Bike Guide Training

PROGRAM START MONTHS

May, June or July 2025

LENGTH OF STUDY

197.5 full time hours within 6+ months. Diploma program runs over 6 months and a study permit is required for International students.

CREDITS

12

CREDENTIALS

Diploma
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.

Interested in finding out more about our gap year programs? Check out our Student Gap Year page.

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$6,700 CAD
Tuition Fee International$7,500 CAD
Application Fee$250 CAD
Textbook FeesUp to $60 CAD*
Lab Supplies$125 CAD
*Trip fees and Textbook fees vary according to courses taken and textbook providers. All textbooks are 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

Equipment List for Bike Guide Training

  • 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.
Admissions Requirements

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

CourseProgramMonthHours
Wilderness First ResponderBike Guide TrainingMay/October80
Instructor Level 1Bike Guide TrainingMay/June/July22.5
Trail MechanicsBike Guide TrainingAugust22.5
Guiding ClientsBike Guide TrainingJuly22.5
Bike Guide Co-opBike Guide Training50
View Course List
Chris Clark Instructor for Bike Mechanic and Bike Guiding

CHRIS CLARK

Chris took up mountain bike racing as a young teenager, as a result was encouraged to learn how to maintain his own bike. Chris has grown up racing mtb’s and moved to Whistler where he’s worked in many local bike shops, moving up from being the quiet young grom at Whistler Bike Co to head mechanic for Comor Sports.

SAM MCDONALD

Sam has modified almost every ski boot on the market, punched more shells, and molded more custom boots than anyone else in Whistler. He has spent the last 15 years working through the Surefoot ranks until being given his own flagship store in the heart of Whistler.

Coming Soon