Parent & Guardian Toolkit

Thank you for your interest in our Parent & Guardian Toolkit! You’re one step closer to getting your child(ren) in our lift line and providing them with the best school day of the year!

Before you go, there are some important things to know.

Safety
Preparedness
Accessibility
Financial Commitment

Safety

Safety is paramount at all Canadian ski areas and is essential for any great day on the slopes.

All students must:

Wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding
Be assessed by a certified instructor on beginner terrain
Participate in a lesson regardless of previous experience or ability
Adhere to the Alpine Code of Responsibility
Stay on terrain designated by the ski area
Understand how to properly load/unload a lift

We recommend reviewing and sharing these videos with your child(ren) prior to their Schools on Snow experience:

Preparedness

Being prepared for a great day on the slopes includes many factors, such as the food they eat to the clothes they wear.

Consider the following:

Checking the local forecast in advance of their Schools on Snow experience
Feeding your child(ren) a nourishing breakfast the morning of their Schools on Snow experience
If lunch is not provided by the ski area, packing a nutritious lunch and snacks that will fuel them while they’re on the slopes
If lunch is provided by the ski area, confirm any dietary restrictions or accommodations in advance with the ski area directly
Providing layers and back-up clothing! Weather can change, clothing gets wet, kids get cold.
Ensure they have extra socks, mitts and layers if possible. Review this video about How To Dress for the Slopes

Accessibility

Accessibility on the slopes includes physical and mental accessibility. We strongly believe that physical and mental limitations should never be a barrier to accessing the slopes.

Many ski areas across Canada are equipped to deliver adaptive ski or snowboard lessons with advance notice. Specialized instructors are trained in a variety of adaptive programs and equipment, including sit-skis, vision-impaired skiing and other needs. If your child requires an adaptive lesson, please contact your educator/ski area.

References and resources:

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports CADS (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports) is an organization that is dedicated to helping persons with a disability learn to ski and snowboard. https://cads.ski/
Ontario Track 3 Ski Association is a volunteer-powered charity enabling kids and youth with disabilities to discover their confidence, develop their talents and achieve their physical potential through the freedom of snow sports. Families quickly learn that the Track 3 experience is unique and has the power to change lives. https://www.track3.org/
Special Olympics enriches the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the power of sport. https://www.specialolympics.ca/

Financial Commitment

We strongly believe that financial limitations should never be a barrier to accessing the slopes. We recognize that skiing and snowboarding come at an expense. Many communities and ski areas offer subsidized programs so that every child can get on the slopes, regardless of financial means. Additional programs such as the Grade 4/5 SnowPass can help continue their love of sliding on snow beyond their Schools on Snow experience. If sourcing appropriate clothing for your child for the slopes is an issue, consider organizations such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, or local gear/clothing swaps for outerwear that is in good condition and is affordable.

Please note: specialized gear and outwear are not a requirement for participation in Schools on Snow. In most provinces, the outerwear your child wears to school during the winter months should suffice for their day on the slopes.