- Term: January to early April
- Hours: 2-6 per week
- Meeting Locations: Cross Country Connection or Whistler Olympic Park
Description:
The weekly Nordic/Snowshoe program runs on Thursdays from 3:30 pm-5:00 pm out of Cross Country Connection at Lost Lake. This program is open to beginner and intermediate snowshoers and nordic skiers of all ages. The program is designed to introduce cross country skiing or snowshoeing to new participants and improve the skills of those already skiing or snowshoeing. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to be a buddy for a student taking cross country skiing lessons out of Cross Country Connection or Whistler Olympic Park. Every winter Whistler Adaptive hosts a Soldier On camp which includes cross country skiing out of Whistler Olympic Park, for which we need many Nordic/Snowshoe volunteers. Even if you do not have much cross country skiing or snowshoeing experience we would be happy to have you do the training so you can volunteer!
Responsibilities:
- Weekly program: taking participants out on the Lost Lake trails, teaching basic Nordic skills and providing instruction, playing games to improve skills
- Buddy Lessons: attending lessons with a participant to provide any extra assistance that is needed
- Camps and Private Bookings: Assist leader in organizing groups, assisting participants, and having fun!
Physical Requirements of the Role:
- Reasonable fitness to cross country ski or snowshoe for 1.5 hours
- Adequate knowledge of the trails
- Satisfactory criminal record check
Training:
- Required: Nordic volunteer training at Lost Lake (covers cognitive, para and VI)
- Canadian Association of Ski Nordic Instructors (CANSI) and Nordiq Canada (ICC & CC AWAD) certification is an asset but not required
Conditional Requirements Based on Population:
- Para population requires stronger skiing level and ability to lift 60+ pounds
- PTSD, understanding of triggers and trauma sensitivity
- Children, youth, and individuals with sensory disabilities require additional teaching skills and training courses.