From the French Alps to the Ultimate Canadian Backcountry Classroom

Meet Henry Walker, a 19-year-old digital creator, photographer, videographer, mountaineer, and CSIA ski instructor who traded the French Alps for the rugged peaks of Whistler, BC. With a passion for the outdoors and a drive to turn adventure into a career, Henry set out to combine backcountry ski training with media and marketing skills at Whistler Adventure School (WAS). This video is a great peek at Henry’s life as a student from arriving in autumn 2024 through to March – about half-way through his adventure.

At WAS, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Education happens in the mountains, on the trails, and through the lens of a camera. Henry’s time here has been an immersive experience, giving him the opportunity to hone his technical outdoor skills while learning how to capture and share his journey professionally.

A Year of Learning in the Mountains

Henry’s experience at WAS is about more than earning certifications—it’s about gaining hands-on skills and real-world experience. His training has taken him across Whistler’s vast landscapes, from high alpine glaciers to deep backcountry terrain.

• Videography and marketing training at Shannon Falls, where classroom theory meets real-world content creation.

• Exploring Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky bike trails, using adventure as inspiration for photography and videography projects.

• Ski Guide Training in the Whistler & Blackcomb Backcountry preparing for a future guiding others through challenging alpine terrain.

• Crevasse travel and rescue, rappelling with ski gear, ice climbing and building the technical skills needed for serious backcountry expeditions.

• Deep powder skiing on Whistler Blackcomb, pushing personal limits and learning advanced navigation techniques.

• Skiing couloirs on Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, tackling expert terrain like Corona Bowl and Stairmaster Couloir.

• Spending nights at Kees & Claire Hut, gaining first-hand experience in backcountry trip planning and overnight survival.

This immersive education has given Henry a strong foundation in both mountain safety and digital storytelling—two essential skills in today’s adventure industry.

Check out Henry’s Instagram on @henry_walkrrr

Blending Outdoor Adventure with Digital Media

Henry’s dual enrollment in the Ski & Snowboard Guide Training Program and the Marketing & Media Manager Program allows him to document and share his experiences in a professional, compelling way. Whether he’s guiding in the mountains or creating content for brands, he now has the expertise to turn his passion into a career.

And with spring approaching, the opportunities for adventure continue. As the ski season winds down in May, Whistler transforms into one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations. The Whistler Bike Park and endless singletrack trails provide new ways to explore, develop skills, and continue capturing incredible outdoor moments.

Your Adventure Starts Here

At Whistler Adventure School, education is designed for those who want to combine technical skills with real-world application. Whether your goal is to become a backcountry guide, a digital creator, or a leader in the outdoor industry, WAS provides the tools and training to make it happen.

📍 Applications for Winter 2025/26 are now open!

Apply Now | Explore the Programs | Book an Info Session

Can’t come to Whistler for a full program of 6 months or longer? Try a WAS Study & Play Bundle or individual course.

Start your own journey at WAS and turn your passion for adventure into a career.

#WASLife #StudyInWhistler #SkiGuideTraining #ExperientialLearning #AdventureEducation