Winter Volunteers
WASP recruits winter program volunteers to assist with the following programs:
- Alpine standing and sit-skiing
- Nordic standing and sit-skiing
- Alpine and Nordic races
To Volunteer
We do offer volunteer opportunities in our cross-country and para-alpine skiing programs during the Winter. Please complete our Volunteer Application Form to volunteers for these activities - note that this is a separate application to that for the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Learn to Ride Program (see below).
WASP the society runs year-round programs for which we are always looking for volunteers. One of the winter programs offered is the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Learn To Ride program, due to the size and nature of the program we are fortunate to have Whistler Blackcomb's support to administer and deliver the program, it has it's own supervisor, paid staff as well as a team of volunteers. The staff and volunteers are recruited and trained by Whistler Blackcomb.
To find out more about the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Learn to Ride Program please visit the following link: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rentals/adaptive/index.htm
For more information on volunteering with the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride Program, please visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/employment/Volunteer_WASP/index.htm.
Should you require more information about the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride program, please call 604.905.2071 or book your interview here: https://secure.whistlerblackcomb.com/ee/jobs.aspx.
The Whistler Adaptive Ski and Learn to Ride Program Supervisor will be returning to work in November and can be emailed with further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do all the acronyms mean?
WASP – Whistler Adaptive Sports Program - refers to the Whistler Adaptive Sports program. The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is a not-for-profit society that provides year-around, recreational programs for people of all ages with disabilities. We are a centre for learning and sports excellence that has a local, regional, national and international clientele and encourage independence, self-confidence and self-motivation for all of our athletes and participants through outdoor recreation.
CADS - Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing – is the National Sports Organization for Disabled Skiing, and it is through them that we can run certification courses. They set standards and protocol for all rovinces.
CSIA - Canadian Ski Instructor's Alliance - The national governing body for able-bodied ski instruction. CADS instructors follow CSIA teaching methodology, using adaptive techniques and equipment with their students as needed.
CASI - Canadian Alliance for Snowboard Instructors - The national governing body for able-bodied snowboard instruction. CADS instructors follow CASI teaching methodology, using adaptive techniques and equipment with their students as needed.
CSF – Canadian Snowboarding Federation – The Canadian Snowboard Federation is the national governing body for the sport of snowboarding. The CSF is developing and providing a comprehensive adaptive snowboarding program, which was formally
introduced for the 2007/08 program year.
DSABC - Disabled Skiers Association of British Columbia - refers to the Provincial Sports Organization for Disabled Skiing and Snowboarding. They oversee and aid 7 different zones province-wide. DSABC also oversees that BC Disabled Ski Team.
2. What do I have to do to become a volunteer for the winter?
You will need to become a member of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program at a cost of $5. You will also have to provide a current valid criminal record check.
Depending on the programs you would like to volunteer for, you may need some training.
You may also be asked to do a First Aid course.
You may need to attend a CADS (Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing) Level 1 certification course, and, if you are not CSIA or CASI certified, attend a 6 hour prerequisite CSIA or CASI training.
The pre-requisite to taking the CADS Level 1 course is either current CSIA / CASI Certification OR a 6 hours CSIA / CASI Training. The 6 hour Training is offered twice in December, but you need only attend only one. It is an all day session on the hill at Whistler Blackcomb.
3. What is the youngest age a volunteer can be?
You must be 16 years of age or older.
4. If I am not available during the Winter how else can I get involved?
The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is a comprehensive, four seasons organization.
We are always seeking volunteers for our summer season too. Other, non-sporting opportunities include volunteering for fundraising, marketing, administration support, amongst many other areas. Please email us or call 604-905-4493 to inquire on how to become involved with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
5. What are fees are required to volunteer in the winter?
$5 – WASP society membership fee. Join Now!
The $5 WASP membership fee entitles you to updates, invitations to members events, and much more.
For volunteering in the winter, you will need to become a member of Disabled Skiers Association of BC (DSABC). This currently is a $35 membership that provides liability insurance while you are participating in any activity with us. Go to www.disabledskiersbc.com to complete the registration.
6. When is winter volunteer hiring done?
Hiring is done throughout the winter. We find out how many volunteers are returning and then hire new volunteers accordingly.
