Program Overview
The Powderhounds 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 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-1 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 sit-ski is needed we provide the sit-ski. 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 $55.00 for the season, which includes the $10.00 (PIM) membership and a $45.00 donation, which helps us with programs and equipment. Along with this, we require all participants to have a BC Adaptive Snowsports membership, which costs $55.00 for the season. So, total membership costs add up to $110 for the season. We also offer a one-lesson trial with a “One Day” membership.
All registration is done through www.BCAdaptive.com. Please email phparticipants@pimbc.ca before registering with BCAS and the Powderhounds program – phparticipants@pimbc.ca.
Once you have emailed the program to ensure availability then 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.
