VASS | About | Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports -

ABOUT

Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports

Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS) runs skiing and snowboarding programs for persons with a disability at Grouse, Seymour and Cypress Mountains. VASS makes the mountain experience accessible to all. VASS is a registered non-profit society, operated by a dedicated group of volunteers, which includes an active Board of Directors, program coordinators, instructors and administrators

We welcome students of all ages and disabilities and utilize adaptive equipment and/or specialized teaching techniques to maximize a person’s independence on the snow. To meet the needs of its members, VASS offers programs from beginner to advanced, which include snowboarding, sit-ski, stand-up skiing and advanced adaptive ski racing.

Our instructors are trained to use the adaptive equipment and specialized teaching techniques. They must successfully complete The Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing (CADS) instructor certification, which utilizes the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance certification methodology. We have been offering programs at Grouse Mountain since 1974.

VASS is affiliated with The Disabled Skiers Association of BC (DSABC) and The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS).

VASS is supported by Grouse, Seymour & Cypress Mountains. We are funded through community partnerships with local businesses, clubs/foundations, private donations and fundraising initiatives. Please contact our fundraising committee for further information.

Skill Levels

Beginner: Most programs are available to beginner skier/boarders who want to get out and have some fun on the slopes. Whether you have never skied before or only get out from time to time, most of our programs are geared to your level. These programs are open to all who want to learn the fundamentals of skiing/boarding or who wish to improve their skills. Check out: Monday Night Ski at Grouse, Tuesday Night Ski at Cypress, Tuesday Night Snowboard at Cypress, Wednesday Night Ski at Grouse, Saturday Morning Basic SitSki at Seymour, Sunday Morning Ski at Grouse.

Intermediate: Most intermediate skiers and boarders can attend any of the above lessons. The only specifically scheduled intermediate course for 2009 is Thursday Night SitSki at Grouse.

Advanced: If you are a long-time skier who feels comfortable and confident on the slopes, we are offering the following: Tuesday Night Advanced Ski at Cypress.

Racers: These are courses for skiers who wish to compete at provincial, national and/or international levels. Often skiers have been directed into these programs after having participated in another program. This year the Race Program runs on Thursdays and Saturdays. Racers must be able to attend BOTH sessions each week.