A Criminal Record Check will be required in order to volunteer for WASP programs. Please try to come to the interview with your completed Criminal Record Check, or even better, include a copy with your application. Criminal record checks are generally provided free of charge, at local RCMP detachments, if you let them know you are a volunteer.
7. Do I have to do my days on a set day every week?
No, we understand that people schedules are flexible and fluctuate, while others are static. You can sign up for any days in advance. You can do several days in a row, if you like.
8. Can I volunteer if I don’t have a valid work permit/visa?
Given that there is no tangible (ie. Lift tickets or season’s pass) benefit to volunteering with our Adaptive Alpine Race Development, Nordic Skiing, Kayaking, Hiking/Trail Rider, Hand-cycling/Biking or Canoeing Programs we welcome all volunteers. Other, non-sporting opportunities include volunteering for fundraising, marketing, administration support, amongst many other areas. Please complete our Volunteer Appliaction Form, email us or call 604-905-4493 to inquire on how to become involved with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
Note that the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Learn To Ride program administered by Whistler Blackcomb does require a valid work VISA.
9. Am I considered an employee of Whistler Blackcomb or WASP?
You are considered a member and volunteer for the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. WASP has its own policies and procedures, which you are expected to follow.
Note that the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Learn To Ride program administered by Whistler Blackcomb has its own policies and procedures, which you are expected to follow.
10. How do I sign up for winter programs?
A WASP staff member will contact you and ask you to volunteer for programs that coincide with the availabilities that you gave on the Volunteer Application Form.
11. What is a typical day like?
Winter program days with WASP can vary. A program may be only a few hours or a full day. An Alpine/Nordic ski program day can either last a full day or a half day and there can be days in a row with the same participants.
12. Am I responsible for helping them go to the bathroom and administering medication?
You are responsible for accompanying any Guest who needs assistance to the washroom. You are not responsible for performing any toileting with them. You are not responsible for administering medication. Should a Guest require toileting or medication, they must be accompanied by a care-giver.
13. What if I cannot make one of the winter programs I said I would volunteer for?
On occasion situations arise making it necessary to miss a program. If this is the case, the Winter Program Coordinator appreciates as much notice as possible.
14. I don't know anything about disabled people. Can I still teach?
Yes, we will train you to work with different disabilities. You will be provided with information specific to the disability you are working with and you are also able to access the client profile, through the WASP extranet. You are encouraged to read all you can, prior to the program about the nature of the disability. The best way to learn is to get out and do it! You can also have a look at www.whistlerforthedisabled.com it is a terrific website that details all that Whistler has to offer for disabled people.
15. Where do the clients come from and what kind of disabilities do they have?
Our program participants range from individuals who live within the Sea to Sky Corridor (Whistler, Squamish, Mt. Currie, Pemberton), to visitors from the Lower Mainland, all over BC, all over Canada, and many international travelers. They are children (we take ages 3 and up), teens, adults or seniors. They both male or female. They may have physical disabilities (amputation, paraplegic, quadriplegic, visually impaired, hearing impaired, MS, cerebral palsy etc.), have a developmental disability (autistic, ADD, downs syndrome etc.) or a cognitive disability. They may have suffered injury or been born with their disability.
Although WASP is a fee for services organization, we do offer bursary assistance to individuals who are not able to afford the program prices.
16. Would I be sent out on a program alone?
No, our intent is to have any first year volunteer in a contributory role matched with a returning volunteer in the lead role. Once you are deemed proficient enough, you may take the lead role in a program.
17. Do I have to have my own equipment?
For our winter programs you will need your own alpine or nordic equipment.
18. Do I have pay for my own lift/trail tickets?
On the day you are volunteering or a complimentary lift/trail ticket is provided for you.
19. Do I provide my own transportation?
Yes, you are responsible for your own transportation. Many volunteers have been able to work out a carpool.
20. What are the benefits of volunteering with WASP?
>> Free lift/trail ticket on the days you are volunteering on the x-country trails or in the alpine
>> Lots of warm fuzzies
>> Social gatherings and special events
>> Develop skills and experience working with individuals with a disability
>> An opportunity to meet and work with a terrific bunch of people