Whistler Adaptive Ski & Scotiabank Learn to Ride Program

The Whistler Adaptive Ski and Scotiabank Learn to Ride Program is a therapeutic program that provides individualized ski or snowboard instruction to meet the needs of clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and other cognitive disabilities. In addition to learning ski, sit-ski or snowboard skills, this program provides an environment, which is ideal for increasing social skills, improving communication, and building self-confidence and self-esteem. It is taught by instructors trained to use specialized equipment, techniques and adaptations specific to the client’s disability.

We cater to all disabilities or special needs from ages 3 and up. Lessons typically run from 9am - 3pm. The meeting times may be adjusted to suit your needs.

Standing skiers employ various methods including one, two, three, or four-track skiing techniques. These techniques often use outriggers for balance and are named for the number of tracks left in the snow. Besides instruction, we can also provide physical and psychological support to those looking to be re-introduced to the sport, following injury.


Anybody can try this method. This popular sport makes skiing possible for many people including those with limited lower body strength, people who use wheelchairs; including those with paraplegia and quadriplegia, bilateral lower extremity amputations, or developmental disabilities. We have a full fleet of both bi-skis and mono skis.

*Please note there is a weight restriction for sit skiers of 200lbs, due to the holding capacity of the ski/binding


The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program offers a wide variety of snowboarding lessons for the beginner through the expert snowboarder. We have certified Snowboarding Instructors on staff to ensure that your experience is safe and fun. We also have a range of adaptive snowboarding equipment to help you learn and develop your snowboarding skills.


An Instructor provides instruction and/or guiding with or without audio/visual devices.


We offer a full range of products from any of the above full service lessons to the Lesson Buddy, which allows for integration into the mainstream Whistler Blackcomb Ski School - explained under Program Details.

To register for the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride Program, please click on the following link: http://www.whistleradaptive.com/programs_winter.php or
call the Whistler Blackcomb Reservation Centre at 1-800-766-0449

This option is for guests booked into any non-Whistler Adaptive Sports Program lessons at Whistler Blackcomb (ie. Adult, Teen, or Whistler Kids Ski/Snowboard School Lessons). This option provides trained personnel to assist the integration of the guest into their mainstream ski school lesson. This option must be used with a ski lesson and is not designed to replace a caregiver. Lift ticket and rental equipment are not included with the Lesson Buddy.

The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) does offer bursary assistance for Canadian Residents who cannot afford the above prices. You will be required to detail your financial situation to qualify for bursary assistance. Please contact us if you would like to be sent a Bursary Application Form.

Please note the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is a registered charity. The prices have been set to provide as many people as possible with the opportunity to access our beautiful mountains and enjoy the freedom of skiing and snowboarding. We rely on contributions, sponsorship, fundraising efforts and volunteers to run our services. Should you feel that you are financially capable we ask that you donate to our program to ensure our programs continued success. Please contact us to make a donation. Thank you for your support.

The Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride Program is located inside a store called "Essentially Blackcomb". To find this store first locate the Whistler Gondola in the Whistler Village, then turn with the gondola directly to your back and you will be facing Essentially Blackcomb. Our check in counter is located at the rear of the store, you will see our Whistler Adaptive Sports Program sign. The wheelchair access is on the left side of the building (with the gondola to your back) take the door to your right at the immediate top of the ramp and follow the signs, this sounds confusing but we are very easy to find.

1. A DSABC (Disabled Skiers Association of British Columbia) Membership is mandatory and must be purchased prior to the lesson. The membership is purchased online at www.disabledskiingbc.com and can be paid for by credit card or cheque. This is then valid for the entire season. By indicating that you are also registering for Zone 5 (WASP) of DSABC, you will also become a member of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
2. Warm clothing, including a hat, good water proof gloves and goggles.
3. Money to buy lunch, or bring a lunch.

Please Note: Our volunteers and instructors are not able to administer medication or cater to specific personal toileting needs. If you need help with these areas please arrange to have a family member or caregiver meet you throughout the day as required. A free lift ticket can be provided to facilitate this requirement.

2008.09 Programs	Price
Full Day Lesson & Lift Ticket	$218
Full Day Lesson Only	$199
Sea-to-Sky and Lower Mainland Resident - Full Day Lesson & Lift Ticket	$128
Sea-to-Sky and Lower Mainland Resident - Full Day Lesson Only	$109
Full Day "Buddy" (applies to those enrolled in mainstream Ski School Lessons)**	$55
Prices include equipment rental if required; the price does not change if you have your own equipment. All lesson with ticket packages include access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Sea to Sky and Lower Mainland area encompasses regions from D’Arcy through Langley Rates do not include taxes All guests are required to purchase a membership in the Disabled Skiers Association of BC (DSABC). ** To offset the cost of the DSABC membership, the very first buddy lesson of the season ($55), will be complimentary.

To register for the Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride Program, please click on the following link: http://www.whistleradaptive.com/programs_winter.php

Bursaries are available to Canadian residents who can’t afford the above prices. Please contact info@whistleradptive.com for a bursary application.