NEWRY – Every winter Maine Handicapped Skiing teaches more than 250 adults and children with physical disabilities to downhill and cross country ski, snowboard and snowshoe. And every year the agency depends on 350 volunteers to make it happen.

New volunteers are required to take three days of training in November and December, then are asked to donate 10 days of volunteer time working with agency participants at four possible locations: Sunday River Ski Resort, Sugarloaf/USA, Sunday River Inn and Cross Country Ski Center and Pineland Farms in New Gloucester.

Volunteers receive a complimentary ski/trail pass for every day they volunteer during the season, beginning Jan. 3 until the end of March.

Volunteers learn adaptive skiing techniques, become familiar with adaptive equipment and learn about the physical disabilities served at Maine Handicapped Skiing. Clinics on and off snow are also available during the season to help volunteers improve their skill levels and technique development. Volunteers are supervised and taught by qualified MHS staff members and advisers.

Other types of volunteers are also needed at Maine Handicapped Skiing. Snowmobiles are used to transport participants and experienced snowmobilers are needed to assist participants. Photographers and videographers are needed to take photos and videos at all four locations.

Potential volunteers must be at least 18, be an intermediate skier or rider and have their own equipment and indemnifiable bindings (for skis). Voluntary training in November and December is mandatory. MHS also has a junior volunteer program for young people, ages 16 and 17.

For more information, call 800-639-7770, e-mail Judy Sullivan at [email protected] or visit www.skimhs.org.