Adventure Tourism Winter Certificate Program

Program Overview

Adventure Tourism Winter Certificate Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This 6 month or 12 month program teaches the basic fundamental skills necessary to become a part of the winter outdoor tourism industry. Skill sets emphasized include snow safety, ski, snowboard, guiding, leadership and survival as well as winter camping. Students will be equipped to enter the outdoor industry on an entry level. Students enrolled in this program are required to purchase a seasons pass (Whistler Blackcomb or Epic Pass) for access to the mountain. (the price for the pass is not included in the program cost).

WHO IS IT FOR?

Aimed towards the individual who is looking for outdoor adventure experiences and training. Learn new skills and techniques to help you to navigate in the mountains in winter and learn the fundamentals of backcountry skiing or boarding.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the knowledge, technical skills and credentials of the adventure tourism industry.
• Apply knowledge of personal and group safety, and conscientious stewardship of the heritage and the environment.
• Exhibit leadership in varied and diverse situations.
• Demonstrate ability to support adventure-based and nature-based outdoor recreation activities.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic business skills applied to adventure tourism.

CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED

• Program Diploma
• Canadian Avalanche Safety Level 1 (AST1)
• Wilderness First Responder Certification

POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS

Upon further completion of training students could become an intern Outdoor Guide. Additionally, students may work in the business aspects of these operations such as recreational tourism.

PROGRAM COSTS

• Tuition Fee Local: $8,500 CAD
• Tuition Fee International: $9,500 CAD
• Application Fee: $250 CAD
• Textbook Fees: Up to $150 CAD*
• Trip Fee: Up to $450 CAD
• WB Lift Pass - this program requires access onto Whistler Blackcomb Mountains for most courses. Students must purchase a seasons pass or day lift tickets, not included in the cost of the program.

WAS GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 18 years of age or older
• All students must meet WAS Language Proficiency Assessment Policy.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 20 kg /44 lbs
• Ability to ski or snowboard on Intermediate terrain
• Students in the ATW program will require a Whistler Blackcomb or Epic seasons pass (not included in program tuition price)

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Please consult the Adventure Tourism Gear List (specifically the courses in Adventure Tourism Winter)
• Lift passes will be required for the majority of ATW courses - students are advised to purchase a Seasons pass which must be done directly through Vail Resorts or Whistler Blackcomb. Seasons pass sales generally end in late November every year. Students without seasons passes will be required to purchase day tickets when required.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Resume of Ski/Snowboarding skills including the below information is required.
  • Students should be able to ski/board a blue (Intermediate) run comfortably.
  • Ability to lift 20 kg /44 lbs
  • Ability to be outdoors in winter conditions for extended periods
  • Physical ability to walk, snowshoe, or ski tour up hill in winter conditions ( Students will require a reasonable base level of fitness)
  • Students will have to complete a medical form.
  • Students with a pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns should contact WAS ahead of the course.

COURSES

• Note that some course dates may be altered due to Instructor availability – please consult the course calendar for exact course dates posted 60 days prior to the course start date

Course| Program| Month| Hours ---|---|---|--- Outdoor Survival Skills| Adventure Tourism Winter| January| 68 Experiential Leadership & Guiding| Adventure Tourism Winter| April| 45 Backpacking| Adventure Tourism Winter| May or October| 48 Wilderness First Responder| Adventure Tourism Winter| May or October| 80 Backcountry Ski/Snowboard| Adventure Tourism Winter| December| 68

PROGRAM START MONTHS

• Full Year (12 month) Program starts: December, January, April, (1 year Program).
• Accelerated (6+ month) Program starts: December.

LENGTH OF STUDY

• 309 hours within 6+ or 12 months

CREDITS

• 24

INDIVIDUAL COURSE START MONTHS

• Individual courses can be taken according to the course scheduling – no study permit required to take individual courses for up to 6 months. Individual Course Certificates are earned for each course completed.

Program Outline

Outline:

This 6-month or 12-month program provides students with the fundamental skills needed to enter the winter outdoor tourism industry. It covers topics such as snow safety, ski, snowboard, guiding, leadership, survival, and winter camping.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, students can pursue careers as outdoor guides or in the business aspects of recreational tourism. Additional training may be required for specific roles.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Tuition Fee Local$8,500 CAD Tuition Fee International$9,500 CAD Application Fee$250 CAD Textbook Fees$125 CAD Trip Feeup to $450 CAD