Program Overview

Bike Guide Training Certificate Program

PROGRAM START MONTHS

May, June or July 2025

LENGTH OF STUDY

307.5 full time hours within 7 months. Diploma program runs over 6 months and a study permit is required for International students. Individual Course Certificates can be achieved for courses completed in under 6 months (no study permit required)

CREDITS

14

CREDENTIALS

Program Certificate WFR 80hrs PMBI Level 1

Accredited by Government of B.C. Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB).

BIKE GUIDE TRAINING – PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The ideal course for an individual looking to take their mountain biking skills to the next level and start guiding, especially in the backcountry. The 197.5 hrs Bike Guide program incorporates the 80hrs Wilderness First Responder and on-trail mechanics in addition to the PMBI Level 1 instructor and a course dedicated to the skills involved in guiding clients. To conclude the program, students complete a 50hr co-operative work experience within a guiding role. Some past co-op partners have included Whistler Blackcomb, Tyax Adventures and Arbutus Routes.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Accomplished mountain bikers who are looking to start guiding would benefit most from this program. Students should be comfortable with riding black trails and above in their home country and have an awareness and experience of trail and downhill riding.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Guiding mountain bike clients in a backcountry environment
• On-trail repair methods and techniques
• Foundation of mountain bike instructing
• Knowledge of wilderness first aid techniques

CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED

• Program Diploma
• Wilderness First Responder certificate
• PMBI Instructor Level 1 certificate

POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS

• Bike Park Guide
• Assistant Backcountry/Heli Guide
• Trail Guide

PROGRAM COSTS

• Tuition Fee Domestic: $7,500 CAD
• Tuition Fee International: $8,500 CAD
• Application Fee: $250 CAD
• Textbook Fees: Up to $60 CAD*
• Lab Supplies: $125 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 old of age or older.
• All students must meet WAS Language Proficiency Assessment Policy.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Students need to be able to mountain bike comfortably on intermediate to advanced single track trails
• Students will require a reasonable base level of fitness.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Full suspension Trail/Enduro Bike

SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 20 Kilos (45 lbs)
• Students will have to complete a medical form.
• Students with a pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns should contact WAS ahead of the course start date.

COURSES

• Wilderness First Responder (May/October, 80 hours)
• Instructor Level 1 (May/June/July, 22.5 hours)
• Trail Mechanics (August, 22.5 hours)
• Guiding Clients (July, 22.5 hours)
• Sustainable Trail Building (May/September, 60 hours)
• Bike Guide Co-op (100 hours)

INSTRUCTORS

• Chris Clark
• Sam McDonald

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

COPYRIGHT

Copyright Whistler Adventure School

DISCLAIMER

Whistler Adventure School gratefully and respectfully operates on the unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh and L̓ l̓ wat7úl First Nations.