Student Services

Students are required to obtain medical insurance before traveling to Canada. Accidents and unexpected illness can occur at any time. Having insurance in place before you leave home is the best way to protect yourself. Students who are participating in Whistler’s famous adventurous outdoor activities are especially at risk.

Medical insurance coverage is mandatory for all residents of British Columbia. WAS provides information and assistance by helping students to secure access to provincial healthcare or by connecting students with a suitable insurance provider.

Proof of medical insurance coverage is mandatory for all students prior to course registration, and must be maintained while attending the school. All students are expected to maintain valid medical insurance for the duration of their studies.

The school is not liable for any medical or dental expenses. Students from outside British Columbia, particularly international students, must obtain medical insurance to provide them with coverage for the first 90 days upon arrival in Canada. This 90-day waiting period is required by the BC government in order to process the student’s application for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) and is governed by the BC MSP Act. The BC MSP card becomes effective 90 days after your arrival in BC and the temporary Visitors to Canada medical insurance expires accordingly. Students from other Canadian provinces must also obtain BC MSP, and should check with their respective provincial medical services plan to verify what coverage would apply until they receive their new BC MSP card.

It is the responsibility of individual students to apply for:

1) Private Medical Insurance

2) BC Medical coverage (MSP)

About Whistler Adventure School

Whistler Adventure School (WAS) is a private post-secondary training institution located in Whistler, British Columbia. We are certified by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Government of British Columbia and hold BC’s Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation.

Our institution delivers professional bicycle education and industry-recognized Cytech certification, as well as the Mountain Sport Technician (MST) Diploma Program. Training is practical, hands-on, and delivered in small classes of 4–6 students, ensuring a high level of individual instruction and real workshop experience.

Facilities

WAS operates from a dedicated training facility in Whistler equipped with a professional workshop environment. The school’s facilities include:

• A fully equipped bicycle workshop with professional-grade tools, stands, and equipment consistent with industry-standard shop environments
• Classroom and theory instruction space
• Student work areas for hands-on repairs and technical assessment
• Access to Open Shop Days for graduates to continue developing their skills in the workshop environment after course completion

The facility is located in Whistler, BC, and is partially wheelchair accessible – downstairs workshop is accessible, upstairs classroom is stair-only access. Administration is available on-site during business hours. Parking is free directly in front of the facility. There is lockable storage available with supervised access during school hours. Arrange with faculty for access.

Programs and Class Schedules

WAS currently offers programming across two streams: Individual Cytech Bicycle Mechanic Courses and the Mountain Sport Technician (MST) Diploma Program. All programs involve a strong emphasis on in-person, hands-on delivery. Schedules vary by program and intake.

Cytech Bicycle Mechanic Courses

Individual Cytech courses run on a rolling schedule throughout the year, with multiple intakes available. Students can view current available dates on the Course Calendar.

Mountain Sport Technician (MST) Diploma Program

The MST Diploma Program is WAS’s flagship long-form program combining bicycle mechanics with mountain sport technician training. Full program details, admission requirements, and individual course options are available at whistleradventureschool.com/mountain-sport-technician.

Detail	Information
Program length	3-6 months
Total instructional hours	620 hours
Credential awarded	Mountain Sport Technician Diploma
Intake dates	Rolling
Class schedule	Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Term and Program Start Dates

Cytech courses operate on a rolling intake model with courses scheduled throughout the year. New cohorts begin regularly — check the Course Calendar for the most current available dates.

The MST Diploma Program operates on a rolling intake for the Professional and Advanced Bicycle Mechanic courses, with emphasis on September – December attendance for remaining MST courses.

Current and confirmed upcoming start dates are always listed on the WAS website calendar. Students are encouraged to register early, as class sizes are limited to 4–6 students per course to preserve the quality of hands-on instruction.

Scheduled Breaks and Closures

WAS observes the following scheduled breaks and closures each year:

• BC Statutory Holidays — The school is closed on all BC and federal statutory holidays, including New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, BC Day, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, and Christmas Day.
• Holiday Closure — December 15 – January 10

If a course falls over a statutory holiday, the affected class day will still be scheduled. Students will be notified in advance of any changes to their course calendar.

