Ski & Snowboard Guide Training
ENROLMENT MONTH
November
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
- PTIB Accredited 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
Submit a resume of related skills for the following abilities:
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Ability to link turns on a blue ski run.
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Ability to ski varied off piste snow conditions in control. (Powder snow, icy conditions, crust snow & wet snow)
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Basic backcountry experience including switching between uphill and downhill mode. (Bindings, skins, boots)
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Ability to locate an avalanche buried avalanche transceiver in under 5mins within a 50m area.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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