If local mountains keep getting dumped on, they’re in for a record-breaking season, a boon to snow-loving Vancouverites. Those who are obsessed with snow but limited by cash flow may want to check out one way to get free skiing while giving back.

Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports is now seeking volunteers. With the motto of “making the mountain accessible to all”, the organization runs ski and snowboard programs for people with physical or mental challenges at Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress mountains.

It uses adaptive equipment along with specialized instruction techniques to maximize people’s independence on the slopes, whether they’re beginner or advanced.

Aside from free skiing or snowboarding on the days they teach, volunteer instructors get free ski and/or snowboard lessons for their own skill development plus a free six-hour on-slope introduction to teaching theory through the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) or Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI).

Those who want to work with people in the stand-up ski or snowboard program need to be competent on blue runs: strong enough on the slopes so that they don’t fall and can ensure their student is supported, physically, if needed.

Volunteering for sit skiing requires intermediate to advanced skills.

Click here for more details.