Hit the Slopes at the Asessippi Ski Resort in Russell, MB

Soldier On, in collaboration with the Asessippi Ski Resort and Russell Inn, will conduct the “Soldier On Hits the Asessippi Slopes” regional event in Russell, MB. This will be a four-day event the 27th of February to the 2nd of March. This event will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.

It will provide an opportunity for Soldier On participants to be introduced to several winter sports and adaptive winter sports. Participants will receive beginner-level instruction for alpine skiing, alpine sit-skiing and snowboarding and will have an opportunity to participate in tubing and snowshoeing.
 
Participants will also be introduced to different equipment and how they function, demonstrating that this is an adaptable sport open to most any ability or disability. Participants must indicate their requirement for adaptive equipment on the Application and Waiver form.
 
This is open only to registered Solder On serving or retired members in the Prairie Region (MB, SK and Northwestern ON). There is no cost and assistance is provided in registration and filling out the waiver if requested. Travel assistance will be provided to those participants residing in SK and Northwestern ON. Participants from MB will be reimbursed costs for travelling to and from their pick-up point.

Regardless of the current skill level, participants will receive lessons toward alpine skiing and snowboarding, using skiing and snowboarding as part of their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Adaptive equipment is available, and instruction on its use will be provided to all participants.
 
Instruction and mentoring for each activity will be provided by Asessippi Ski Resort instructors and an adaptive alpine ski instructor.
 
Participants should note that they are expected to stay with their designated Soldier On group for the duration of the event. Ski and snowboard equipment is available if needed, although participants can bring their own gear.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to ten (10).
 
Minimum eligibility criteria
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Prairie Region (MB, SK and Northwestern ON) who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.
 
Serving Members
Medical clearance may be required by your chain of command.
 
Mental & Physical Requirements

• Participants must be able to tolerate up to eight (8) hours of moderate to high paced activitie for two consecutive days.
  • Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day.
  • Participants will be skiing and snowboarding during this event, and the possibility of falling, dependent on skill level, is high.
• Participants are advised that this event will be held mostly outdoors, and weather conditions can change quickly in alpine environments.
  • Participants are expected to dress accordingly for the weather conditions.
• Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.
• Participants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed during the daily activities and in the accommodations, and may be required to share accommodations.