Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS)
Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS) provides skiing and snowboarding programs for persons with disabilities on our spectacular North Shore Mountains.
VASS is a non-profit organization run by volunteers that accommodates all disabilities and levels from beginner through to advanced. Instructors are qualified with The Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers instructor certification. VASS is associated with Disabled Skiers Association of BC and The Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing, and offers Learn-to-Ski/board, Skill improvement, Recreational Adaptive Racing Programs and advanced Adaptive Race Training (in cooperation with the Tyee Ski & Snowboard Club). It's a fun and worthwhile opportunity for volunteerism in our community.
VASS programs include: Sit-skiing Bi-Skis, Mono-skis. Sit-skis make it possible for people with limited lower body strength, including those with paraplegia and quadriplegia, bilateral lower extremity amputations, or developmental disabilities to ski. Stand-up Skiing Standing skiers may require specialized teaching techniques or adaptive equipment such as outriggers, a ski walker or poles to help compensate for limitations in mobility and/or cognitive function.
Grouse Mountain supports VASS in its goal of making winter sports accessible to all people. For a detailed description of VASS student programs and opportunities for volunteers please visit
vass.ca.