Services Available to Students

In addition to classroom and workshop instruction, WAS offers the following services to enrolled students:

• Academic support — Students are encouraged to connect with their instructor at any time with questions about course content, technical skills, or assessment preparation.
• Cytech certification registration — WAS handles registration and coordination of official Cytech assessments on behalf of students.
• T2202 Education Expense Receipts — WAS is an RESP-eligible training provider and issues T2202 forms for tax purposes upon request.
• Employment support — WAS can connect students with industry contacts and provide guidance on employment pathways in the bicycle and mountain sport industry. Funding and grants may be available for eligible students and their employers — contact WAS for details.
• Open Shop access — Graduates can continue using the WAS workshop through supervised Open Shop Days.
• Student insurance information — Details on student health and travel insurance options are available at whistleradventureschool.com/student-services.

Health, Safety, Mental Health Services, and Addiction & Overdose Supports

Your wellbeing matters to us. Here is how to get support in Whistler.

Emergency –  If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department at Whistler Health Care Centre, 4380 Lorimer Road.

Mental Health Support — Students. All students currently registered at a BC post-secondary institution have free, confidential access to Here2Talk, BC’s dedicated mental health support service for post-secondary students. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including immediate single-session counselling and crisis intervention.

• Website:https://here2talk.ca/
• Phone (toll-free): 1-877-857-3397
• Phone (direct): 604-642-5212
• App: Download the Here2Talk app on Apple or Android

Mental Health Support — Local Services. Whistler Mental Health & Substance Use Services (Vancouver Coastal Health) Located inside Whistler Health Care Centre, 4380 Lorimer Road. Available to adults 24 and older. No referral required.

• Phone: 604-698-6455
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Services include individual counselling, group workshops, and psychiatrist referral.

Foundry Sea to Sky — for students aged 12–24 Free, confidential, and non-judgmental health, mental health, substance use, and social services for young people and their families. Access in person in Squamish or virtually anywhere in BC via the Foundry BC App.

• Website: foundryseatosky.com

Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) — Counselling Assistance Program Subsidized clinical counselling for Whistler residents who cannot afford private therapy. Provides support for 6–12 sessions per year, assessed by income eligibility.

• Website: mywcss.org
• Phone: 604-932-0113
• Address: 8000 Nesters Road, Whistler

 

Crisis Lines:

Service	Contact
Emergency	9-1-1
BC Crisis Line	310-6789 (no area code needed)
Suicide Prevention Hotline	1-800-784-2433
Suicide Crisis Helpline (national)	9-8-8 (call or text, 24/7)
Kids Help Phone	1-800-668-6868
Indigenous Crisis Support — KUU-US	1-800-588-8717
BC 211 (service referrals)	Dial 2-1-1

Addiction & Overdose Supports

Naloxone — Free Take-Home Kits

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Free Take-Home Naloxone (THN) kits — including both injectable and nasal spray formats — are available without a prescription at participating pharmacies and health sites throughout Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor.

To find your nearest naloxone distribution site, use the Toward the Heart Site Finder:

• Website: towardtheheart.com
• HealthLink BC: Call 8-1-1 anytime, day or night

Free online naloxone training, including the SAVE ME Steps, is also available at towardtheheart.com.

Naloxone kits are also available on campus. Please speak with school administration to find out where the kit is located and to receive basic overdose response training.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection to anyone who calls 9-1-1 for help during an overdose — you cannot be charged for simple possession of drugs when seeking emergency help.

Drug Checking

The Whistler Community Services Society offers free, confidential drug checking — your drugs can be tested for unexpected substances including fentanyl, xylazine, benzodiazepines, and other compounds. No identifying information is collected.

• Website: mywcss.org

Lighthouse Substance Use Clinic A free virtual clinic providing same-day medical treatment and short-term stabilization for people who use substances in the Vancouver Coastal Health area.

HelpStartsHere — BC government platform with over 2,600 publicly funded mental health and substance use services province-wide.

• Website: helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca

Education / Program Progression Assistance

We are committed to your success throughout your program. If you have questions about your learning path, course requirements, credential completion, or next steps after graduation, our staff are here to help.

Program Progression Support at Whistler Adventure School

• Speak with your instructor or program coordinator at any point during your studies to discuss your progress, learning goals, or any concerns about meeting program requirements.
• Students who need to modify their schedule or pace of study due to health, personal circumstances, or other factors are encouraged to connect with administration early so we can explore available options together.
• Program outlines, learning objectives, and completion requirements are provided to all students at the start of their program and are available on request at any time.

External Supports

WorkBC — Free career planning, job search, and skills training support for BC residents.

• Website: workbc.ca
• Whistler WorkBC Centre: Available to help with employment planning, resumé building, and connecting you to funded training programs.

BC 211 — Free, confidential referral service connecting you to educational, employment, and community supports across BC.

