Considered one of the largest programs of its kind in the country, the skiing/boarding program at Edelweiss has been active since 1979.  Serving more than 100 snow enthusiasts for the weekends in January and February, the CADS Edelweiss program offers more than 4,500 hours of outdoor recreation to the disabled community of Ottawa-Hull and surrounding region.

Our program is strictly volunteer based. Each disabled skier/boarder is partnered with at least one and sometimes two volunteers. 150 volunteers participate in the program but we are always in need of more! Volunteers are trained on a regular basis and certification is both offered and encouraged on a regular basis. Volunteers receive complimentary lift tickets in exchange for assisting a skier/boarder for a day on the slopes.

Skiers/Boarders pay a program fee similar to a ski school program. The cost of providing partners and adaptive equipment is more than 3 times this cost. To make up the difference, the program relies on community support, sponsors and fundraisers.

CADS Edelweiss promotes fun and excitement for both the volunteer and the skier, while keeping safety in mind. The following two quotes from long standing CADS Edelweiss members, the first a skier, and the second a volunteer demonstrate the tip of the iceberg:

• CADS provides me with an opportunity to experience recreation and friendship in a really fun environment where nobody judges me.

• CADS is about hoping you make a difference in the lives of your skiers and knowing they make a difference in yours!

Come out and experience it for yourself! New volunteers and skiers are welcome.  We are hoping to make ski and board season our best ever!

  Program Coordinator:
  Jeff Boucher

email EdelweissProgram@CADS-NCD.ca
  613-884-3637