Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports

The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) served 271 students with a volunteer cadre of 100+ instructors. The programme delivered an opportunity for students with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to experience and be trained in both downhill and cross-country skiing in a safe and fully-inclusive environment. Based at the Mount Washington Alpine Resort the programme was operational 7-day-per-week during the mountain’s winter season. In addition to an extensive drop-in programme VISAS offered several structured training sessions including a full-week Snow Festival for beginners a week-long Veterans Festival for disabled/ill veterans a Snowsports Development programme for skill advancement and a Have-A-Go programme for those just wanting to try snowsports before joining our regular programme. Our volunteers also take courses during the season to upgrade and maintain their teaching skills both on-mountain and/or travelling to other mountains participating in summits and festivals with other instructors from other mountains with adaptive programs.