PROGRAMS

The Disabled Skiers Association of BC offers a number of ski programs throughout the province. Depending on the need in various Zone areas, DSABC runs a variety of alpine and nordic programs. The eight zones are responsible for the learn-to-ski programs in their region. The specifics of each program may differ according to the zone.

Learn-to-ski Programs (adult) or “Look Mom – I can Ski!” (children)

Learn-to-ski programs form the core of DSABC programming throughout the province. Adults, teens, and children keen to hit the slopes are given the opportunity to learn adapted ski techniques in our specially designed classes. Students learn quickly with small classes, working one on one with volunteer instructors, in a safe & supportive environment.

All instructors are certified with CADS and receive the most up to date training on adaptive ski/snowboard techniques.

Ski Improvement Programs or “SKIMP”

These programs are designed to meet the needs of those students who have advanced beyond the learn-to-ski programs. The participants ski in groups of three or four, and experience greater independence. Students are given some initial exposure to race training.

Contact your Zone Representative for information on programs offered in your area.

Racing Programs or “Building Our Best”

Independent skiers keen to develop their techniques further or challenge themselves with racing are encouraged to try our new "Building Our Best" program. This program provides an introduction to alpine racing through a series of clinics, workshops and camps throughout the province. Local, provincial and national team coaches are present to support the athletes development and to identify talent for provincial and national teams.

We now have two great new racing programs to offer at Grouse and Whistler, they include learn to race and race development. For more details see the High Performance page.

If you are interested in the racing program please contact our High Performance Director, Sian Blyth.

Sitski Programs

Sitskiing has been developed to provide those people restricted to wheelchairs or otherwise unable to ski using conventional techniques or with outriggers for balance to learn to ski.

Sitski

A sitski is a piece of equipment that has a molded seat placed on a frame and this frame is attached to a ski. The seat should fit snugly since it acts in similar manner as a ski boot on the foot of a skier. The frame is mounted with a shock absorber and has the facility to be lifted so that it can be self loaded on a chairlift. The ski skier is also equipped with short adjustable outriggers to provide support when required and is an aid to assist turning the sitski.

Sledge

The sledge permits individuals with disabilities who are unable to ski using conventional techniques or with outriggers for balance. The skier is strapped into the sled-like ski in a sitting position. The ski is controlled by weight shifting by the skier, by poling action if applicable (those with upper body ability are fitted with short handled poles), and by the actions of a tether (controlled by a trained instructor or a companion).On the hill skiers can progress at their own rate and are accompanied by an instructor and an assistant.

Bi-ski

The bi-ski is a recent addition of equipment available for persons who have a weakness or paralysis of the lower limbs or have suffered the loss of the lower extremities.

If an individual does not have a good sense of balance or may have a weakness not only in their lower limbs but also in their upper limbs the bi-ski can be used. Using a bi-ski has the advantage of being higher above the snow surface than the sledge, thus providing better visibility to the skier. It is advised that a Tether person be used to assist the skier using the Bi-ski.


Canadian Adaptive Snowboard Program (CASP)

Snowboarding, as a relatively new sport, is also a newcomer to the adaptive field.

The Canadian Snowboard Federation formally recognized the development of adaptive snowboarding as being within its mandate in August 2004. Since that time it has undertaken significant initiatives – both within Canada and internationally – to provide snowboarders who have become disabled and others who live with a disability the opportunity to be a part of the sport, recreation, and lifestyle that is snowboarding.

A series of events and clinics have been proposed to start the 2007 CASP season:

  • Basic Coach Pilot Workshop (w/ integrated module for AWAD), Big White, BC
  • Adaptive Snowboarding Summit (Coaches, Officials & Athletes), Big white, BC
  • Learn to Ride Clinic (2 Day Clinic), Big White, BC
  • Train to Train Clinic (3 Day Clinic), Canada Olympic Park, AB
  • Canadian AS PGS Pilot Event (in conjunction with the NorAm), Lake Louise, AB
  • Fundamentals Clinic (5 week clinic- 2hrs/week), Seymour Mtn, BC
  • Train to Compete Clinic (3 Day Clinic), Le Relais, Qc
  • International Event Prep-day, Stoneham, Qc
  • International AS Demonstration Event (in conjunction with the World Cup Finals), Stoneham, Qc
  • AS International Information Seminar (in conjunction with the World Cup Finals), Qc
  • Learn to Ride Clinic (2 Day Clinic), Whistler BC

For more information on events, clinics, coaching workshops or to be a part of the CSF’s adaptive snowboarding mailing list, please visit www.csf.ca