| Program start date | Application deadline |
| - | - |
Program Overview
Adventure Tourism Summer Certificate Program
PROGRAM START MONTHS
Full Year (12 month) Program starts: April to November (1 year Program). Accelerated (6+ month) Program starts: April.
LENGTH OF STUDY FOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
263.5 hours within 6+ or 12 months
CREDITS
24
INDIVIDUAL COURSE START MONTHS
Individual courses can be taken according to the course scheduling – no study permit required to take individual courses for up to 6 months. Individual Course Certificates are earned for each course completed
CREDENTIALS
Program Certificate, WFR 80hrs Accredited by Government of B.C. Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB).
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Be a part of the outdoor tourism industry. Skill sets emphasized include safety, mountain biking skills, entry level climbing, backcountry leadership, and wilderness first aid certification. Students will be equipped to enter the outdoor industry on an entry level.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Aimed at the individual who is looking for training in the outdoor adventure industry and once in a lifetime backcountry experiences. Learn new skills and techniques to help you to safely & confidently navigate in the mountains and learn the fundamentals of downhill biking skills, climbing skills, backpacking, and guiding leadership.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this program the successful graduate will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the knowledge, technical skills and credentials of the adventure tourism industry.
- Apply knowledge of personal and group safety, and conscientious stewardship of the heritage and the environment.
- Exhibit leadership in varied and diverse situations.
- Demonstrate ability to support adventure-based and nature-based outdoor recreation activities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic business skills applied to adventure tourism.
CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED
- Program Diploma
- Wilderness First Responder Certification
POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS
Graduates could become an intern outdoor guide. Additionally, graduates may work in the business aspects of outdoor activity operations in recreational tourism.
We advise students that additional training may be necessary.
PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition Fee Domestic| $8,500 CAD ---|--- Tuition Fee International| $9,500 CAD Application Fee| $250 CAD Textbook Fees| Up to $120 CAD Trip Fees| Up to $450 CAD *Trip fees and Textbook fees vary according to courses taken and textbook providers. All textbooks may be purchased by students from publishers (online or print) directly.
WAS GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 18 years of age or older
- All students must meet WAS Language Proficiency Assessment Policy.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift 20 kg /44 lbs
- Ability to bike beginner runs (green).
- Good level of physical fitness is required
- Ability to walk and or hike long distances
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Adventure Tourism Gear List (Look for specific AT Summer courses)
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
When applying for the Adventure Tourism Summer program, the student's skills must meet the below requirements:
- Students should be able to bike beginner (green) runs comfortably.
- Ability to correctly wear a harness, helmet and climbing shoes.
- Students will require a reasonable base level of fitness. Basic level of fitness includes the ability to walk uphill for one hour at a moderate pace. (Students will require a reasonable base level of fitness)
- Students will have to complete a medical form.
- Students with a pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns should contact WAS prior to the course start date.
COURSES
Core Courses
All students will complete the below core courses| Program| Month| Hours| ---|---|---|---|--- Experiential Leadership & Guiding| Adventure Tourism Summer| April| 45| Wilderness First Responder| Adventure Tourism Summer| May or October| 80| Backpacking| Adventure Tourism Summer| May or October| 48| Alpine Climbing| Adventure Tourism Summer| August| 68|
Elective Courses
Choose one elective from the list below| Program| Month| Hours| ---|---|---|---|--- Introduction to Mountain Biking Skills| Adventure Tourism Summer| June| 22.5| Guiding Clients| Bike Guide Training| July| 22.5| *Guiding Clients elective is for advanced mountain bikers only| | | |
Whistler Adventure School
ABOUT WAS
Whistler Adventure School (WAS) is a private post-secondary school providing high quality career training in Marketing & Media, Mountain Sport Technician, Adventure Tourism Winter, Adventure Tourism Summer, Design and Innovation, and Guiding in the beautiful mountain town of Whistler, BC, Canada.
