HELPER PROGRAMME INFORMATION

We are on the ‘look out’ for able-bodied skiers and boarders to participate in our volunteer helpers programme. Each year we recruit able skiers and boarders as “ski buddies” to assist our members on the ski field and ensure they are able to enjoy themselves as much as we do when skiing and riding. Our helpers do not need to be expert skiers and riders to participate in the programme.

Our programme caters for anybody with a disability who would not easily fit into a typical Ski School class. Amputees, paraplegics, cerebralpalsy, neurological conditions, sight, learning and hearing impairments are just some of the disabilities of our members who enjoy skiing and boarding. Each year our association employs a qualified ski instructor to co-ordinate our programme and give our members lessons.

We ski three days a week, Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday mid-week, at Mt Hutt, leaving from Christchurch in our own minibuses and returning each day. Helpers are paired off on a one to one basis with a disabled skier or boarder who is starting out on the ski field. The helper has a one-hour lunch break during which they are free to ski and board plus there is an hour for free time after 3pm . During the day the Ski Instructor will join you to give your skier or boarder a lesson. Through fund raising the Association is able to subsidise costs. For helpers the cost is only $10 per day.

If you are interested in joining us as a helper please contact us via this website or by leaving a message on our answer phone. We have evening and on-field clinics each year in mid-June. At the on-field clinic we cover the basic learning progression for all participants and various items of adaptive ski equipment used by some of our skiers. Helpers will also be taught various techniques used to assist our skiers. The sessions at Mt Hutt over the training day will also include clinic time spent on your own skiing or riding. The cost of the training day is only $10 for all helpers. This cost includes transport, lift ticket and instruction during the day. The annual subscription for Helpers to the Association is $20.

Our Association realises how valuable helpers are to ensuring the continued success of our programme. After the training clinic your involvement is up to you, and if you provide help as a ski buddy for three days during the season, the Association will provide you with a lift ticket for a days free skiing for yourself.

ARRANGEMENTS AFTER HELPERS TRAINING CLINIC

After the helpers training clinic your level of involvement is up to you. We ski and board every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday starting 14 th June 2003 until Mt Hutt closes for the season in late October. We also have Ski Weeks during the July and September school holidays when we stay at a Methven bunkhouse four days.

Call our answer-phone service early in the week – Ph 365 8396, to make arrangements for ski days. Once you leave a message as to the day you will be available as a helper, you place for the day is booked unless you hear from the Instructor.

On ski days obtain the Mt Hutt’s ski report from the CSA Snowphone Ph 366 7766, Mt Hutt Snowphone Ph 0900 99 766 (calls cost) or check Mt Hutt’s ski report by listening to the radio between 6.30am and 7a.m. (91ZM). If Mt Hutt is open we go skiing, but if it is closed or on hold, we don’t go that day.

We provide transport in our two minibuses leaving from the BP Avonhead Service Station, corner of Avonhead and Yaldhurst Roads. On Saturdays and Sundays we leave at 7.30am and mid-week at 8am , returning on all days around 6pm . You need to be there 10 minutes before departure to load up and ensure we start the day on time. Transport to and from BP Avonhead is your own responsibility.

You will be paired off on a one to one basis with a disabled skier or boarder on the ski field. You will ski/ride with them until your lunch hour, during which you are free to ski and board. You rejoin your skier for two more hours in the afternoon. You will also have an hours free skiing from 3pm until the return transport leaves.

Through fundraising and sponsorship the Association is able to subsidise costs. For helpers the cost is only $10.00 per day and this includes transport and lift tickets. Rental of any equipment is additional and we do have access to reduced rates.

FURTHER HELPER TRAINING COURSES

Tethering Clinic: A one-day clinic for advanced skiers who would like to work with the mono and sit skiers. Scheduled for Mid July.

Helpers Certification Course:

A course for those interested in gaining a better understanding and ability to teach and demonstrate. Scheduled for August.

Adaptive Instructors Exam:

Pre-requisite is – NZSIA Stage 1.

Mt Hutt or Cardrona – date to be confirmed.

See the instructor for details closer to the time and keep on eye on our newsletter.

In addition, every second weekend, extra training will run for helpers to improve your own skiing/riding skills and to also further your helper skills. For any more information, or an application form, contact our Instructor through the answering service – Ph 365-8348.