The purpose of The Hawkes Program is to create an environment where those with PTSD can meet up in a sport environment and interact in a peer to peer based setting. The Hawkes Program will host monthly sport sessions in an environment that would be low on PTSD triggers. Activities such as Nordic skiing, snow-shoeing, yoga, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking will be scheduled based on the appropriate seasons. Competitive pathways are available in most sports.
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 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
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! Whether you are looking to master your canoe strokes, or simply cruise Alta Lake we can provide a lesson for you! Please bring a Hat, sunscreen, change of clothes, waterproof shoes, and a waterbottle.
What: Canoeing program on Alta Lake
When: By private booking
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, we offer private kayak lessons tailored to individual needs. Whether you are looking to learn eddy turns and wet exits, or simply cruise Alta Lake we can provide a session for you. We offer a variety of boats and will provide all the necessary equipment. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, lunch, and a change of clothes.
What: Kayaking program on Alta Lake
When: By private booking
Where: The Cabin at Alta Lake Park
How to Register: Contact us here
Nordic skiing 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 and Whistler Olympic Park
Age Range: All Ages starting at 3
How to register: Contact us here
**Looking to compete in Adaptive Nordic? Competitive pathways exist through https://www.crosscountrybc.ca/
Snowshoeing
Programs run weekly during our winter season. Explore Whistler Olympic Park and the Lost Lake trail network 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 and Whistler Olympic Park.
Age Range: All Ages starting at 3
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 one-on-one rowing lessons. Rowing offers independence, a great workout, and the thrill of gliding across Alta Lake. Please bring waterproof shoes, hat, sunscreen, raincoat, and a water bottle.
What: Experience Alta Lake while gliding across the water in our adaptive rowing shells
When: By private booking
Who: 12+
How to register: Contact us here
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: All ages
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/
We offer private lessons at Whistler Blackcomb for children and adults with PTSD 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. Adaptive lessons run every day from 9 am to 3 pm from the beginning of December to the end of April. 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.
The Hawkes Yoga program is suitable for first responders, front line medical professionals, and members of the military community (retired or serving) who are looking to connect with others who work in high-stress environments, first response environments as well as those looking for support in a peer based environment. Classes are by donation. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle, mat, and a towel.
What: Hawkes restorative yoga program
When: Feb 6- April 30 (Thursdays 6 pm-7 pm)
Who: 18+ First responders and individuals with a PTSD diagnosis.
Where: Miller room at Myrtle Philip school
How to register: Contact us here