This winter the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) 2014 Learn to Ski/Snowboard Winter Sports Festival runs from Sunday, Jan. 5 to Thursday, Jan. 9 at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
“Anyone with a disability is welcome to apply,” said Rose Kerr, chair of the 2014 Learn to Ski Festival. “It’s a great opportunity to get involved and receive four consecutive days of ski/boarding instruction from our nationally certified instructors. VISAS provides free instruction, lift passes, equipment, two banquets, daily transportation from Courtenay to the mountain and a great time!”
The popular Winter Snowsports Festival is limited to 35 students and is open to anyone over the age of six who has some ability to learn, with priority given to first-time participants. “We have had people from as far away as Great Britain participate in the Festival,” added Kerr.
In its 22nd year, VISAS’s volunteer instructors are getting ready for another exciting year on the mountain. Over 80 VISAS ski and snowboarding instructors volunteer their time seven days a week to provide those with a physical or mental disability a chance to learn to downhill ski, snowboard or cross-country ski, and at very little cost.
It’s never too early to also start thinking about VISAS’s major fundraiser for the season, the Herb Bradley Pepsi Challenge (HBPC). Proceeds from the HBPC allow VISAS to continue to hold programs such as the Winter Snowsports Festival. Sponsor a team and enter this fun ski/snowboard event at Mount Washington on Sunday, Feb. 16.
For more details on the HBPC, the 2014 four-day Winter Snowsports Festival, and to download an application, visit www.visasweb.ca. Applications for January Snowsports Festival must be received by Dec. 12 to be eligible.
For additional information on the Festival contact Rose Kerr at 250-339-7035 or e-mail: rosekerr@telus.net. You will also find VISAS on Facebook and Flickr.
– Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports