Take the First Step Toward Your Career in Adventure Tourism

Are you ready to turn your passion into a career? Whether you’re dreaming of adventure, creativity, or connection, Whistler Adventure School is here to help you make it happen.

This month, we’re excited to share:

  • From High School to the Mountains: Explore how a gap year with Whistler Adventure School can be a life-changing first step toward your career. Read the Blog
  • Meet Virginia Arenas Palau! Our new Latin America advisor is here to guide students in the region through every step of the application process.
  • Upcoming Virtual Sessions in December: Join us to learn more about our programs, connect with instructors, and ask your questions about studying at WAS.

✨ Your future is waiting—are you ready to take the next step? Let’s make it happen together.

📩 Contact us or reserve your spot for a virtual session today.

Keep exploring!

The WAS Team

Welcoming Virginia: Inspiring Adventures and Opportunities Across Borders

Hi, I’m Virginia Arenas, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Latin America Marketing & Admissions Manager at Whistler Adventure School!

I’m originally from the beautiful Yucatán, known for its white sand beaches but no mountains. For the last 20 years, however, I’ve lived in Puebla, Mexico, surrounded by majestic mountains and volcanoes. It was here, and through my travels, that I fell in love with the outdoors—whether it’s hiking through the mountains, swimming in tranquil lakes, marveling at waterfalls, or simply enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature’s beauty.

My adventures have taken me all over the world. I’ve hiked a volcano in Japan, explored the desert and Essaouira in Morocco, and trekked through stunning landscapes in Mendoza, Argentina, and the Atacama Desert in Chile. I’ve also experienced the Rockies in Montana, the Great Rivers area in Michigan, the Alps in South Germany, and countless trails across Mexico. Each journey deepened my love for adventure and fueled my passion for connecting with nature—and I still have so many places to explore!

A little about my professional journey: 
I studied International Relations and later completed an MBA. I worked for nearly 15 years with a German company, managing international projects and customer service in Mexico. This role allowed me to connect with people from diverse cultures and appreciate the incredible variety of perspectives the world has to offer.

For the past decade, I’ve also been immersed in the mountain biking world. I’ve helped organize races, worked at events as staff, and supported a bike store—all thanks to my husband, a passionate rider, and now my son, who’s starting to follow in his footsteps. Joining them on mountain adventures and at events has been a joy and a way of life for me.

Why I joined Whistler Adventure School:
I’m excited to share my personal and professional experiences with students, helping them see how studying and living abroad can open their minds and lead to life-changing opportunities. I also want to inspire others to embrace the outdoors and discover the incredible fulfillment it brings.

In Latin America, there’s often a traditional mindset—go to university, then straight into a long-hours job. But life doesn’t have to follow one path. I want to show people that they can pursue their passions, whether through adventure sports, a gap year, or transformative experiences that shape a new way of thinking and open doors to a brighter future.

If you’d like to learn more about our programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to answer your questions and guide you toward a truly rewarding journey.

Virginia Arenas Palau
📱 WA: +52 1 55 9417 0393
📧 Email: virginia@whistleradventureschool.com

🎓From High School to the Mountains: Make Your Gap Year Count🏔️

Outdoor Education at WAS
Whistler Adventure School (WAS) offers experiential learning programs that take students out of the classroom and into real-world scenarios, ideal for those passionate about outdoor adventures. The Adventure Tourism Summer Program includes certifications like Wilderness First Responder, equipping students with lifesaving skills for remote emergencies, and courses in mountain biking, rock climbing, and backcountry navigation. This immersive experience not only builds technical and leadership skills but also prepares graduates for careers in outdoor guiding and adventure tourism, with flexible study options to suit individual schedules. Many students further enhance their expertise with additional training like Bike or Ski/Snowboard Guide courses.

Building Independence in Whistler
Relocating to a destination like Whistler helps students develop independence, resilience, and adaptability while connecting with a global network of peers and professionals. WAS supports this transition with resources for housing, schedules, and balancing work and study. Students benefit from a welcoming community and local initiatives like Zero Ceiling and Whistler Community Services, which create an inclusive environment. With its renowned adventure tourism industry, Whistler offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth and career development, making it a perfect place for students to explore, learn, and thrive.

Read the Full Blog Here

Join our Free Student Virtual Information Session

Every month, we host virtual group meetings multiple times a month, offering you a convenient opportunity to join us and inquire about our programs, the application process, and living in Whistler. Here are our upcoming sessions.

  • Monday, December 2, 18:00 Europe (CET time) 9:00 am Vancouver time – Study & Work in Whistler

Don’t miss out – be sure to sign up for a session!

Sign up for a Virtual Info Sessions.

Make sure to sign up to our Facebook Group. We’ll be posting any opportunities in Whistler through this private group!
1. Log into Facebook
2. Search for “WAS Student Page”
3. Request to Join.