Athlete Development
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Canadian Adaptive
Snowsports
Snowsports
CADS ensures participants continue receiving value and development over the course of their involvment. In fact, many of our students discover such a sense of belonging during their involvment, they continue on to become instructors and volunteers with CADS themsleves. Our history and longevity in the ski and snowboard community over the last 49 years, allows us to see our students grow up and become the very best they can be, on and off the hills.
Adaptive Snowsports supports and encourages over 2,100 participants living with disabilities to be active for life and to work towards long-term development. CADS also supports over 1,600 certified instructors and over 1,500 volunteers to fully participate and to develop their skills to achieve their personal peak. In 2016 Alpine Canada Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CADS to make them the official provider of development programs for the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team.
By working directly with CADS we are able to provide resources and expertise to the entire CADS network for little to no cost. We also offer a five-day Learn to Race program that is coached by national team and provincial team coaches at the year-end CADS festival each season and provide multiple coach education opportunities at different clubs across the country.
Canada Snowboard, in partnership with the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) has created the Para-Snowboard Program, specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
The Program is divided into three levels: Learn, Train and Win.
Each level focuses on different aspects of skill development with the goal of fostering both lifelong para-snowboard participants and athletes capable of winning on the international stage.
Below is a link to learn more about Para snowboarding in Canada. The link provides the pathway for athletes and coaches to develop from first interaction to podium performance. It includes essential information such as classification protocols, eligible impairments, and the necessary equipment to kickstart your journey in Para Snowboard.
Carving the Future: Para Alpine Racing Introduction
Join Us at Owl's Head - March 12-13, 2025
REGISTER NOW
Don't miss this unique opportunity!
Ready to experience the excitement of racing? Join us for a two-day adventure into para-alpine skiing introduction at Owl's Head! Whether you've never seen a race gate or you're already carving through them, whether you are 10, 20, 40+ this program is for you
Your Journey Begins Here
Transform your skiing skills into racing prowess under the guidance of top Alpine Canada para alpine coaches in a supportive and safe environment. Train alongside Florence Carrier, an inspiring Owl's Head athlete and member of Alpine Canada's para next-gen team, who will share her racing experience and passion for the sport.
The Perfect Setting
Nestled in Quebec's Eastern Townships, Owl's Head offers breathtaking views of Lake Memphremagog and ideal conditions for learning racing techniques. Our well-maintained slopes provide the perfect training ground for aspiring and skilled para-athletes.
Perfect For You If:
You are a para skier: standing, sitting, or visually impaired
You love skiing and want to try something new
You're curious about racing
You want to challenge yourself
You can ski independently (with personal lift aid if necessary
Expert Leadership
Your adventure will be guided by:
Mark Newton - ACA Senior Manager, Para-Alpine Domestic Programs
Rachel Topping - ACA NextGen Coach
Dedicated support staff ensuring a safe learning environment
Program Highlights:
Introduction to racing techniques
Safe, fun and structured progression
Zero pressure - focus on discovery and enjoyment
All para skiing categories welcome
Supportive learning environment
Event Details:
When: March 12-13, 2025
Where: Owl's Head Ski Resort, Mansonville (QC)
Cost: FREE participation (Lift tickets available for CAD$25)
Accommodation with accessible rooms nearby:
Hotel Verso, Manoir des Sables and Auberge du Grand Lac.
An event organized by Alpine Canada and Owl's Head Ski Club
in collaboration with CADS, PARASPORT, SQA & ASAQ
.
Have any questions?
Mark Newton. ChPC | ALPINE CANADA ALPIN
Senior Manager, Para-Alpine Domestic Programs and Pathways
M: 250.580.2017
E: mnewton@alpinecanada.org
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CARVING THE FUTURE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQyEWP9eNxA
Coaching Program:
Para Sport and Community eLearning:
https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#SB-PCC-E
This workshop takes ~1.5 hours and is eligible for 3 PD points by coaches, aimed to provide updated information to Para Sport Pathway for coaches and community members
Free
My son Jamie participates in CADS because he needs a little extra help on the hill. CADS has helped him get past the challenges of autism and find freedom and success on the hill. CADS has been a life changer not only for Jamie, but for our whole family!
Jamie's Mom
I loved getting to meet all sorts of different people, and getting to know my CADS Ski Instructors at Festival. They were so kind, helpful, and so much fun to be around. Now... let’s talk about that award. Canadian Skier of the year! Never in a million years did I think I would receive an award like that in my life. I still struggle to wrap my mind around it! It was a great honor, and certainly a huge surprise.
Kate Gibbs
The 'all inclusive nature' of the CADS organization (Instructors, volunteers, athletes and families) are diverse, and we truly felt that all were inclusive. There seemed to be no judgement of others. This is something most groups strive for, but as you know rarely can achieve.
Karen and Brad Benoit
Fun Inclusion Respect
...CADS lives on the sports hills of Canada...
