PROGRAM START MONTHS
Full Year (12 month) Program starts: November, December, January, March (1 year Program) *Exact course start dates are posted 3 months prior to course start date.
Accelerated (6+ months) Program starts: December
Accelerated program runs over 6+ months and a study permit is required for International Students.
LENGTH OF STUDY
309 hours within 6+ or 12 months
CREDITS
24
CREDENTIALS
Diploma
WFR 80hrs
AST 1 
Accredited by Government of B.C. Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB).
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This 6 month or 12 month program teaches the basic fundamental skills necessary to become a part of the winter outdoor tourism industry. Skill sets emphasized include snow safety, ski, snowboard, guiding, leadership and survival as well as winter camping. Students will be equipped to enter the outdoor industry on an entry level. Students enrolled in this program are required to purchase a seasons pass (Whistler Blackcomb or Epic Pass) for access to the mountain. (the price for the pass is not included in the program cost).
(Students who wish to take a course as an individual course are welcome to do so. Upon course completion students receive a course certificate for their individual course. For details see Course Pages.)
WHO IS IT FOR?
Aimed towards the individual who is looking for outdoor adventure experiences and training. Learn new skills and techniques to help you to navigate in the mountains in winter and learn the fundamentals of backcountry skiing or boarding.
Interested in finding out more about our gap year programs? Check out our Student Gap Year page.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this program the successful student 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
- Canadian Avalanche Safety Level 1 (AST1)
- Wilderness First Responder Certification
POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS
Upon further completion of training students could become an intern Outdoor Guide. Additionally, students may work in the business aspects of these operations such as recreational tourism.
We advise students that additional training may be necessary.
PROGRAM COSTS
| Tuition Fee Local | $8,500 CAD |
| Tuition Fee International | $9,500 CAD |
| Application Fee | $250 CAD |
| Textbook Fees | Up to $150 CAD* |
| Trip Fee | Up to $450 CAD |
| WB Lift Pass - this program requires access onto Whistler Blackcomb Mountains for most courses. Students must purchase a seasons pass or day lift tickets, not included in the cost of the program | students to purchase directly from Vail Resorts |
| *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 ski or snowboard on Intermediate terrain
- Students in the ATW program will require a Whistler Blackcomb or Epic seasons pass (not included in program tuition price)
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Please consult the Adventure Tourism Gear List (specifically the courses in Adventure Tourism Winter)
- Lift passes will be required for the majority of ATW courses - students are advised to purchase a Seasons pass which must be done directly through Vail Resorts or Whistler Blackcomb. Seasons pass sales generally end in late November every year. Students without seasons passes will be required to purchase day tickets when required.
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Resume of Ski/Snowboarding skills including the below information is required.
- Students should be able to ski/board a blue (Intermediate) run comfortably.
- Ability to lift 20 kg /44 lbs
- Ability to be outdoors in winter conditions for extended periods
- Physical ability to walk, snowshoe, or ski tour up hill in winter conditions (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 ahead of the course.
COURSES *Note that some course dates may be altered due to Instructor availability – please consult the course calendar for exact course dates posted 60 days prior to the course start date
| Course | Program | Month | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Survival Skills | Adventure Tourism Winter | January | 68 |
| Experiential Leadership & Guiding | Adventure Tourism Winter | April | 45 |
| Backpacking | Adventure Tourism Winter | May or October | 48 |
| Wilderness First Responder | Adventure Tourism Winter | May or October | 80 |
| Backcountry Ski/Snowboard | Adventure Tourism Winter | December | 68 |
The WAS team will be announcing the amazing instructors for these courses soon! Stay tuned.
“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 Kubiš, Retail Manufacturing Manager Program (former Mountain Sport Technician Program)