Costumes, competitions and community spirit are characterizing a new Family Snowshoe Fundraiser for Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks (ASSP) this February. 

Early sign ups are encouraged as the first 50 registrants will score free snowshoe rentals courtesy of fundraiser sponsor Discover Sun Peaks Adventures. 

“We chose a snowshoe event because there isn’t a big family snowshoe walk event that exists at Sun Peaks,” said ASSP Executive Director, Katherine Campbell who will be the lead snowshoer. “ASSP has been looking to create a signature fundraising event and instead of the usual galas and silent auctions we thought an outdoor mountain activity was fitting.” 

The Romp and Stomp 

Dubbed ‘Romp & Stomp’ the focus of the snowshoe walk is fun, accessibility and affordability. The events start at the Umbrella Café at 9 a.m., Sunday Feb. 11 and will last throughout the morning. With one, three and five kilometre options, there will be prizes for individuals, top teams and best costumes.  

Everyone is welcome and ASSP is calling for participants and audience via social media, the Sun Peaks Resort events page and Tourism Sun Peaks. 

“Snowshoeing is accessible to a variety of participants, as it takes little experience and skill, and renting equipment is affordable and easy to do,” Campbell told SPIN. 

Competitors are also encouraged to create their own fundraising pages to encourage sponsorship from family and friends, she added.

“For those that aren’t able to join in the showshoe aspect of the event, we hope they will donate to a ‘stomper’ to help us raise funds for ASSP.”

Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks

ASSP caters to around 80 students each winter, with a dedicated team of over 55 volunteer instructors delivering some 450 ski and snowboard lessons per season. 

Last year, through an annual Giving Tuesday event in November, ASSP raised almost $7000 to assist in the delivery of their outdoor programs to help people with visual, physical and mental impairments enjoy snowsports and summer outdoor experiences. 

What sets this program apart is the presence of a permanent squad of volunteer training directors, who also serve as Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) course conductors. Stationed in Sun Peaks, these directors play a pivotal role in training volunteer instructors, guiding them through various certification levels over the course of the season. 

A noteworthy addition to ASSP in 2023 was a summer program, featuring activities like hiking, biking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing and kayaking.

To register for the Romp & Stomp event, visit adaptivesportsatsunpeaks.org. Participation is free with a CADS membership. Non-members can purchase a one day pass for $10.50. 
To set up a fundraising page to share with family, friends and supporters visit canadahelps.org.