Whistler Adaptive follows The Responsible Coaching Movement. All volunteers must complete a screening and criminal record check, High Five, Commit to Kids, and Respect and Ethics in Sport training. Shifts range from one hour to eight hours depending on the activity. We offer seven days per week of programming for the local Sport Academy athletes, as well as daily ski, sit-ski, and snowboard lessons in the winter, partner group bookings, multi-day adaptive sport camps, and adaptive equipment rentals. To register please fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
Whistler Adaptive supports volunteers in joining the Coaches Association of Canada and professional development and coach education through the National Coaches Certification Pathway. We also provide support and training opportunities through viaSport, Canada Sport for Life, BCRPA and other certification bodies. We encourage training and certification that enhances the diversity and inclusion of our programming including subject matter relating and not limited to Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, and LGBTQI2S.
Volunteers can help with the following programs:
Term: December to April
Hours: 2 days (14 hours) per week
Meeting Locations: Carleton Lodge Patio
Description: 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. Skiers ages range from early twenties to mid-forties and have some cognitive disabilities that can also result in some decreased motor function. The goal of the program is to improve basic skills in all terrain, to teach teamwork, and to gain confidence. Some athletes compete in the Special Olympics, Para-Alpine events as well as regularly scheduled local 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.
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Term: December to April
Hours: 1 day (7 hours) per week
Meeting Locations: Carleton Lodge Patio
Description: The U19 Freeride program is designed for youth who want to improve their skiing abilities and optionally participant in race programs. The goal of the program is to improve basic skills in all terrain, to teach teamwork, and to gain confidence. The program runs on Saturdays during the winter from 8:30am-3:00pm. A typical day consists of 6-8 runs on intermediate to advanced groomed runs, with a 1 hour lunch break.
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Term: January to early April
Hours: 2-6 per week
Meeting Locations: Cross Country Connection or Whistler Olympic Park
Description: The weekly Nordic/Snowshoe program runs on Thursdays from 3:30 pm-5:00 pm out of Cross Country Connection at Lost Lake. This program is open to beginner and intermediate snowshoers and nordic skiers of all ages. The program is designed to introduce cross country skiing or snowshoeing to new participants and improve the skills of those already skiing or snowshoeing. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to be a buddy for a student taking cross country skiing lessons out of Cross Country Connection or Whistler Olympic Park. Every winter Whistler Adaptive hosts a Soldier On camp which includes cross country skiing out of Whistler Olympic Park, for which we need many Nordic/Snowshoe volunteers. Even if you do not have much cross country skiing or snowshoeing experience we would be happy to have you do the training so you can volunteer!
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Term: June to September
Hours: 2-8 hours per week (1-2 days)
Meeting Locations: Wayside Park or Alta Lake Station House at Alta Lake Park
Description: Whistler Adaptive offers a variety of water sports on beautiful Alta Lake including canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing and sailing. Our weekly kayaking program runs on Mondays from 9 am-3 pm, and the weekly canoeing program runs Thursdays from 10 am-12 pm. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to help with private paddling and sailing sessions.
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Term: July to August
Hours: 2-8 hours per week (1-2 days)
Meeting Locations: Wayside Park for Alta Lake Station House at Alta Lake Park or other locations around the Sea to Sky
Description: Whistler Adaptive offers a Kids Camp for school ages children with a diverse set of needs which consists of canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, physical literacy games and exercises. Our weekly kids camps run on Mondays from 9 am-3 pm, and Fridays from 9 am-3 pm.
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Term: Year round
Hours: 2-6 per week (1-2 days)
Meeting Locations: Various
Description: A Program Volunteer in landsports will assist our Program Leaders in activities such as hiking, swimming, physical literacy, and yoga. They will help to create a safe and supportive environment that will allow adaptive athletes to be successful in their chosen activity. Programs run from 1 to 4 hours. Volunteers will be informed of location for programming via email the week prior to the program.
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Term: June to September
Hours: 2-6 hours per week (1-2 days)
Meeting Locations: Cross Country Connection or Athletes Center Cheakamus
Description: 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. We offer biking to cognitively challenged learners, para-athletes and individuals with sensory disabilities. Our weekly biking program runs on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm, however volunteers will also have the opportunity to help with private lessons including using our three-wheel adaptive mountain bikes.
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Term: Year Round
Hours: 1 - 6 hours
Meeting Locations: Various locations in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton
Description: 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.
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