Know of any Skiing-related Volunteer Opportunities?

[Quiver Queen]

A post by SnowflakeADK referencing the Double-H Ranch, and its adaptive skiing program thru which she volunteers, got me wondering if Divas knew of any other worthwhile programs where we could volunteer our time and skills on the snow?

 

[Robyn]

Here in Colorado we have the National Sports Center for the Disabled based at Winter Park which I'm sure can use volunteers.

Selfishly I'll speak up for Team Summit who can always use more coaches (this is a paid position) and volunteers to help us put on race days (4-5 per season). If you're interested in this opportunity send me a pm and I'll hook you up with the right person.

 

[LilaBear]

I've contacted two Adaptive Skiing organisations in Colorado that are looking for volunteers. I'll probably volunteer at ESRP at Eldora, it's my closest ski resort. Breckenridge was the other I contacted.

Both offer training, classroom and snow based, and they need averagely competent skiers - blue runs and above. It looks like you can be involved in anything from guiding a blind skier to working with the sit-skis, they work with children and adults. They've asked for more people this year to help with returning veterans. In return for a minimum commitment of around ten days per season you will receive a season pass for the following year.

 

[cinnabon]

Certain areas specialize in working with disabled skiers - you might be able to find out Googling for adaptive ski programs. The one I know for sure in the Northeast is Pico in VT, but I know there are others. I'm not sure if all of these programs use volunteers or not. There are other volunteer things you can do, like being a Mountain host or Ambassador, but this is more of a time commitment.

 

[Pequenita]

In Boston, there is Youth Enrichment Services.

 

[Snowsong]

I think most states have a Special Olympics program. Volunteers are needed at the local level for weekly practice sessions and training in preparation for the regional and state competitions. If you don't have time for the local team, the regional and state competitions need volunteers for the 3 days of competition to help out. I ran my county program for several years. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. The volunteer work also helped me to obtain my job because of the experience of working with people who have disabilties. One of my friends helped out with a competition. She said at first she wondered what she had gotten into..the athlete needed help putting everything on, was dropping things, clumsy. Then she said they put the skis on, the athlete started skiing, and it was beautiful!

 

[jaydog]

In the Seattle area we have Outdoors for All, and its adaptive ski program, Ski-for-All. One of their annual fundraisers is an on-hill demo day.

www.outdoorsforall.org