Adult Adaptive Downhill Snowsports (A.A.D.S.) at Mansfield Ski Club is a volunteer-based, non-profit adaptive snowsports program that creates inclusive opportunities for adults with disabilities, aged 19 and older, to participate in alpine skiing, snowboarding, or sit-skiing. Since 1981, A.A.D.S. has supported skiers and riders with a range of access needs by reducing barriers to participation, providing adaptive equipment, and offering instruction and on-hill assistance from trained volunteers.
Our 2027 season runs on Sundays and begins January 3rd, 2027 and runs until March 7th, 2027.
MISSION
To provide inclusive recreational and social opportunities for adults with disabilities, while fostering well-being, confidence, independence, and community connection in a supportive snowsports environment. A.A.D.S. works to reduce barriers to participation by supporting adults with a range of access needs, abilities, and experience levels as they learn, develop, or continue participating in skiing, snowboarding, and sit-skiing. With the assistance of trained volunteers and adaptive equipment where needed, participants are supported in building skills at their own pace, setting personal goals, increasing independence on the hill, and enjoying the social and physical benefits of adaptive snowsports.
PARTICIPANT MEMBERSHIP
The cost per participant skier or snowboarder is $367.25 for a 9-week programme plus an additional cost of $75 per round-trip on the bus. Additionally, all AADS members are required to become members of CADS (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports) to be properly insured to participate. CADS membership is an added cost of $50 for participant Skiers and Volunteers alike. https://snowlinepro.com/identifier.php for your CADS membership.
This price includes your lift ticket, adaptive ski equipment, ski instruction, and luxury coach transportation to and from the hill, from Toronto (Yonge and York Mills) OR King City (Hwy 400 and King Side Rd.). Ski instruction and assistance is provided by AADS’ trained volunteers. AADS is unable to provide personal attendant care support.
VOLUNTEERS
Please email ski.aads@cadsontario.ca for more information about volunteering.
All volunteers participate in training, starting with an orientation session in mid-December at Snow Valley Ski Resort, and adaptive ski equipment related training on the hill which is scheduled for Sunday December 27th, 2026 at Mansfield Ski Club.
Throughout the season, volunteers are also given the opportunity to take further instruction from CADS certified instructors, and to get their instructor certification which will be reimbursed by AADS at the end of the season for volunteers who have participated in a minimum of six program days during the season.
During program days, volunteers may support participants in a variety of ways depending on each participant’s goals, access needs, experience level, equipment, and preferred level of assistance. A volunteer may buddy-ski or ride with a participant for the day, including with members of the “Rat Pack,” a group of advanced two-, three-, and four-track skiers who use adapted techniques and equipment. Volunteers may also work as part of a small team to support someone who is new to skiing, snowboarding, or sit-skiing, or who is learning to use outriggers, a ski bra, or other adaptive equipment. Support may include providing clear communication, maintaining a safe and respectful pace, assisting with chairlift loading and unloading where appropriate, helping participants build confidence on varied terrain, and reinforcing instruction from CADS-trained or certified instructors. The focus is always on reducing barriers, promoting independence, respecting participant choice, and creating a positive on-hill experience for everyone involved.
Aside from the cost of CADS membership https://snowlinepro.com/identifier.php, there is no cost to volunteers on program days. A.A.D.S. covers the cost of coach transportation between Toronto and the ski hill, as well as volunteers’ lift tickets for scheduled program days. A.A.D.S. also reimburses the cost of the Police Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening at the end of the season for volunteers who have participated in a minimum of six program days during the season.
Minimal Volunteer Requirements: strong, comfortable and confident skier on Intermediate hills.
REGISTRATION
Registration each season begins in mid-September by contacting the club, and you can join us on Friday November 20th, 2026 @7pm at our “Think Snow” party. Please contact us at ski.aads@cadsontario.ca for further information.
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