Ski & Snowboard Guide Training Certificate Program
PROGRAM START MONTH
October or November
LENGTH OF STUDY
305.5 hours within 7 months. Full Certificate 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
CREDENTIAL
Program Certificate
AST 1 & 2 
Accredited by Government of B.C. Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB).
SKI/SNOWBOARD GUIDE TRAINING – PROGRAM OVERVIEW
One of the few courses in North America and Canada to teach a true backcountry guiding program, all set in the coastal mountain region. The Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Program gives students the opportunity to enlarge their backcountry skill set and pursue a career in guiding if they wish. The program consists of 305.5 full-time hours completed over a 7 month period.
An on-snow and hands-on program that teaches students in-depth backcountry skills including backcountry route planning, crevasse rescue, avalanche safety training and guiding as well as Wilderness First Responder and Outdoor Survival. Throughout the program, students train in alpine terrain, building a resume of trips and backcountry experiences that also supports preparing for the prerequisites needed to enter into an ACMG / UIAGM Ski Guide level, if this path is chosen.
Student enrolled in this program are required to purchase a Seasons Pass for access to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains (cost for the pass is not included in the program cost – must be purchased directly from Whistler Blackcomb/Vail Resorts)
WHO IS IT FOR?
Focused towards the experienced skier/snowboarder with some backcountry experience who wants to gain further knowledge for their own and others safety and/or is looking to get prepared for their ACMG/IFMGA Guide exams.
Interested in finding out more about our gap year programs? Check out our Student Gap Year page.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
- Backcountry ski/snowboard touring and high elevation glacier touring
- Steep skiing and glade steep skiing
- Route planning, navigation and forecasting for backcountry guiding trips
- Relevant rope work and climbing skills
- Crevasse rescue with teams and self-rescue
- Rappelling from rock horn anchors into couloir
- Winter camping skills
- Risk Management protocols and safety for clients
- Guiding clients professionalism
CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED
- Program Certificate (for full program students)
- Canadian Avalanche Safety Levels 1 and 2 (AST1 and AST2)
- Individual Course Certificates for Courses
POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS
- Apprentice or intern ski/snowboard mountain guide
- Guide operations assistant/manager
- Guide customer service assistant/manager
PROGRAM COSTS
| Tuition Fee Domestic | $7,500 CAD |
| Tuition Fee International | $8,500 CAD |
| Application Fee | $250 CAD |
| Textbook Fee | Up to $90 CAD* |
| Technical Mountaineering Equipment Rental (Optional) | $150 CAD |
| Trip Fees | 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 old
- All students must meet WAS Language Proficiency Assessment Policy.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Submit a resume of related skills for the following abilities:
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Ability to link turns on an Advanced (Black) ski run in all conditions.
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Ability to ski varied off piste snow conditions in control. (Powder snow, icy conditions, steep slopes, crust snow & wet snow)
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Basic backcountry experience including switching between uphill and downhill mode. (Bindings, skins, boots)
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Ability to locate a buried avalanche transceiver in under 5mins within a 50m area.
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High level of fitness including ability to ski tour or hike uphill for up to 3 hours at a moderate pace.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Additional physical requirements are necessary
- Must be able to ski/snowboard to an advanced Level (confident advanced slopes, off piste, varied conditions), comfortable walking uphill for long periods in any weather (ski touring or splitboard)
COURSES
| Course | Program | Month | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Guide Level 1 | Ski & Snowboard Guide Training | December | 22.5 |
| Ski Guide Level 2 | Ski & Snowboard Guide Training | December | 67.5 |
| Outdoor Survival Skills | Outdoor Survival Skills | January | 68 |
| Ski Guide Level 3 | Ski & Snowboard Guide Training | March | 67.5 |
| Wilderness First Responder | Wilderness First Responder | May or October | 80 |
CHRIS LAWERENCE
Chris is an internationally certified guide who has been working for thirty years in the mountains, both in summer and winter. He calls Squamish home but loves to travel and explore whether on foot, ski or a bicycle.
Coming Soon