Whistler Adventure School: Where Education Meets Adventure
Embark on a Journey of Discovery: Embrace Learning for Life!
Embark on a transformative journey with us! Rather than rushing into the next chapter of your life, we invite you to pause and explore your deepest passions. This invitation extends to high school graduates, university or college students, and anyone considering a break to redefine their career trajectory. As an accredited private institution under PTIB, we offer a unique platform for personal and professional growth.
In the business world, we often talk about the concept of a ‘pivot’ – a strategic shift in direction when plans change. This is your opportunity to assess your options and pivot towards a path that resonates more deeply with your aspirations.
We are excited to announce that our new Career Training Programs are open for the 2024/2025 academic year. These programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for the ever-evolving job market.
To learn more and take the first step towards a fulfilling career, reach out to our education advisors today!
An Alternative Option to a Gap Year
Perhaps, you should consider learning a skill that would qualify you for internationally recognized areas of expertise. Many of our students have found our hands-on courses to benefit their flexibility to find work when travelling.
You could learn valuable videography skills, photography editing, wilderness first responder life saving course, and be able to meet new friends with similar interests.
As a world renowned resort town, Whistler offers many amenities. Enjoy a day out in the outdoors and end your day with friends by the lake. There are no shortages of restaurants, pubs and unique activities around town.
Whistler Adventure School Benefits over Universities and Colleges
Whistler Adventure School (WAS) is a career school offering professional, and life skills to small groups of students. Starting as early as September, you can make a plan to learn a new skill, earning credits that are attributed to your University or College program. Popular programs starting in September include, our Marketing Media Management, Mountain Sport Technician and Adventure Tourism Winter. Our newest Adventure Tourism Winter Program offers the ability to condense your learning into 6-months. Our Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Program teaches you skills in the backcountry of the Whistler Mountains and Tourism Adventure Winter explores outdoor tourism in the winter season. Our Bike Guide Training program, primes students to start the journey of leading guiding groups in the backcountry.
Key Benefits of our Career Programs
Learn Real Life Skills: This will help you start your own business, prepare yourself for post-secondary school reentry, or earn credits that may be attributed to your school program.*
- Follow Your Passion: Take a course or program that has always interested you. Whether you wish to learn bike mechanics, build your own snowboard or skis, experiential leadership and guiding , videography or Ski/Snowboard Guide Training, you can take that next step toward your chosen career!
- Small Interactive Classes: Our post-secondary school focused on intimate one-on-one class learning.
- RESP: As an accredited school, Canadians can use their Registered Education Saving Plan towards our programs.
Whistler Adventure School (WAS): Career-Oriented Learning in a Spectacular Setting
Whistler Adventure School (WAS) is a career-focused institution that offers professional and life skills training in small, interactive classes. Starting from September, you have the opportunity to learn new skills and earn credits that can complement your university or college education. Our popular programs include Marketing Media Management, Mountain Sport Technician, and Adventure Tourism Winter.
Innovative Programs for an Adventurous Education
- Marketing Media Manager Program: An intensive program enabling you to learn key foundational components to prepare yourself for marketing in business.
- Mountain Sport Technician: The perfect balance of hands-on bike and ski/snowboarding experiential learning.
- Adventure Tourism Winter Program: This program allows you to condense your learning into 6 months, exploring outdoor tourism in winter conditions.
- Adventure Tourism Summer Program: This is the same as the above but there is a focus on Summer programs.
- Ski/Snowboard Guide Training: Gain expertise in backcountry skills in the stunning Whistler Mountains.
- Bike Guide Training: This program prepares you to lead guiding groups in backcountry biking adventures.
Key Benefits of Studying at WAS
- Learn Real Life Skills: Gain practical knowledge useful for starting your own business, enhancing your educational journey, or earning credits for your academic program.
- Pursue Your Passion: Choose a course that aligns with your interests, from bike mechanics to ski/snowboard manufacturing, leadership, videography, and guide training.
- One-on-One Learning Experience: Benefit from our focus on small, intimate class settings.
- Utilize RESP Funds: As an accredited institution, Canadian students can apply their Registered Education Savings Plan towards our programs.
- Learn from Industry Professionals: Our instructors bring real-world experience and stories, providing invaluable insights into practical skills.
- Experience Whistler, British Columbia: Live and study in the beautiful mountain town of Whistler, where you can enjoy biking, skiing, snowboarding, and the breathtaking wilderness.
*Be sure to speak to your school advisors prior to enrolling, to ensure it can be applied to your program, and obtain the agreement in writing.
“There were two considerations that were crucial in choosing a career program for myself: location and relevance. Whistler Adventure School met both of those with the Media and Marketing program. The strategically curated course program layered onto my career in marketing, offering new tools for me to use in Photography and Videography. And with the school being located in Whistler, it provided the perfect setting to not only take advantage of the vast outdoor playground, but to apply the program skills in the industry I’m passionate about, outdoor tourism.”
– Dani, Marketing & Media Diploma Graduate
Whistler Adventure School Fall and Winter 2024/2025 Programs
Mountain Sport Technician
1 Year Diploma
Start Date: Multiple start dates throughout 2024.
You will learn:
- Bicycle Mechanic Repair
- Experiential Leadership & Guiding
- Digital Marketing & Social Media
- Boot Fitting
- Ski & Snowboard Production
- Sustainable Bike Trail Building
- Co-op Work Experience
Adventure Tourism Winter
1 Year Diploma
(option to accelerate to a 6 month diploma)
Start Date: Multiple start dates throughout 2024..
.You will learn:
- Outdoor Survival Skills
- Experiential Leadership & Guiding
- Backpacking
- Wilderness First Responder (First Aid)
- Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
Marketing Media Management
1 Year Diploma
Start Date: Multiple start dates throughout 2024.
You will learn:
- Photography
- Photo Editing
- Videography
- Video Editing
- Digital Marketing & Social Media
- Event Planning
- Co-op Work Experience
Ski/Snowboard Guide Training
6 Month Diploma
Start Date: November 2024.
You will learn:
- Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Level 1
- Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Level 2
- Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Level 3
Whatever your choice, we are here to support you and help you navigate your way through our available opportunities. Please contact our Education Advisors to discuss the next exciting step!