Rock Guide Training
ENROLMENT MONTH
This program is currently not available for summer 2022. Please contact info@whistleradventreschool.com for alternative program choices. WAS will be offering a summer adventure tourism program coming soon!
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 some outdoor experience. 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. See the requirements tab for full requirements.
Interested in finding out more about our gap year programs? Check out our Student Gap Year page.
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
- Rock Climbing Skills
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Submit a resume of related skills for the following abilities.
- Ability to correctly wear a harness, helmet & climbing shoes.
- Ability to climb 5.8 outside on top-rope in rock climbing shoes.
- Ability to tie a follow through figure eight into a climbing harness.
- Ability to safely belay (PLUS method) and lower a top-roped climber, including correctly loading the rope into the device with locking carabiner and connecting it to the harness.
- Basic level of fitness including ability to walk uphill for one hour at a moderate pace.
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