• Dial: 2-1-1
• Website: bc.211.ca

 Learning Support Services

We recognize that students learn in different ways and may face a variety of challenges during their studies. We are committed to providing a supportive learning environment for everyone.

On-Campus Support

• Students experiencing difficulty with course material are encouraged to speak with their instructor directly. Additional one-on-one time or adapted instruction can be arranged where possible.
• If you have a documented learning disability, medical condition, or other need that may affect your participation, please advise administration as early as possible so appropriate accommodations can be discussed.

Online & Provincial Resources

Wellness Together Canada — Free online mental health and wellness tools, self-assessments, peer support, and live counselling for all Canadians.

• Website: wellnesstogether.ca

HealthLink BC (811) — Free health advice from registered nurses and pharmacists, available 24/7.

• Call: 8-1-1

BC 211 — Connects students to a wide range of learning support, disability services, and community resources across BC.

• Dial: 2-1-1

Local Community Integration Supports

Moving to Whistler — whether from across BC, Canada, or internationally — can be both exciting and overwhelming. The following local organizations and services are here to help you settle in, connect with the community, and thrive during your time here.

Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) WCSS has been supporting Whistler’s social health and wellness since 1989 and offers over 30 free programs and services to residents and newcomers, including:

• Outreach Services — free, confidential, drop-in support five days a week for life challenges including financial concerns, employment insurance applications, tax filing assistance, mental health resources, and social connection
• Whistler Food Bank — supplemental groceries available to anyone in need, no registration required, drop-in hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:30–5:30 p.m.
• WCSS Coffee & Conversations — Wednesday afternoons, a welcoming drop-in to meet the community and connect with social supports
• 2SLGBTQIA+ social events and Whistler Rainbow Connection
• Re-Use-It and Re-Build-It thrift stores — affordable gear, clothing, and household items

Address: 8000 Nesters Road, Whistler Phone: 604-932-0113 Website: mywcss.org

Whistler Public Library –  A free community hub offering computers, Wi-Fi, programs, and access to a wide range of print and online resources.

• Website: whistlerlibrary.ca

Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) The municipal government website provides information on local services, transportation, recreation, and community programs for residents.

• Website: whistler.ca

BC 211 — Your Starting Point for Any Local Service If you’re not sure where to turn for any community resource — housing, food, legal information, immigration services, financial assistance, or anything else — BC 211 is a free, confidential, multilingual helpline available 24/7.

• Dial: 2-1-1

Daily Life — Transportation, Childcare, Communications & Banking

Living and studying in Whistler is a unique experience. As a mountain resort community, most of what you need is close at hand and highly walkable — but knowing your options from the start makes settling in much easier.

Transportation

Local Bus Transit — BC Transit Whistler

Whistler has a well-connected local bus system operated through a partnership between the Resort Municipality of Whistler and BC Transit. Buses run daily from 5:20 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., covering the full length of the valley from Creekside to Function Junction and all major neighbourhoods in between.

Key local routes include Spring Creek, Alpine, Emerald, Cheakamus, and Whistler Creek, among others. Free winter shuttles operate on Route 4 (Marketplace) and Route 5 (Upper Village/Benchlands), and Route 7 (Staff Housing) is free between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Transit passes are available through the Umo app or in person:

• 6-Month Adult Pass: $270
• 6-Month Concession Pass (students/seniors): $215
• 12-Month Adult Pass: $510
• 12-Month Concession Pass: $410

Whistler Transit accepts contactless payment on Interac, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards.

• Schedules & route maps: bctransit.com/whistler
• Real-time bus tracking: whistler.ca/transportation/transit-service
• Transit App and Google Transit are both supported for trip planning.

Getting To and From Vancouver

Several intercity shuttle services connect Whistler to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and downtown Vancouver:

• Whistler Connection: YVR to Whistler shuttle bus service: whistlerconnection.ca
• YVR Skylynx — Scheduled coach service between YVR, downtown Vancouver, and Whistler Village. yvrskylynx.com
• Rider Express — Intercity bus service along the Sea to Sky corridor: riderexpress.ca

The drive from Vancouver to Whistler along Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on conditions.

Getting Around Locally

Whistler Village and most residential neighbourhoods are highly walkable and bikeable year-round. Rideshare services (Uber) and local taxi companies also serve the community. Car rentals are available in the Village for day trips further afield.

Childcare

Whistler has a range of licensed childcare options for students with young children. Availability is limited in a resort community, so we strongly recommend arranging childcare well in advance of your program start date.

