Your Path to Pro Bike Guiding Just Got Even Better
WAS Newsletter 03 2025
Big things are happening at WAS! We’ve upgraded our Bike Guide Training Certificate Program with more instruction time, expanded co-op hours, and the addition of Sustainable Trail Building. Applications are now open—don’t miss the April 1 (International) & May 1 (Canadian) deadlines!
Plus, get to know Chris Clark, expert instructor for Bike Mechanics, Ski/Snowboard Production, and Boot Fitting.
Ever wondered what life at WAS really looks like? Follow along with Henry, a student from France, as he takes you behind the scenes—capturing the thrill of learning on the mountain, in the backcountry, and behind the lens. Watch his epic journey below!
Have questions? Join our in-person & virtual sessions this April!
All the details are below—let’s get you on the path to an epic career!
Keep exploring!
The WAS Team
From the classroom to the peaks—Henry’s journey at Whistler Adventure School is anything but ordinary. Watch as he blends his passion for media and the mountains, capturing epic moments from biking trails to deep powder skiing in Whistler’s breathtaking backcountry!
Read the blog: A Sneak Peak into Student Life at WAS
Bike Guide Training Certificate Program – Now Even Better
We’ve taken everything that made our Bike Guide Training Program exceptional and made it even stronger. Now officially the Bike Guide Training Certificate Program, this enhanced version offers:
✔ More instruction time to refine your guiding techniques
✔ Expanded co-op hours so you can gain even more hands-on experience
✔ NEW: Sustainable Trail Building Course – a must-have skill for any serious bike guide
By training in Whistler, you’re learning in one of the world’s best mountain biking destinations while building real industry connections that open doors to guiding jobs in Canada and beyond.
2025 Start Dates: May 1 | June 1 | July 1
Application Deadlines: April 1 (International) | May 1 (Canadian)
Read more about the program here.
Meet the Experts Behind the Mountain Sports Technician & Program: Featuring Chris Clark
We are proud to have industry professionals guiding our students on their path to success. Each month, we’ll be featuring an instructor from our programs, highlighting their expertise and the impact they have on shaping future professionals.
This month, we’re excited to introduce Chris Clark, instructor of Bike Mechanics, Boot Fitting, and Ski/Snowboard Production, all part of our Mountain Sport Technician program. With extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of technical craftsmanship, Chris equips students with the skills needed to repair, fine-tune, and optimize bikes, boots, and snow gear. His hands-on approach ensures students gain practical expertise, preparing them for careers in bike shops, tuning centres, and the outdoor sports industry.
We’ve put together a quick Q&A to give you deeper insight into Chris’s background, his vision, and what inspires his approach to teaching—read on for an engaging conversation!
Your Expertise in Action
What’s the most exciting thing students will learn in your course?
Bike Mechanic – the most exciting thing my students learn would be suspension setup and maintenance – maximizing performance for both themselves and their customers.
Boot-fitting – learning the manufacturing process for custom footbeds and feeling the benefits that they provide for customers.
Ski Production – learning to interpret how different shapes and materials interact to create different ride characteristics.
Can you share one skill or insight students leave your class feeling confident about?
Bike Mechanic – The understanding and ability to properly true a wheel
Boot fitting – How to select the correct ski/boot size and volume for a customer.
Ski Production – understanding how camber and rocker profiles affect a ski/board in powder.
How this course prepares students for real-world challenges or adventures:
Bike Mechanic – students learn how to diagnose and repair all components of bikes – helping them solve customer problems efficiently and accurately when in the workshop.
Boot fitting – Learning to work with boot fitting tools will prepare them for work in any ski shop.
Ski Production – Confidently understanding and translating technical product information into ‘on-hill feel’ for a customer will help them improve their sales and customer satisfaction.
Adding a Personal Twist
What inspired you to teach at Whistler Adventure School?
I want to help mechanics, bootfitters and everyone working in the ski and bike industries to become proficient at their careers and provide higher level service to consumers – more happy riders and skiers means more business for everyone, and better job satisfaction for student graduates.
What’s one piece of advice you give your students that you wish you’d known earlier in your career?
The learning is never done – there is always more to learn, more skills to develop, more technical depth to apply.
If you could take any course at WAS, which one would you pick and why?
I’m probably biased, but the idea of building my own skis or snowboard seems pretty cool. The Wilderness First Responder is also an incredible skill set that is beneficial for for anyone, both personally and professionally to have on a resume.
Fun & Quirky
What’s your go-to trail snack or après-ski treat?
Trail snack – jujubes.
Après ski treat – salted nacho chips
If you were a piece of outdoor gear, what would you be and why?
I’d be an all mountain free ride ski. Strong and durable, yet light and easygoing. Challenging improvement yet maintaining forgiveness for mistakes. Flexible to adapt to different conditions and speeds, but stiff enough to maintain direction when needed. Also, fun creative graphics on the outside, but it’s what’s inside that counts!
Tell us one thing about you that would surprise your students!
I learned to snowboard on the side of a farmers field.
I don’t like tomatoes.
I once won a Burton snowboard contest with a poem about snowboarding – written on a snowboard with words cut out of a magazine.
What’s one word your past students would use to describe your teaching style?
Passionate. Logical. Engaging.
Join Chris in his Bike Mechanic, Boot Fitting and/or the Ski Production Courses at Whistler Adventure School and learn how to take that next step into your world of adventure.
Join our Free Student Virtual Information Sessions
- Wednesday, March 26, 9:00am Vancouver time (6pm Europe – CET) – Whistler GAP year “Year in Canada’s Adventure Capital”
- Thursday April 3, 4:00pm Vancouver time – Types of Adventure Jobs & Whistler opportunities
- Monday April 7, 9: 30am Canada/Vancouver, 6:30pm Europe/CET – Tailor-Made Adventures in Whistler: NEW Short-Term course bundles
- Tuesday, April 29, 9:00 am Canada/Vancouver- Expand your skills – Whistler Adventure School
Make sure to sign up to our Facebook Group. We’ll be posting any opportunities in Whistler through this private group!
1. Log into Facebook
2. Search for “WAS Student Page”
3. Request to Join.
