(505) 570-5710
Ski & Snowboard Volunteers
We need you to help support our largest program!
“Volunteering with ASPNM was a way for me to make a hobby I’ve done my whole life feel new again—but it turned into so much more. I feel overjoyed with how much I got out of my time volunteering: learning new snowboard skills, becoming a better rider myself, learning how to teach a sport I love, meeting so many new people who share my passions, and making meaningful connections. This program ensures that everyone gets the opportunity to share in these amazing sports and find joy. ASPNM brings together an incredible community of people who spread happiness everywhere they go.”
- ASPNM winter volunteer
WINTER PROGRAM VOLUNTEERING
Our winter program is ASPNM’s largest program, serving children and adults with disabilities on the slopes of Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain, and Sandia Peak. We rely on volunteers to make these life-changing experiences possible!
While there are several important training sessions and preparation steps before you begin, we can almost guarantee that the rewards of volunteering will far outweigh the effort.
Be sure to read through all the information below and start working through the steps. If you get stuck or have questions, don’t worry—we’re just a phone call or email away. We look forward to having you join us!
Important Dates & Registration Information
Winter Volunteer Orientations
Open to new, returning, and prospective volunteers! Join us to learn what it’s like to volunteer on the slopes with ASPNM this season. We’ll share important dates, training opportunities, and key details about the upcoming season. It’s the perfect chance to get your questions answered—and to see if volunteering is the right fit for you!
Santa Fe Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 4:30pm
Albuquerque Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 3:30pm
On- Mountain Ski & Snowboard Training
We want every ASPNM volunteer to have the best experience possible. Each year, we host on-mountain trainings where volunteers can deepen their skills and learn a variety of adaptive teaching techniques.
New instructors begin as secondary instructors, working alongside experienced volunteers throughout the season. This hands-on mentorship approach ensures that you build confidence, learn best practices, and feel supported every step of the way.
Training Dates are planned for:
- December 18-21 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- January 8-11 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
To ensure our volunteers feel confident and prepared, ASPNM requires a minimum number of training days each season:
- New Volunteers: 4 training days
- Returning Volunteers: 2 training days
- Volunteers with 6+ Years of Experience: 1 training day
Winter Program Dates
Volunteers are asked to choose one mountain and one teaching day to commit to for the season—for example, Thursdays at Ski Santa Fe or Sundays at Sandia Peak. If you can do more than one day/program, that is great!
Consistency is key: when you sign up, we ask that you attend each of your scheduled program days. Our athletes count on you, and we rely on our volunteers to ensure that every lesson is covered!
Check the schedule below, then use this button to complete your volunteer application!
| Ski Santa Fe | Multi Week Program | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursdays | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | Feb 5 | OFF Feb 12 | Feb 19 | Feb 26 | Mar 5 |
| Fridays | Jan 23 | Jan 30 | Feb 6 | OFF Feb 13 | Feb 20 | Feb 27 | Mar 6 |
| Saturdays | Jan 24 | Jan 30 | Feb 7 | OFF Feb 14 | Feb 21 | Feb 28 | Mar 7 |
| Sundays | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Feb 8 | OFF Feb 15 | Feb 22 | Mar 1 | Mar 8 |
| Sandia Peak | 3-week Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays | Feb 1 | Feb 8 | Feb 15 |
| Pajarito Mountain (Los Alamos) | 2-week program | |
|---|---|---|
| Fridays | Jan 16 | Feb 13 |
Volunteer Checklist for the 2025-2026
Ski and Snowboard Season
Below is a list of all required steps that need to be taken in order to volunteer with ASPNM this season
1
Complete a Background Check
All volunteers must complete a background check every 2 years using ASPNM's designated company. Sorry - no outside background checks are accepted.
Not sure if you have an active check with ASPNM? Contact info@ASPNM.org to check.
2
Complete Safe Sport (online) training
Instructions: Click on the link above. You will be redirected to US Center for Safe Sport.
Fill out the registration form you see on screen.
The name of the training you need to take is:
"SafeSport Trained - Move United"
Cost $20
All volunteers are encouraged to take this training, only one time; it is
mandatory for all volunteers who work on lessons with minors.
Please return certificate of completion to
info@aspnm.org
3
Review our updated Policy and Procedures
Please review and make yourself aware of the new and updated Policy and Procedures
4
Review, Sign, & Return ASPNM Volunteer Commitment Form
This document outlines the various requirements ASPNM asks of its volunteers.
Please sign and return to info@aspnm.org
5
Complete the Volunteer Application and sign up for the days that you would like to teach
Sign up for the day you want to volunteer at Ski Santa Fe, Sandia or Pajarito
7
Register for your Volunteer Training
Sign up for the days you want to attend volunteer training at Ski Santa Fe
8
Sign your Liability & Media Release Forms
Sign your Liability and Media Release forms before you attend any days on the mountain
9
New Volunteers only, Send in Selfie
Email a photo of yourself for ASPNM ID Badge. Rename the file with your name, how you would like you would like your name listed on your ID badge.
ASPNM Policies & Documents
ASPNM Volunteer Ski & Snowboard Center
ASPNM Volunteer and Clinic Leader Training Evaluations
Educational Resources and Training
ENHANCE YOUR COACHING, VIEW OUR EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES & TRAINING INFORMATION
- 2023 PSIA Adaptive Snowsports Manual
- Guidelines for Clinicians
- New Volunteer Clinic
- Autism Strategies for Adaptive Skiing
- 3-Track 4-Track Adaptive Exam Guide
- Beginning General Adaptive Clinic
- Beginner Bi-Ski
- Intermediate Bi-Ski
- Advanced Bi-Ski
- Cognitive And Visual Impairments
- Mono Ski Lesson Outline
- Ski Fundamentals Clinic
- Ski Progression Chart
- Ski Bike
- Ski Games
- Slider_Adaptive_Exam_Guide
- Snow Board Fundamentals Clinic
Click here to view PSIA Rocky Mountains educational resources.
Online Volunteer Training Recordings:
Sit Ski Seating: Charley Phalen (Click here for the recording)
Disability awareness: Olaf Kula, Mark Whitson (Click here for the recording)
PSIA Ski Fundamentals: Charley Phelan (Click here for the recording)
Child Protections Bonnie Nuttall (Click here for the recording)
PSIA Pathways to Certification: Charley Phelan (Click here for the recording)
We are heartbroken to share the news that our dear friend, Andrew Casados, passed away after a long battle with liver disease. Andrew volunteered with the ASPNM ski program for 22 years. Throughout those years, Andrew could always be counted on to be one of the first to arrive on the mountain, excited to share his love of skiing with ASPNM athletes and his fellow volunteers. Andrew always had a warm smile for everyone, and often shared how blessed he felt to be on the mountain amongst friends. We hope everyone will take a moment on the slopes to think of Andrew and appreciate his many contributions to ASPNM. He will be dearly missed by the ASPNM family, and we are wishing his family peace and comfort during this difficult time. A celebration of Andrew's life will be held at a later date. To view Andrew's obituary and/or leave condolences for the family, please click here.
