Cardrona Adaptive Snow Sports: Volunteers Making the Mountains Accessible

The Cardrona Adaptive Snow Sports programme has been running for more than 25 years and would not exist without the dedication and passion of its volunteers. Some are experienced skiers and snowboarders, while others are new to the programme. What brings them together is a shared purpose: making snow sports accessible for everyone and helping others experience the freedom, confidence, and joy of the mountains.

Each season, the programme welcomes disabled guests from across Aotearoa and around the world. Some are seeing snow for the very first time, while others are experienced skiers and riders eager to explore the mountain. Every guest arrives with their own goals, challenges, and aspirations.

Last season, Liam arrived feeling nervous and uncertain, worried that his disability might prevent him from taking part. Volunteer Sarah greeted him with a warm smile and supported him throughout his lesson, helping him discover that snow sports is possible.

Throughout the day, Sarah skied alongside Liam, offering encouragement, celebrating achievement, and reminding him that progress was more important than perfection. There were moments of challenge and a few tumbles along the way, but with each run Liam's confidence grew.

By the afternoon, he was gliding down a beginner slope with a huge grin across his face.

For Sarah, this moment captures the true spirit of volunteering. It is not about perfect turns or being the fastest down the mountain. It is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping someone discover what is possible.

Across Aotearoa, Adaptive Snow Sports volunteers give their time, energy, and compassion to ensure that people of all abilities can experience the magic of the mountains. They assist with equipment, provide encouragement, share their skills, and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome, included, and empowered.

This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the volunteers who brave cold mornings, carry equipment, offer endless encouragement, and help turn challenges into achievements. Through their dedication, they make the snow a place where everyone can belong, participate, and thrive. Their impact extends far beyond the slopes, creating memories, confidence, and opportunities that last a lifetime.

NB: Names changed for privacy purposes.

Story written by Cardrona Adaptive Snow Sports for our Volunteer Celebration Stories campaign to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026.