Winter Volunteering
Join us in making a difference by volunteering with Summit Adaptive Sports for our winter programs. Your time and dedication can transform lives, providing opportunities for everyone to participate in adaptive sports and enjoy the thrill of outdoor activities. Whether you're assisting with training, guiding participants, or supporting events, your involvement is crucial. Be part of an inspiring community, gain valuable experience, and help create unforgettable memories. Kick Off is held mid fall. Click on the link below to submit an application to volunteer with us and make a lasting impact!
We are currently recruiting for our winter sports.
Email us at summitadaptivesports@gmail.com
Thank You For Your Interest in Joining Our Team
Becoming a volunteer coach is a wonderful opportunity to meet great people, experience exciting challenges, improve your skiing/riding skill, contribute to our community, and have fun!
By working together, we all help to create a fun learning environment that allows our athletes to excel. SUMMIT ADAPTIVE SPORTS will do its best to equip its volunteer coaches with the skills and knowledge necessary for our athletes to have a very rewarding experience. In return, we ask volunteers to take their commitment to SUMMIT ADAPTIVE SPORTS, and the athletes, very seriously.
Although volunteers do not receive monetary compensation, you do receive many benefits including season’s passes, lift tickets, and discounts (based on the number of hours you volunteer).
Requirements
-
Be prepared to love this job!
-
Be at least an intermediate skier or rider, or both!
-
Attend Kick-Off for 2024-25 Season, Mid Fall 2024
-
Commit to mandatory Training held October through December including:
-
Indoor Training - in person and via zoom on many topics related to snow sports, working with individuals with disabilities, the adaptive equipment we use personal skiing and riding skills, and more. Approximately 10 hours for new volunteers.
-
On Snow Clinics - we are on snow as soon as possible covering above topics and practicing with equipment.
-
Safesport Training (an online module on keeping a safe environment for all)
-
Commit to coaching 2 lessons each week January through mid-March, approximately 10 weeks. (Exact dates depend upon opening and closing of the season at the mountain.)
-
Lessons are private or small groups, with 1-2 coaches depending on the participants abilities.
-
Each lessons is scheduled for 2.5 hours.
Get Started
-
Step 2: Once application is received we will send you information and links to complete:
-
SafeSport (online)
-
Ski Sundown Pass Application & Background Check (paper)
-
Waivers for Summit Adaptive Sports and Ski Sundown (online)
-
Early Fall 2024 you will receive the in-person/online training schedule
-
A Few Notes
Helmets are required for all our coaches and participants while on the mountain. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to coach participants but we have other opportunities for those interested in getting involved before they turn 16.
Winter Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to become an adaptive coach?
Please register by clicking this link Volunteer Registration Form and you will be taken to our registration form.
What is my time commitment for a season?
Coaching
For our winter program of skiing and riding we ask for a commitment of 10 days. Usually coaches pick one weekend day. We usually have lessons starting about January 1st and running through mid March. There is opportunity to do additional lessons (holiday weeks or long season). If you need to switch a day we request that you find another volunteer to swap days since we pre-book all our lessons based on number of volunteer coaches we have committed in each time slot.
Training
Summit has a minimum training commitments and coaching requirements that vary by sport. For skiing & riding we have an approximately 10 hour indoor training (some training is available by zoom) commitment beginning mid Fall. When on snow training is available we hold preseason clinics on weekend days. We also hold cross training sessions some evenings, usually early in the season, so skiers can learn to assist on a snowboard lesson and visa versa.
What is covered in training hours?
Training to become an adaptive coach covers many topics including Coaching Basic (101), Working with Individuals with Disabilities, the adaptive equipment we use (and when we are on snow, we practice with all of our equipment), personal skiing and riding skills, and more.
Will I be one-on-one with a student?
In addition to our preseason training our coaches get 'on the job' training during their first years so you will be paired with an experienced coach on your early lessons until you and our supervisors agree that you are ready to be one-on-one. Our supervisors are on the mountain during lessons, or in the chalet, to give advice and help out as needed. We use radios to communicate with each other during lessons as needed.
Can I get my PSIA-AASI certification while volunteering?
Our goal is to have as many certified coaches as possible so we are very happy to encourage you to go for your certification and will help as we are able.
Do we wear uniforms?
Yes, we have shell jackets that will work for most sports. You can layer as needed underneath. We take a deposit of $125 which will be returned when you turn in the jacket. Vests are permitted on warm days and we have identifying patches that can be sewn on. We recommend that you wear black ski pants (for snowsports) on your lessons.
Our Mission:
To foster a healthy lifestyle through outdoor sports for individuals with disabilities in a fun, accessible and inclusive environment.
126 Ratlum Road, New Hartford, CT 06057
