Volunteer with us
Volunteers are the backbone of CADS. We need intermediate to expert skiers to assist each of our skiers with disability. Some of our volunteers are qualified ski instructors, but many aren’t. We provide training, and free lift passes. If are considering becoming a volunteer with the CADS Edelweiss program please let Jeff Boucher know by email, or phone : 613-884-3637.
Volunteer Appreciation and Incentives
As each skier requires at least one volunteer (and often two) as partners, the number of skiers that Edelweiss can accept into its program safely is tied directly to the number of volunteers available.
Pre-Season Training
Before the start of the program, a two day training session is offered to all ski partners. The session lasts from 8:30 am until 3 pm, with most of the time being spent on the hill. Trainees are assigned to a certified instructor who takes them through all the skills and knowledge needed to perform the role of a ski partner. It is very important that all volunteers, new or returning attend the training sessions as it provides our first opportunity to walk through changes to the program, review safety requirements, and most of all, improve our skiing and teaching techniques!
See the schedule for the dates of the training weekend.
On-going Support
During the course of the program, instructors will be visiting skiers and their ski partners and providing instruction to both. This is augmented by Tuesday night ski improvement sessions at 7pm for all partners, where you can learn new Adaptive Skiing techniques or work on improving their own skiing abilities..
In addition, supervisors are available throughout each program day for guidance.
Certification
We encourage our experienced volunteers to become certified CADS ski instructors, and even certified CSIA ski instructors. But it’s not necessary to be certified to start.
Schedule of CADS courses within the NCD area
Program Coordinator:
Randy Innes
email randyinnes@gmail.com