PROGRAMS
- Marketing & Media Manager
- Mountain Sport Technician
- Design & Innovation
- Adventure Tourism Summer
- Adventure Tourism Winter
- Bike Guide Training
- Ski & Snowboard Guide Training
Testimonials
- “I’ve had a great time taking the Marketing & Media Management program in arguably the best place on earth. The ability to pursue further education with access to world class mountain terrain is unparalleled. Thanks so much for the opportunity to spend a season in the Sea to Sky, it really has been an experience of a lifetime. I’ve already accepted an offer for a social media position in the snowboarding industry & that is all thanks to the skills I’ve learned at WAS ” – Ali, Marketing Media Manager Graduate
- “WAS prepared me well for the diploma program at TRU, and helped me make my first connections in the adventure tourism industry. The industry is smaller than one might think, and getting that first mentorship prepared me well to make my first decisions in the mountains.” – Jonas, Ski/Snowboarding Guide Training Graduate
- “The Best School Ever! I remember those times in Slovakia when we were sitting in school and studying unimportant subjects. We had wasted 70% of the time by learning something which we had never used. The result was that we forgot everything after exams passed by… WAS has a different approach. Pick only the subjects you are passionate about and have fun by learning useful stuff. I have graduated in the Retail and Manufacturing Program. I can say that I had enjoyed every single hour. I remember every lesson. I have created connections with teachers at those lessons. Thanks to these connections, I’ve got a job in Prior Snowboards as a ski builder. Good times. LIVE.LEARN.PLAY.” – Adam, Retail Manufacturing Manager Graduate (program is now Mountain Sport Technician)
Program Outline
Careers:
- Intern outdoor guide
- Business aspects of outdoor activity operations in recreational tourism
Tuition Fee Domestic$8,500 CAD Tuition Fee International$9,500 CAD Application Fee$250 CAD Textbook Fees$100 CAD Trip FeesUp to $450 CAD
Whistler Adventure School
Overview:
Whistler Adventure School (WAS) is a renowned institution located in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It offers a variety of programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the adventure tourism industry.
Services Offered:
WAS provides a range of services to its students, including:
Academic Programs:
WAS offers a variety of programs, including Marketing & Media Manager, Mountain Sport Technician, Adventure Tourism (Summer and Winter), Bike Guide Training, Ski/Snowboard Guide Training, Design & Innovation, and various other courses.Student Support:
WAS provides comprehensive student support services, including accommodation assistance, co-op placements, and career guidance.Campus Life:
Students at WAS have access to various facilities, including a library, computer labs, and recreational areas. They also have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at WAS can expect a vibrant and immersive campus experience. They will have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors, network with industry professionals, and gain practical experience in the field. The school's location in Whistler provides students with access to world-class outdoor recreation opportunities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Location:
Whistler is a world-renowned destination for adventure tourism, providing students with unparalleled access to outdoor activities and industry opportunities.Practical Experience:
WAS emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience through internships and co-op placements.Industry Connections:
WAS has strong ties to the adventure tourism industry, providing students with access to networking opportunities and potential career paths.Experienced Instructors:
WAS faculty members are experienced professionals in their respective fields, providing students with valuable insights and guidance.Academic Programs:
Marketing & Media Manager:
This program focuses on developing marketing and communication skills for the adventure tourism industry.Mountain Sport Technician:
This program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a mountain sport technician, including avalanche safety, first aid, and equipment maintenance.Adventure Tourism (Summer and Winter):
These programs offer a comprehensive overview of the adventure tourism industry, covering topics such as trip planning, risk management, and customer service.Bike Guide Training:
This program prepares students to become certified mountain bike guides, covering topics such as trail maintenance, bike mechanics, and safety protocols.Ski/Snowboard Guide Training:
This program prepares students to become certified ski or snowboard guides, covering topics such as avalanche safety, snow conditions, and guest management.Design & Innovation:
This program focuses on developing creative solutions for the adventure tourism industry, including product design, marketing strategies, and sustainable practices.Entry Requirements:
- Minimum 18 years of age or older
- Minimum English Requirement: Intermediate (CEFR-B1)
- Ability to lift 20 kg /44 lbs
- Ability to bike beginner runs (green).
- Good level of physical fitness is required
- Ability to walk and or hike long distances