Licensed childcare providers in Whistler include:

• Whistler Children’s Centre — Licensed group childcare
• Mountain Minis Childcare — mountainminischildcare.com
• Spring Creek Children’s Centre
• Whistler Waldorf School Early Years Centre (Wildflowers) — Licensed childcare from 30 months to school age, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., open to families in the Sea to Sky community regardless of school enrolment. Email admissions@whistlerwaldorf.com.
• Chez Les Petits Loups — Licensed home childcare for ages 2–5 years, Tuesday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:15 p.m. whistlerdaycare.com
• Teddy Bear Daycare
• Dinosaur Daycare

BC Affordable Child Care Benefit — Families with lower incomes may be eligible for the provincial Affordable Child Care Benefit, which helps subsidize the cost of licensed care. Apply through the BC government at childcarebc.ca.

Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre — Provides referrals and support for families navigating childcare in the Sea to Sky corridor. wccrc.ca

Communications — Cell Phone & Internet

Mobile Phone Service

Whistler is served by Canada’s three major national carriers. Good coverage is available throughout the village, valley, and most residential neighbourhoods:

• TELUS — In-store location in Whistler. Strong local coverage; Bell shares TELUS towers in BC, so Bell customers generally experience equivalent coverage. telus.com
• Rogers — Available via retail and online. rogers.com
• Bell — Available online and through authorized retailers. bell.ca

All three carriers offer prepaid (no-contract) SIM card options, which is a practical and affordable choice for international students. SIM cards can be purchased in-store at TELUS in Whistler, at Shoppers Drug Mart (4295 Blackcomb Way), or at electronics retailers.

Note for international students: If you are arriving from outside Canada, your existing SIM card will not work on Canadian networks. Purchase a Canadian SIM card before or shortly after arrival. Bring your unlocked phone if possible, or purchase an affordable device locally.

Home Internet

If you are renting accommodation in Whistler, internet service is typically included or available through your landlord. If you need to set up your own service, providers operating in Whistler include:

• TELUS (fibre and DSL) — telus.com
• Rogers/Shaw (cable internet) — rogers.com
• Electric Daisy Internet — local Whistler provider
• TekSavvy — budget-friendly reseller using existing cable and DSL infrastructure

Service availability varies by address and neighbourhood. Contact providers directly or use whistleout.ca to compare plans available at your specific address.

Banking

Several banks and ATMs are located within Whistler Village and the surrounding area. We recommend opening a Canadian bank account as early as possible after arrival — this will make receiving payments, paying rent, and managing daily expenses much easier.

Banks with Whistler locations:

• RBC Royal Bank — Located at 4000 Whistler Way (inside the Whistler Way building). rbc.com
• CIBC — Branch and ATM access. Located at 4338 Main St., Un. 102  cibc.com
• BlueShore Financial — Community-focused credit union with ATM access in Whistler. Located at 4321 Village Gate Blvd. vancity.com
• TD Canada Trust — Branch and ATM access at4370 Lorimer Rd Unit 138. td.com

ATMs are also available at Upper Village Market, Shoppers Drug Mart, and various village locations. Most major Canadian banks do not charge fees for their own ATM network; using a different bank’s ATM typically incurs a small fee.

Opening a bank account: Most major Canadian banks allow you to open an account online before arriving in Canada, or in-branch with your passport and study permit. International students do not need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to open a basic chequing account, though you will need one if you plan to work in Canada.

Interac e-Transfer is the standard method for paying rent and transferring money between individuals in Canada — make sure your account supports this before you arrive.

Groceries & Pharmacy

Whistler has several full-service grocery stores conveniently located throughout the community:

• Fresh St. Market — 4330 Northlands Blvd. Open daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Nesters Market & Pharmacy — 7019 Nesters Road. Open daily 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Includes an in-store pharmacy.
• The Whistler Grocery Store — 4211 Village Square (village centre). Open daily 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Creekside Market — 2071 Lake Placid Road (Creekside). Open daily 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Upper Village Market — 4580 Chateau Blvd. Open daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Includes an ATM.
• Independent Grocer — 4330 Northlands Blvd (Rainbow area). The most economical full-service option.
• Circle K — 4270 Lorimer Road. Open 24 hours for late-night convenience items.

Pharmacies:

• Shoppers Drug Mart — 4295 Blackcomb Way, Unit 121. Open Monday–Sunday 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Phone: 604-905-5666
• Nesters Market & Pharmacy — 7019 Nesters Road. Phone: 604-932-3545

Below are Whistler Adventure School Policies that all students and faculty are expected to adhere to at all times.

• Dispute Resolution and Grade Appeals
• Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Tuition Refund Policy