Whistler Adventure School offering Gap Year Programs


Gap Year, Learning Year or Learning for Life?

Gap year, learning year, learning for life!

This is an opportunity for you! Instead of rushing into your next phase of life, take a pause and seek out your true passion. Whether you are in high school, university, college, or even perhaps simply taking a gap year it is a unique time to seek out a new career path. WAS is an accredited private institution under PTIB.

In business we call this a pivot. You had set plans that have now shifted requiring you to evaluate your available options, leading you to pivot in a different direction.

Below are some new Career Training Programs that are still accepting applications for the 2023/2024 year!

Contact our education advisors to find out more!

Check out Program Brochure!

Changing Environment for University and College Students

The excitement of being accepted to your dream school or even returning to reunite with your colleagues has been altered by this COVID-19 virus. Many post-secondary schools will not be reopening in September, and if they are, their curriculum is focused on online teaching. This severely limits the vast elements of learning, not to mention the social experiences of Universities and Colleges.

Most post-secondary schools are still charging the same cost for a course or program but offering less of an experience. By shifting your learning to online you miss out on the social experience of post-secondary school, interacting with other students, professors, and school events.

An Alternative Option to University

In this time of reflection, perhaps you would consider taking a course or program that could be attributed to your degree?*  Why not learn a new skill that will qualify you for a job you love, then work part-time when you return to school?

 *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.

Why WAS?

Student Gap Year Shifts Focus due to COVID-19

There are so many different options, trade schools, career schools and any education that offers small classes or outdoor classes could be just what you need!

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.

How to Apply

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.
  • Industry Professionals: Our instructors live their life skills. They know and teach the skills you need. They share their experiences that help you learn from their real life stories!
  • Whistler: Say no more! You can live your next year in the beautiful mountain town of Whistler, British Columbia. Learn your skills, meet new friends, enjoy the downhill and cross country bike trails, skiing, and snowboarding available on Whistler Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy the wilderness surrounding this picturesque town.

 *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 2023/2024 Programs

Mountain Sport Technician

1 Year Diploma

Start Date: Multiple start dates throughout 2023.

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
Mountain Sport Technician

Adventure Tourism Winter

1 Year Diploma

(option to accelerate to a 6 month diploma)

Start Date: Multiple start dates throughout 2023.
.You will learn:
  • Outdoor Survival Skills
  • Experiential Leadership & Guiding
  • Backpacking
  • Wilderness First Responder (First Aid)
  • Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
Adventure Tourism Winter Program

Marketing Media Management

1 Year Diploma

Start Date: Multiple start dates throughout 2023.

You will learn:

  • Photography 
  • Photo Editing
  • Videography
  • Video Editing
  • Digital Marketing & Social Media
  • Event Planning
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Co-op Work Experience
Marketing Media Management Program

Ski/Snowboard Guide Training

6 Month Diploma

Start Date: November 2023

You will learn:

  • Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Level 1
  • Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Level 2
  • Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Level 3
Ski/Snowboard Guide Training Program

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!

Live Life Outdoors!