ADAPTIVE SKI ASSOCIATION OF WEST MICHIGAN
"If I can do this, I can do anything!"
Volunteer with us!
Skiing together is better.
Help make the hill a more accessible place for all, and share your love of the sport with people of all abilities. Come be part of a team that believes everyone deserves a place on the slopes.
2026-27 Season Information and Schedule
Please note, registration for the 2027 season will open on Sunday, November 1st 2026 at 8:00am.
For questions please email us at info@asa-wm.org
To be added to our contact list and receive volunteer season updates,
please submit your information here:
COME SKI WITH US!
Share your love of skiing and the great outdoors while helping others learn new skills and take on the challenge of skiing.
Non-skiing volunteers are also needed to assist with weekly registration, special events, bookkeeping, equipment management, marketing (social and digital), and athlete assistance.
Program format
ASAWM offers a 5-week format consisting of one two-hour lesson each week. Lesson times are at the same time and with the same instructors each week.
Lesson times options are as follows:
Tuesday: 6 pm – 8 pm
Wednesday: 6 pm – 8 pm
Thursday: 6 pm – 8 pm
Sunday: 1pm – 3pm, 2pm – 4pm, 3pm – 5pm
*You will be assigned one lesson time for the entire season. Our Volunteer & Athlete Coordinators will pair you with a group of volunteers, ensuring each group has experienced volunteers to lead the group.
What’s in it for you?
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Helping others enjoy the sport you love!
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Ski for FREE* – Lift ticket for the day is provided by ASAWM.
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A reason to get to the hill – Bring family/friends along!
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Real life experience – If you are pursuing a career in PT or OT, we offer real-life experience in your field of study!
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New friends who share a love for life-long physical activity.
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FUN – You’ll get way more than you give at ASAWM.
*$40 yearly due required
2026-27 Season Schedule
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Pre-season Gathering & Volunteer Appreciation | Wednesday, October 21st
Athlete & Volunteer Registration Opens Online | Sunday, November 1st @ 8:00 AM EST
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Blizzard Bash Fundraiser | Friday, November 6th
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6:00 - 9:00 PM EST
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Event features:
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Live entertainment, games and activities
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Plinko Game to win prizes
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Silent auctions featuring a wide variety of items to bid on
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Prizes include Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus Gift Card
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Past items have included ski gear, home goods, sports memorabilia, VIP cruise packages and other donated items.
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Delicious food and cash bar
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For more information and ticket sales, visit: https://teddyknapefoundation.org/blizzardbash/
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The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Avenue Northwest , Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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*Time & location subject to change
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Mandatory Dry Land Training | Wednesday, November 18th
(Required for all volunteers and trainers)
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Time: 6:00PM - 8:30PM
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6645 East Paris Ave SE Caledonia, MI 49316
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If you are unable to attend, please let Alexa know - Alexa.ASAWM@gmail.com
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Mandatory On-Hill Training (All volunteers and trainers) | Sunday, January 2nd 2026
(Required for all volunteers and trainers)
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Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Cannonsburg Ski Area, Belmont, MI
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Lessons Begin | Sunday, January 10th 2027
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Mary Free Bed Clinic | Saturday, January 30th 2027
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In partnership with Mary Free Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports and Kentwood Parks & Recreation, ASAWM hosts a 1-day clinic for adaptive athletes to experience adaptive downhill skiing.
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For more information, visit: https://maryfreebed.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/maryfreebed/event.jsp?event=5288
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Cannonsburg Ski Area, Belmont, MI
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Teddy Fest Fundraiser | Saturday, February 13th 2027
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For more information and ticket sales, visit: https://teddyknapefoundation.org/teddy-fest/
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Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI
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End of Season Banquet | Sunday, February 28th 2027
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Bingo Brunch Banquet to celebrate another successful season!
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RSVP through flyer posted here & shared via email, closer to the date!
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Downloadable Resources:
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Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan Handbook (54Mb .pdf)
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Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan Sport Protection Handbook (1.5Mb .pdf)
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Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan Sport Protection Reporting Form (.5Mb .docx)
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PSIA Alpine Adaptive Resources (multiple .pdfs)
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Dynamique Bi Ski Owners Manual (3.5Mb .pdf)
Video Resources:
2023 ASAWM Video Training Part I: An Introduction (25 minutes)
Learn from Nicole Astfalk about:
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The types of disabilities a volunteer can expect
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How to work with each type of athlete and the equipment they might use
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What to expect on the day of your first lesson
2023 ASAWM Video Training Part II: Teaching a Lesson (25 minutes)
Learn from Holly Omiljan about:
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The anatomy of a lesson
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How to manage challenging behaviors
Other video-based resources:
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Adaptive Skiing: Coaching Fundamentals for Four-Track Skiers
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Adaptive Skiing: Coaching Fundamentals for Three-Track Skiers
Adaptive Skiing: Coaching Fundamentals for Mono-Skiers