Ready, Set, Snow - Participant Fitness Program for Adaptive Snowsports

The Ready, Set, Snow - Participant Fitness Program for Adaptive Snowsports is designed to give participants with disabilities the chance to improve their physical fitness before the ski and snowboard season begins in January. The program will run from October to December 2026 and provide weekly fitness sessions that are tailored to each participant’s needs, ensuring that they are physically and mentally prepared for adaptive lessons on the hill from January to March 2027. This preparation period is critical, as many participants face barriers to accessing fitness opportunities in traditional gyms, which often lack the accessible equipment, support, or inclusive environment needed to help them succeed.

The project focuses on hiring a qualified instructor to design and lead fitness sessions that address strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, all key components for success in skiing and snowboarding. These sessions will be adapted to individual abilities so that every participant, regardless of their disability, can work toward their goals in a safe and supportive environment. To make this possible, funds will cover the cost of hiring a fitness leader as well as renting a location or covering entrance fees at a facility with accessible equipment. This ensures participants can train in an inclusive space where accessibility is prioritized, reducing barriers to participation.

By building fitness ahead of time, participants will start the season with greater confidence, stamina, and readiness, which will improve their experience in lessons and reduce the risk of injury. The program will also provide an opportunity for social connection, as participants will train together and begin building relationships with peers before the lessons begin. This early sense of belonging will strengthen engagement and encourage participants to continue throughout the season.

The expected results are clear: participants will be better prepared physically and emotionally to take on adaptive skiing and snowboarding, they will benefit from increased access to fitness opportunities that meet their needs, and they will experience improved confidence and inclusion. This project will not only prepare individuals for the slopes but will also contribute to long-term wellness by showing that accessible, adaptive fitness can open doors to greater participation in adaptive Snowsports and community life.

The Participant Fitness Program will benefit a wide range of individuals and the community as a whole. The primary beneficiaries are participants with disabilities who are registered in the adaptive skiing and snowboarding program. These participants often face barriers to traditional fitness opportunities, such as cost, lack of accessible equipment, or programs that do not accommodate their diverse needs. By providing access to specialized fitness sessions from October to December, the program ensures that participants are physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming adaptive Snowsports season. This preparation not only enhances their fitness but also builds confidence, reduces the risk of injury, and allows them to fully enjoy and benefit from the lessons starting in January.

Families of participants will also benefit. Seeing their children, youth, or adult family members thrive through increased physical activity and social interaction brings relief, pride, and reassurance. Families will have greater peace of mind knowing their loved ones are entering the Snowsports program stronger, healthier, and better prepared, reducing concerns about safety and accessibility.

Volunteers and instructors will benefit indirectly, as participants who arrive prepared and confident are easier to support, creating a smoother, more positive teaching and mentoring experience. This strengthens the bond between volunteers and participants and helps mentors see the tangible difference their support makes.

At the community level, the project builds inclusivity by removing barriers to sport and recreation for individuals with disabilities. It promotes wellness, social participation, and equity by offering opportunities that many would not otherwise have. The program’s design also highlights collaboration with local accessible fitness facilities, reinforcing the importance of community partnerships to create sustainable, inclusive programs.

In total, we expect approximately 150 participants with disabilities to directly benefit from this initiative, alongside their families, caregivers, and roughly 350 volunteers who will experience stronger, more prepared participants during the adaptive Snowsports season. This ripple effect strengthens the entire community by fostering belonging, wellbeing, and inclusion.