Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ for Students
What types of disabilities do you support?
ASSP provides a Program that focusses on inclusivity and acceptance of all persons with disabilities. These can range from autism, learning difficulties, ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Disorder, brain injuries, stroke, paraplegia, quadriplegia, visual and hearing impairment, amputation, aging related disorders, mental health diagnoses, and all cognitive and physical disorders. Our Instructors value your input into the best way to support students during their lessons.
How long are the lessons and where do we meet?
Each lesson is approximately 2 hours and mainly 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. Flexibility is available for lessons other than the regular Locals’ Lesson Sets. These are set days and times for 5 consecutive weeks.
You will meet your Instructors outside the Village Day Lodge for your first lesson unless otherwise instructed. Meeting places for subsequent lessons will be arranged between instructor and student/guest/family. Students must be ‘handed’ over to a responsible care giver/parent at the end of each lesson as part of our Duty of Care as CADS Instructors. This is a National directive from The Canadian Adaptive SnowSports body.
Where can I get ski/boarding equipment?
Unfortunately ASSP is unable to provide skis, boards, clothing, goggles, gloves or helmets but from time to time we do receive donations of gently used gear so please let us know if we can help. The Canadian Adpative Snowsports.BC Adaptive Snowsports/ASSP membership required for participation in programs, entitles the student/guest to 20% off rental gear at Sun Peaks Rentals. Consigner Sports in Kamloops has a vast range of gently used ski and snowboard equipment available for sale. We recommend all second hand equipment be safety checked prior to your lesson and be in sound condition and good repair. The use of second hand helmets is not recommended due to their unknown damage history. Several grants are available for sports equipment. Please check the ‘financial assistance’ page under ‘lessons’ on the ASSP website.
I’ve never skied or boarded before. What can I do to prepare?
Throughout the off season, endeavor to be physically active as you can in preparation. Learning any new sport can be tiring and our Instructors will ensure you take adequate rest breaks during your lesson. Children with a cognitive disability are best prepared using story boards, equipment familiarisation and rehearsal leading up to their first lesson. Meeting your Instructors ahead of time can be arranged to reduce anxiety and understand what to expect.
Do you offer any financial support for lessons?
Locals’ lessons are heavily subsidised due to the generosity of sponsorship and Grants, however there are options to assist with lesson costs. For more information, please see under ‘lessons…financial assistance’ on our website or contact ASSP directly via email at adaptivesportsatsunpeaks@gmail.com to contact our Executive Director.
Will I have the same instructors for all my lessons?
Our schedulers attempt to match you to 1 or 2 instructors and keep the same ‘team’ together. We follow the “rule of two” and provide a minmum of 2 instructors per student.
What if my Doctor doesn’t approve of me skiing or boarding?
You may wish to postpone lessons until your Doctor approves as your safety is paramount to your on snow experience with our Program. You have the right to sign a waiver form stating you are not seeking Doctor’s approval but please read this carefully when registering for your lesson. Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks reserves the right to deny service for medical, safety or behavioural reasons.
Do I need my personal care attendant to be present during my lesson?
ASSP Instructors are not expected to perform personal care for their students therefore it is requested a carer be close by to assist when necessary before, during and after the lesson. Should a carer be required to accompany the student/guest during the lesson, BCAS membership will need to be taken out by that carer. Membership entitles the on snow carer to half price lift tickets at Sun Peaks and many resorts. Parents/care givers are welcome to join in the lesson upon discussion with the Instructor and Manager should this be in the best interests of the student.
Please see the section on ‘Lesson Expectations’ under the Lessons’ drop down heading for further information.
How do I register for lessons and what are the costs?
Please see our registration pages under ‘lessons’ where you can register for lessons by logging in to http://assp.skiportal.org
The cost is $135* for a 5 lesson Set for Locals from the TNRD District starting in January each year. Lessons are for 2 hours duration at the same time each week.
The cost for Locals wishing to book a one off 2 hour lesson is 50*. This is also for School District 73 students with a disability booking to ski with ASSP during their school visits.
For Guests from overseas, the Lower Mainland and other parts of Canada, the cost for a 2 hour lesson is $180* and a minimum of 48 hours notice is requested.
*Membership with Canadian Adaptive Snowsports is required.
Please see ‘Booking a Lesson’ and ‘Lesson Pricing’ under ‘Lessons’.
What if it’s too cold for my lesson?
ASSP has a cold weather policy of cancelling lessons when the temperature is 15 degrees (celsius) below zero and minus 12 degrees for sit ski lessons. This is to ensure your safety and comfort. The decision to cancel lessons due to expected cold temperatures is made the day before at 4pm following consultation with the weather reports. Students and Instructors will be notified soon after 4pm. Make up lessons are difficult to arrange but can be discussed on an individual basis.
