Bike Guide Training
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.
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 | $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 *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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness First Responder | Bike Guide Training | May/October | 80 |
| Instructor Level 1 | Bike Guide Training | May/June/July | 22.5 |
| Trail Mechanics | Bike Guide Training | August | 22.5 |
| Guiding Clients | Bike Guide Training | July | 22.5 |
| Sustainable Trail Building | Bike Guide Training | May / September | 60 |
| Bike Guide Co-op | Bike Guide Training | 100 |
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