Our Programs
International Students
Diversity is a strength - we are happy to welcome both foreign and domestic students to Banff. We have been fortunate enough to have had students from over 30 countries take part in our programs since 2014. Study/work permits are available for select programs.
Accommodation
All of our students live in fully furnished apartments in the town of Banff. It is important to us that all of our students are able to cook and live independent, healthy lifestyles.
Who We Are
Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy is a regulated post-secondary outdoor adventure college based in Banff National Park, Alberta. We strive to deliver educational programming that will prepare our students to be both leaders and educators in the adventure tourism industry. We offer programs that range in length from 4 weeks to our 2 year Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma. We also offer a variety of gap year ski & snowboard instructor courses and internships.
Timberline operates on three core teaching principles:
Team-based technical skills training to give our students the physical skills and certifications required for meaningful employment in the adventure tourism industry.
Engaging coursework taught to unlock an understanding of the ecology and human history of the Canadian Rockies, contemporary and historical knowledge of Canada's Indigenous peoples and effective risk management & leadership techniques. The best guides are also great teachers and advocates.
Finally, all of our programming ultimately revolves around our incredible community here in Banff and the Canadian Rockies. It is essential that our students be engaged in the community through our many team events and excursions. The arts also play a role in our programming through our Self-Directed Learning program and Wilderness Photography programs.
Timberline Academy graduates are highly skilled, capable and inclusive leaders.
Leadership Team

James McCutcheon
Director

Minh-Tâm Thompson
Program Coordinator

Tai Lloyd-Evans
Program Coordinator & CSIA Lead

Michelle Backhouse
Student Engagement Coordinator

Mark Rauseo
Program Coordinator

Naia Noyes-West
Academic Coordinator
Department Heads

Mike Trehearne
Mountaineering & Ski Guide Training

Thomas Snow
Indigenous Studies

Travis Finlayson
Risk Management & Guiding Leadership + Wilderness First Aid

Phillip Forsey
Wilderness Film & Photography