Canadian Adaptive Snowsports

What Canadian Adaptive Snowsports does

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) is a registered Canadian charitable nonprofit organization founded in 1976 and headquartered in Vancouver, BC. The organization provides adaptive snowsports instruction to people living with disabilities across three primary disciplines: visual impairments, physical impairments, and neurodiverse conditions. CADS delivers programs through a coast-to-coast network of local clubs and divisions operating at ski resorts, supported by over 1,600 certified instructors and 1,500 volunteers serving more than 2,100 participants annually. Its core offerings include a multi-level Ski Instructor Certification Pathway (Levels 1-4 plus Course Conductor tiers across five disciplines), a Snowboard Instructor Certification Pathway (Levels 1-2), and a Chauffeur Instructor Certification for TandemSki operation, all aligned with national governing body standards (CSIA, CASI, PSIC, Alpine Canada, Canada Snowboard).

The organization's underlying technology is modest but functional: a member portal (skiportal.org) handles course registrations, event management, and certification tracking, while the developing Snowline project aims to centralize national membership and instructor certification records. A free Countdown eLearning Module (approximately 90 minutes) extends instructional content digitally to members. CADS's flagship engagement event is the annual week-long CADS Festival, held at rotating ski resorts across Canada, with the 2027 edition scheduled for Sun Peaks Resort, BC.

CADS is funded through a non-profit revenue model combining membership fees, course fees, festival/event registrations (e.g., $540 participant, $155 family/caregiver, $155 instructor/volunteer), charitable donations (including legacy giving via legalwills.ca/cads), and grants from institutional partners including the Department of Canadian Heritage. The organization maintains strategic alignments with national snowsport governing bodies and garners in-kind and promotional support from resort, apparel, and equipment partners. With only 1-10 paid staff, CADS operates as a fundamentally volunteer-driven community organization whose go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven rather than commercial.

Name

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports

Legal name

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports

Website

https://cads.ski

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) is a registered Canadian nonprofit founded in 1976 that provides adaptive ski and snowboard instruction to over 2,100 people with disabilities through a coast-to-coast network of clubs, 1,600+ certified instructors, and an annual national Festival.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: CADS operates as a charitable organization funded primarily through membership fees, course fees, event registrations, and charitable donations. The organization has charitable registration #118829019 RR0001.
2. Festival and Event Registrations: Revenue generated from annual festival registrations including participant fees ($540), family/friend fees ($155), and instructor/volunteer fees ($155).
3. Donations and Grants: The organization receives support through donations and partnerships. Legacy donations are accepted through legalwills.ca/cads. The organization has received support from Department of Canadian Heritage.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) provides adaptive snowsports instruction, instructor certification, and community programming for people with disabilities across Canada. Core offerings include a multi-level Ski Instructor Certification Pathway (Levels 1–4 plus Course Conductor), a Snowboard Instructor Certification Pathway (Levels 1–2), and a Chauffeur Instructor Certification for TandemSki operation, all anchored by a proprietary teaching methodology for visual, physical, and neurodiverse students. The organization also runs an annual week-long CADS Festival and operates the SkiPortal member portal and the Snowline national certification tracking system.

