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Location
  • Canada
    • Whistler
Length
26 - 52 weeks
Program Tags
Adventure Travel After College Cultural Immersion Hands-On Learning Internships Jobs Post-High School Ski / Snowboard Instructor Sports Coaching Study Abroad Wilderness Working Holiday +2

Program Details

Activities
Backpacking Camping Hiking Ice Climbing Mountain Climbing Rock Climbing Skiing Snowboarding Snowshoeing
Timeframe
Fall Spring Winter
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18
Age Max
75

Pricing

Starting Price
5000
Price Details
Tuition for the SSGT program is $CD 6500 plus textbook fees and application fee. Students in this program will need to purchase a seasons' pass at Whistler Blackcomb (not included in the price)
What's Included
Some Activities Some Park Fees Visa
What's Not Included
Accommodation Airfare Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Some Park Fees SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance
May 05, 2023
Mar 29, 2022
Wish List
5 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

If you love skiing or snowboarding and are looking at taking your skills to the next level, this 6 month program is a dream come true! Designed for upper intermediate to advanced skiers & snowboarders, the SSGT program focuses on perfecting backcountry skills including avalanche safety training, route planning, crevasse rescue and learning to travel safely in the backcountry.

The program is held over a period of 6 months, with your actual training done in sort, intense learning blocks with time in between to work full time and practice your skills to get ready for the next level. Students coming from outside of Canada will apply for a study permit with work allowance and will have lots of time to play in the mountains, work and learn new skills.

This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about backcountry skiing or snowboarding, whether you'd like to follow further along the path to become a fully certified ski guide, or just for your own interest and advancement.

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Video and Photos

Play Video
view of skier on mountain
winter camping
starting at the top of Whistler mountain
Ski Touring
Boarding with a view!
Backcountry survival skills
Getting ready to tour
Relaxing in the powder!
Ski Guide group
Bluebird day for touring!
Student from Guide Program
Above the clouds
Ski and Snowboard Guide students

View All Photos

Program Highlights

  • This is a one-of-a kind program, taught by certified ACMG mountain Guides
  • Small Groups - ratio of 1:6 so you get lots of personal attention and learning opportunities
  • Explore the stunning backcountry beyond Whistler & Blackcomb mountains
  • Lots of time to practice your skills, improve your backcountry travel, and also time off to work to earn money
  • Meet like-minded skiers & snowboarders from around the world - our current SSGT program has students from 14 different countries!

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Program Reviews

4.50 Rating
based on 2 reviews
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  • Housing 3.5
  • Support 4.5
  • Fun 4.5
  • Value 4.5
  • Safety 4.5
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
Elena
30
Female
Spain
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

8

Mar 29, 2022

I had lots of fun participating in the ski guide training at WAS. Personally, I barely had any experience at ski touring, so everything I know now it’s because of this course, which is a lot. It helped me to become a more confident skier, learnt a lot of things about the mountain and safety tips. I keep recommending it to my friends, but I think it might be a little bit too easy for some experienced people. The social environment was good, I met a lot of nice people and everyone tries to help each other as much as possible.

Pros
  • Learnt a lot
  • Lots of adventure
  • Made good friends
Cons
  • A little bit pricey
  • A little bit disorganized sometimes
80 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Default avatar
Catie
22
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ski and Snowboard Guide 2020-2021

Mar 9, 2022

The Whistler Adventure School Ski and Snowboard Guide program was the perfect addition to my gap year. The course blended my love of skiing, with the satisfaction of hiking, while teaching the skills necessary to be a dependable leader. Not only did I discover the glory of backcountry skiing but, I also gained the knowledge surrounding weather, snow quality, terrain condition, and avalanche danger needed to accomplish this activity safely. I am grateful to WAS for introducing me to, and giving me the knowledge to be successful in an activity I intend to pursue for the rest of my life.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
When we reached the top of the Spearhead glacier, I looked down at the run before me. At first I thought the snow would be windblown and I was in for a rough ride, however, the moment I took my first turn I realized I couldn't have been more wrong. The snow was perfect powder, with a slight hard layer which allowed partial carving. I enjoyed every minute of my ride down, I could never imagine having access to unfettered turns like those in resort. At the bottom, I surveyed my work. My groups turns were lined up in perfectly in sync, evenly shaped and not overlapping, as if we were in a ski movie. Ever since, I have wanted more.
78 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Blackcomb Backcountry March 2021

Questions & Answers

About Whistler Adventure School

Whistler Adventure School is an accredited Post-Secondary Institution located in the year-round resort town of Whistler, BC. Our GAP year programs are perfect for mountain-lovers who want to learn new skills in Adventure Tourism, play in Canada's #1 adult mountain playground, and be able to work to support themselves while in Canada. All 6 month...

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