Ski & Snowboard Guide Training
ENROLMENT MONTH
November / December
LENGTH OF STUDY
157.5 full time hours within 6 months
CREDITS
8
CREDENTIAL
Diploma
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 157.5 full-time hours completed over a 6 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 amongst many other exciting elements. Throughout the program, students train in alpine terrain, building a resume of trips and backcountry experiences that also supports preparing for an ACMG / UIAGM Ski Guide level, if this path is chosen.
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.
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 Diploma
- Canadian Avalanche Safety Levels 1 and 2 (AST1 and AST2)
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 | $7,500 CAD |
| Application Fee | $250 CAD |
| Textbook Fee | $75 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 |
WAS GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 18 years old
- Proficient in English
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced skier/snowboarder with own touring set up (Powder skis or Split-board)
- Able to ski/ride black/double black runs in home country comfortably in powder
- Ideally have some backcountry experience
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Additional physical requirements are necessary
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 |
| Ski Guide Level 3 | Ski & Snowboard Guide Training | March | 67.5 |
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.
GUILLAUME OTIS
As owner and lead guide of Coast Mountain Guides, you may find Guillaume Otis anchored to a granite face, carefully analyzing a snow stability compression test or carving epic powder lines. Inspired by the outdoors and driven by nature he relocated from Quebec to the West Coast in his late teens and followed his dream to become a guide.
Coming Soon
Alpine Guide Training
ENROLMENT MONTH
July
LENGTH OF STUDY
157.5 full time hours within 6 months
CREDITS
8
CREDENTIAL
Diploma
Accredited by Government of B.C. Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB).
ALPINE GUIDE TRAINING – PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Alpine Guide Training Program consists of 157.5 full time hours completed over a 6 month period and introduces the fundamental skills to alpine mountaineering techniques and backcountry guiding. Students are able to strengthen their own alpine techniques and/or to prepare for a career as an ACMG/IFMGA guide assistant.
Students learn the fundamentals to alpine mountaineering and are immersed in the alpine of the Whistler valley, where they practice their newly learned skills in “real world” situations. Throughout the program, students will be building a resume of trips and backcountry experiences to help prepare them to reach an ACMG/IFMGA level, if chosen.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This specific program is aimed at the experienced climber/mountaineer who is looking to extend their skills into the alpine mountaineering territory.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
- Mountaineering on rock, snow, ice with necessary equipment
- Glacier travelling, multi-pitch ascents and descents
- Alpine climbing and rescue techniques
- Knots and anchors
- Rappelling and belaying
- Route planning, navigation and forecasting for guided trips
- Risk management protocols and safety for clients
- Guiding standards
CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED
- Program Diploma
POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS
- Apprentice or intern alpine mountain guide
- Guide operations assistant/manager
- Guide customer service assistant/manager
PROGRAM COSTS
| Tuition Fee Domestic | $3,500 CAD |
| Tuition Fee International | $5,000 CAD |
| Textbook Fees | $50 CAD |
| Application Fee | $250 CAD |
| Trip Fees - this program may incur trip fees payable by the student. Includes, but not exclusive to: overnight trips, special equipment, transportation or other excursions as decided by the course instructor during the program | $450 CAD |
WAS GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 18 years old
- Proficient in English
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Rock Guide Training Program or
- Advanced Rock Climbing Skills (comfortable 6+)
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Additional physical requirements are necessary
COURSES
| Course | Program | Month | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Guide Level 1 | Alpine Guide Training | June/July | 22.5 |
| Alpine Guide Level 2 | Alpine Guide Training | July/August | 67.5 |
| Alpine Guide Level 3 | Alpine Guide Training | August/September | 67.5 |
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.
GUILLAUME OTIS
As owner and lead guide of Coast Mountain Guides, you may find Guillaume Otis anchored to a granite face, carefully analyzing a snow stability compression test or carving epic powder lines. Inspired by the outdoors and driven by nature he relocated from Quebec to the West Coast in his late teens and followed his dream to become a guide.
Coming Soon
Rock Guide Training
ENROLMENT MONTH
July
LENGTH OF STUDY
157.5 full time hours within 6 months
CREDITS
8
CREDENTIAL
Diploma
Accredited by Government of B.C. Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB).
ROCK GUIDE – PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Rock Guide Training Program consists of 157.5 full time hours completed over a 6 month period and introduces fundamental skills to rock climbing and guiding. Students gain the skills to strengthen their own rock climbing abilities and/or to prepare for a career as an ACMG/IFMGA guide assistant.
Students learn a variety of rock climbing techniques such as crack climbing, face climbing, the mechanics of rappelling, multi-pitch rock climbing and develop lesson plans for teaching presentations to guiding clients. Throughout the program, students build a resume of rock climbs and multi-pitch experiences that also supports preparing for reaching an ACMG/UIAGM level, if chosen.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This program is predominantly aimed at those who have some rock climbing experience, ideally outdoor but indoor climbers or people with a high interest in climbing and no experience also fit the program well. The course is physically demanding and all students should have a good level of fitness to be climbing a full day for up to 5 days consistently.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
- Various climbing techniques and necessary equipment
- Rappelling and multi pitch
- Route planning, navigation and forecasting for guided trips
- Risk management protocols and safety for clients
- Customer service excellence for guiding businesses
- Guiding standards
CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED
- Program Diploma
POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS
- Apprentice or intern rock mountain guide
- Guide operations assistant/manager
- Guide customer assistant/service manager
PROGRAM COSTS
| Tuition Fee Domestic | $3,500 CAD |
| Tuition Fee International | $5,000 CAD |
| Application Fee | $250 CAD |
| Textbook Fees | $50 CAD |
| Trip Fees - this program may incur trip fees payable by the student. Includes, but not exclusive to: overnight trips, special equipment, transportation or other excursions as decided by the course instructor during the program | Up to $450 CAD |
WAS GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 18 years old
- Proficient in English
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Additional physical requirements are necessary
COURSES
| Course | Program | Month | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Guide Level 1 | Rock Guide Training | July | 22.5 |
| Rock Guide Level 2 | Rock Guide Training | July/August | 67.5 |
| Rock Guide Level 3 | Rock Guide Training | August/September | 67.5 |
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.
GUILLAUME OTIS
As owner and lead guide of Coast Mountain Guides, you may find Guillaume Otis anchored to a granite face, carefully analyzing a snow stability compression test or carving epic powder lines. Inspired by the outdoors and driven by nature he relocated from Quebec to the West Coast in his late teens and followed his dream to become a guide.
Coming Soon
Bike Guide Training
ENROLMENT MONTH
March / April
LENGTH OF STUDY
197.5 full time hours within 6 months
CREDITS
12
CREDENTIAL
Diploma
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.
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 Fees | $50 CAD |
| Lab Supplies | $125 CAD |
WAS GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 18 years old
- Proficient in English
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced mountain bike skills, capable of riding black trails and advanced terrain
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Full suspension Trail/Enduro Bike
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Additional physical requirements are necessary
COURSES
| 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 |
| Bike Guide Co-op | Bike Guide Training | 50 |
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
