Mountain Adventure Skills Training

Program Overview

The 9-month Mountain Adventure Skills Training program combines outdoor learning experiences with classroom instruction to prepare students for careers in adventure tourism. The program includes required courses in risk management, guiding, and outdoor skills, as well as elective courses in specialized areas. Graduates are equipped with the skills and certifications necessary for a variety of adventure tourism careers, including guiding, instruction, and outdoor recreation.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program Structure:
• The 9-month Mountain Adventure Skills Training program consists of 60% outdoor learning experiences and 40% classroom instruction.
• 38 of 48 credits are required for the MAST Certificate.
• There are no extra charges for elective courses, and no discounts or refunds if students choose not to take electives.
• Required Courses:
• Risk Management in Adventure Tourism
• Natural History
• Guiding and Leadership
• Introduction to Adventure Tourism Industry
• Wilderness Travel Theory
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
• Rock Climbing 1
• Hiking 1
• Mountaineering 1
• Ski Touring 1
• Canoe Skills 1
• Whitewater Raft Guide Training 1
• Avalanche Skills Training 1
• Alpine Ski/Snowboard Instructor Certification
• Avalanche Skills Training 2
• Occupational First Aid Level 3 or Wilderness Medical Associates Wilderness First Responder
• Elective Courses:
• Ski Tour 2
• Swiftwater Rescue Technician
• River Expedition Skills
• Whitewater Raft Guide Training 2 or Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking
• Canoe Guide Certification or Mountain Bike Skills Development

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on field experiences
• Group discussions and individual facilitation
• Overnight survival exercises
• Case studies and multiple industry examples
• Faculty:
• Highly skilled professionals with industry experience
• Unique Approaches:
• Develop a personal leadership philosophy and abilities
• Build a professional portfolio
• Gain industry certifications

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Adventure Tourism Guide
• River Rafting Guide
• Canoe Guide
• Ski/Snowboard Instructor
• Avalanche Safety Technician
• Outdoor Educator
• Environmental Interpreter
• Wilderness First Responder
• Opportunities:
• Employment in a variety of adventure tourism settings, including guiding, instruction, and outdoor recreation
• Opportunities for seasonal employment and international work
• Career advancement through certifications and experience
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are prepared to work or play in the backcountry or sidecountry
• Graduates have the skills and certifications necessary for a variety of adventure tourism careers
• Graduates have a strong understanding of risk management and outdoor safety