Product overview

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) offers a multi-pathway instructor certification platform for adaptive snowsports instruction. The core offerings include the Ski Instructor Certification Pathway (Levels 1-4 plus Course Conductor levels across five disciplines), Snowboard Instructor Certification Pathway (Levels 1-2), and Chauffeur Instructor Certification for TandemSki operation. Supporting these programs is the Countdown eLearning Module (free for members) and the SkiPortal membership/registration system. CADS also operates the annual CADS Festival as a flagship event. The Snowline Project represents a developing national operations management platform for divisions and clubs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CADS Ski Instructor Certification Pathway Multi-level certification program (Levels 1–4 plus Course Conductor levels) training instructors to teach skiing to students with disabilities across five disciplines: Neurodiverse, Sitski, Visual Impairments, 3-track, and 4-track, progressing from beginner terrain (Level 1) through expert terrain (Level 4). Prerequisites include CADS membership, the CADS Teaching Methodology, NCCP Safe Sport Training, and the Countdown eLearning Module.
• CADS Snowboard Instructor Certification Pathway Certification program training instructors to teach snowboarding to students with disabilities using outriggers, covering Level 1 and Level 2 certifications for beginner to intermediate terrain, plus Course Conductor levels. Prerequisites include CADS membership, CADS Teaching Methodology, NCCP Safe Sport Training, and the Countdown eLearning Module.
• CADS Chauffeur Instructor Certification Certification for volunteers and instructors to operate TandemSki equipment for descent, ascent, and all adjustments, accompanying disabled individuals on groomed slopes from beginner to expert terrain. Includes Chauffeur Level 1 and Chauffeur Course Conductor levels. Prerequisites include CADS membership, NCCP Safe Sport Training, and the Countdown eLearning Module.
• CADS Countdown eLearning Module Free online training module (approximately 90 minutes) for CADS members, designed to support diverse learners by providing inclusive tools and strategies. Serves as a required prerequisite for all CADS certification pathways.
• CADS Festival Annual week-long adaptive ski and snowboard festival held at ski resorts across Canada, featuring lessons, race training, social events, and banquets for participants with disabilities, families, instructors, and volunteers. Registrations include Participant ($540), Family/Friends/Caregivers ($155), and Instructor/Volunteer ($155) tiers.
• CADS Adaptive Snowsports Instruction Services Adaptive ski and snowboard instruction delivered to participants with disabilities (visual impairments, physical impairments, neurodiverse conditions) through a nationwide network of CADS clubs and divisions at ski resorts across Canada. Instruction is delivered by certified CADS instructors and volunteers using specialized equipment including sitskis, outriggers, 3-track/4-track systems, and tandem setups.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2100 participants with disabilities supported annually to be active for life
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance (CSIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization for ski instructors. CADS programs are consistent with CSIA methods, and Level 4 instructors must hold current CSIA Level 2 certification.
• Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization for snowboard instructors. CADS snowboard certification pathway is aligned with CASI methods.
• Alpine CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational governing body for alpine skiing in Canada. CADS programs are consistent with Alpine Canada Long-Term Skier Development. Alpine Canada supports CADS Festival through coaching and training programs.
• Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional organization for ski instructors. CADS Level 4 instructors must hold current PSIC Level 2 certification.
• Canadian Ski CouncilmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational organization promoting skiing in Canada. Listed as a valued partner supporting CADS programs.
• Canada SnowboardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational governing body for snowboarding. CADS works with Canada Snowboard on grassroots and parasnowboard programs.
• Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization for Nordic/cross-country ski instructors. Listed as a valued partner supporting adaptive nordic skiing.
• Patagonia ProminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor apparel brand offering pro deals and support for CADS members and instructors.
• Outdoor ProlinkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatform providing pro deals on outdoor gear for CADS members.
• Avalanche SkiwearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSki apparel brand offering member discounts through CADS partnership.
• PerkopolisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate perk program providing discounts for CADS members.
• HEADminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSki and snowboard equipment brand listed as a valued partner.
• Summit ShotsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhotography partner capturing CADS events and programs.
• pleinairaccessible.caminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuebec-based accessible outdoor recreation resource partner.
• Kimberley Alpine ResortmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSki resort supporting CADS Festival as a sponsor and host location. Also partnered for Trickle Creek Lodge.
• Sun Peaks Grand HotelmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial accommodation partner for CADS Festival 2027, offering 20% discount with code CADS2027 for festival participants.
• 4 ImprintminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne by One Charitable giving program supporting CADS Festival through promotional product donations.
• Resorts of the Canadian RockiesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSki resort company supporting CADS through resort partnerships and sponsorship.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Challenge Aspen: Colorado-based nonprofit that provides adaptive snowsports instruction and year-round recreation for people with disabilities. Closely comparable mission, methodology, and volunteer-instructor model — the most direct US analog to CADS.
• National Ability Center: Park City, Utah nonprofit offering adaptive recreation including skiing and snowboarding, with a multi-discipline instructor training program. Operates a similar hub-and-resort delivery model at a US scale.
• New England Disabled Sports: Vermont-based nonprofit providing adaptive skiing and snowboarding instruction at Mount Snow and other resorts. Highly comparable adaptive snowsport delivery model and instructor certification pipeline.
• BC Adaptive Snowsports: Provincial division-level adaptive snowsports organization in British Columbia operating under/alongside CADS. Direct delivery peer running local adaptive ski programs at BC resorts with comparable volunteer-instructor model.
• Ski for Light: Cross-country (Nordic) adaptive skiing organization providing instructional events for visually impaired and other disabled participants. Comparable methodology and program format to CADS's adaptive disciplines but focused on Nordic.

Broad incumbents

• Move United: US national umbrella for adaptive sports (formerly Disabled Sports USA), supporting a network of member organizations delivering adaptive sport programming. Broader portfolio than CADS but with overlapping role as a national-level capacity builder and certification/training body.
• Canadian Paralympic Committee: National governing body overseeing Paralympic sport in Canada, including parasnowboard. Shares CADS's alignment with national sport governance and is a potential partner or competitor for adaptive sport participants and funding.
• Special Olympics Canada: National sport organization delivering year-round training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities, including snowboarding. Overlaps with CADS in the disability-sport ecosystem in Canada and shares the same federal/provincial funding pool.

Regional players

• Disability Snowsport UK: UK-based adaptive snowsports charity providing lessons and equipment to disabled participants at UK and overseas resorts. Closest peer in a different geography — comparable methodology, instructor certification approach, and volunteer-driven delivery model.

Emerging players

• Achievable Dreams Adaptive Sports: Smaller US adaptive sports nonprofit delivering ski/snowboard and summer programming with a similar volunteer-instructor structure. Relevant as a smaller-scale, comparable operating model that highlights CADS's relative scale advantages.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@cads-canadianadaptivesnows1986
• Facebookfacebook.com/CADSNational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/canadian-adaptive-snowsports
• Instagraminstagram.com/cadsnational

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Canadian Adaptive Snowsports