We’re happy to give you an overview of Powderhounds. Our program is designed to assist anyone at any age with physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges who want to enjoy the slopes at Big White.
Our program offers instruction suited to the needs of each participant. We are all certified Adaptive Ski Instructors and we are all volunteers! The lessons are either 10:00 am -12:00pm or 1:00pm -3:00pm. We have sessions running 7 days a week although some days have more space than others.
We provide upright ski instruction with whatever aides may be necessary and we also offer sit-skiing for those who need the additional support. We also have a snowboard program with limited space. Each lesson is customized for the needs of each student, although the typical structure is a 2 instructor to one student ratio.
Parents/Caregivers are responsible for getting the participants to the hill and being at the meeting place in the village centre for the start of their lesson, dressed and ready to ski. We do not provide skis or boots, but these can be rented at the Big White rental shop on the hill. If a bit of assistance to get the skis and boots on is needed at the start then that can be accommodated. If a sitski is needed we provide the sitski. We do not have helmets and goggles to lend due to covid protocol so students must bring their own.
The cost of registering with our Adaptive Snow Sports program will be $52.00 for the season which includes the $10.00 (PIM) membership and a $42.00 donation which helps us with programs and equipment. Along with this, we require all participants to have a BC Adaptive Snowsports membership, which is a cost of $53.00 for the season. So total membership costs add up to $105 for the season. We also offer a one lesson trial with a “One Day” membership.
All registration is done through www.BCAdaptive.com. Go to the membership tab above (BCAS Membership & Powderhounds Registration) and join now. You will select BC AND THEN PHAS (Powderhounds) as your club! Please make certain that it says Powderhounds at the top of the screen. You will then be able to set up your profile, pay your memberships and use this login to see your lesson calendar once you have been accepted.
Other than those membership costs, you will need to purchase your lift ticket and equipment rental (if required). With your participant’s BC Adaptive Snowsports membership Big White will give a 50% discount on lift ticket price and rentals.
