions are also available for individuals or families. Participants will be provided with all the equipment they need including: canoe, paddle, life jacket, safety bailer & tow rope.
What: Weekly canoeing program on Alta Lake
When: Thursdays 10 am-12 pm from June 25-September 10 2020 | Or by private booking
Who: All ages
Where: Wayside Park on Alta Lake
What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, raincoat, waterproof shoes, water-bottle
How to register: Contact us here
**Interested in competing in canoeing? Canoe Kayak BC is the Provincial Sport Organization who actively encourages and provides opportunities to enjoy, participate and excel in paddle sports. Our members include competitive athletes, developing athletes, enthusiasts, coaches, officials, administrators, and supporters of the sport
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 and 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 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. Our rowing program operates out of the cabin on Alta Lake, which is wheelchair accessible with kitchen and bathroom facilities. We offer 2 hour private rowing lessons. Rowing offers independence, a great workout, and the thrill of gliding across Alta Lake. It is also a sought-after cross-training tool for competitive para-athletes. For seated participants, rowing can be an excellent way to open the chest and strengthen the muscles opposing those that are often overworked. Whether you are a beginner rower or an experienced athlete, Whistler Adaptive can offer a privately booked rowing session that is right for you.
What: Experience Alta Lake while gliding across the water in our adaptive rowing shells
When: By private booking
Who: 12+
What to bring: Waterproof shoes, hat, sunscreen, raincoat, change of clothes, water bottle
How to Register: Contact us here
**Interested in competing in adaptive rowing? Visit Rowing BC for more information on Para Rowing Centres for Excellence.
Whistler Adaptive offers 2 hour private sailing lessons out of the Whistler Sailing Club on Alta Lake. Our adaptive sailboat is suitable for individuals who use a wheelchair.
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
**Interested in competing in Para-sailing? Check out Sail Canada’s Paralympic pathways: https://www.sailing.ca/cansail-para/
Enjoy land activities and sports, such as hiking, scavenger hunts and ball games, for the 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: Thursday 1:30 pm-5:00 pm
from July 2-September 3
How to register: Contact us here
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) | or by private booking
Where: Various locations
Age range: All ages
How to Register: Contact us here
We offer private lessons at Whistler Blackcomb for children and adults who ski, sit-ski or snowboard. 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: 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
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.
The Alpine Ski Racing program is designed for young adults and adult athletes who want to improve their skiing abilities and optionally participate in race programs. The program aims to improve skills in all terrain, to teach teamwork, and to gain confidence. Some athletes compete in the Special Olympics as well as regularly scheduled local races. Racecourses are used as a tool to improve technique, timing, balance, and confidence. The program runs throughout the winter months from 9 am-3 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the option to participate in the Kokanee Valley Race Series on some Thursdays. 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: Alpine Ski racing program for adults who want to improve their skiing abilities and participate in ski racing programs.
When: Jan 14 - April 7 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm)
Where: Carleton Lodge patio
Age range: 19+
How to Register: Contact us here
**Competitive pathways exist with Special Olympics BC and BC Adaptive Snowsports.
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: January 9th to March 19th; Thursdays 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM | or by private booking
Where: Cross Country Connection at the Passivhaus, Lost Lake trail network.
Age Range: All Ages starting at 3
How to Register: Contact us here
**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: January 9th to March 19th; Thursdays 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM | or by private booking
Where: Cross Country Connection at the Passivhaus, Lost Lake trail network.
Age Range: All Ages starting at 3
How to Register: Contact us here
New to adaptive sport and the community? Our yoga program is a great introduction to Whistler Adaptive. As an open and inclusive therapeutic program, yoga allows people of all physical and cognitive ability levels to get in touch with their bodies, still their minds and focus on their wellbeing. With a great community of yoga instructors, Whistler Adaptive is able to offer this inexpensive program in Whistler and Pemberton. Our teachers are also trained in chair yoga and are experienced in working with individuals with mobility restrictions. Teacher/volunteer ratios are kept to 1:2 even in group settings.
Adult Yoga is a great introductory course for individuals new to yoga and athletes who are interested in developing their practice. The one-hour sessions start with pranayama or breathing exercises and then moves into asanas or physical postures. Our classes are appropriate for beginner to intermediate yoga participants with adaptations available for any ability level. Classes are based on finding balance between stability, strength, flexibility, and mental focus. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. All other yoga equipment will be provided.
What: Adult Yoga introductory and therapeutic yoga classes.
When: October 19 - June 22 (Mondays 2pm - 3pm)
Where: Yogacara Whistler
Age range: 13+
Register: Contact us here
Adult swimmers learn to train for swim competitions in our weekly swim sessions. Practices are held for 1.5 hours a week. A typical session includes a warm up, stroke development, endurance building activities, and a cool down. Athletes have the option to compete in Special Olympic swim meets. Practices are run by NCCP Certified coaches. Please bring a bathing suit, towel, and goggles. All other swim equipment will be provided.
What: The adult swimming program is for adults who want to improve their swimming abilities and participate in Special Olympic swim meets.
When: Sept 27 - June 26 (Fridays 12:30pm - 2pm)
Where: Meadow Park Sports Centre (Meet on the pool deck)
Age range: 16+
Register: Contact us here
**Competitive pathways exist with Special Olympics BC.
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 often 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: 19+
When: Oct 10- Dec 12 (Thursdays 1 pm - 2 pm)
Where: Meadow Park Sports Centre / Whistler Mountain Ski Club
How to register: Contact us here
