Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Year 1: May 2023 (Summer semester), October 17th, 2023 - June 30, 2024 or January 6th, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Year 2: October 15th, 2024 – September 30th, 2025
This all-encompassing two year accredited diploma program is designed for someone looking to start a meaningful career in the outdoor adventure industry year-round.
The Outdoor Adventure Guide Program incorporates the best that Timberline Academy and the Canadian Rockies has to offer. Some of the program highlights include Ski/Snowboard Instructor Training, Mountaineering Skills Training, Whitewater Canoe/Raft Guide School, Parks Canada/ Conservation Management, Indigenous Studies, Ski Guide Training and TWO internships (one summer and one winter).
Students can choose to begin the program in either May, November or January.
*This program is licensed by the Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education under the Alberta Private Vocational Act.**International Students are eligible for a Student Work Permit during the duration of the study period.***International Students are NOT eligible for a post-graduate work permit upon completion of the program.
Program Structure
Curriculum
Download the full curriculum document here: Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma Curriculum 2022
Employment Outcomes
The goal of this program is to develop graduates who are confident educators and leaders in the contemporary outdoor adventure industry. Students will graduate with the skills and experiences to work throughout the year in multiple areas. Example graduate jobs include: Ski Instructor, Ski Patroller, Ski Guide, Avalanche Forecaster, Whitewater Canoe Guide, Raft Guide, Mountaineering/Climbing Assistant, Interpretive Guide and various roles in Parks Canada and conservation.
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. No hostels, no hotels. Students are not obligated to stay in Timberline Academy housing. The first month of rent (October, January or May) is included. Students pay rent on a month-by-month basis afterwards.
Learning Spaces
Students have a blend of classroom based and practical learning in the mountains. Indoor training typically takes place at 333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB or 100 Norquay Road, Banff, AB. Outdoor training takes place at a variety of locations in Banff National Park, Kananaskis Provincial Park, Jasper National Park and Kootenay National Park.
Tuition Schedule + Fees
+ Application Fee $500
+ Winter #1 Tuition $15,450
+ Summer Tuition $7,950 - $13,950
+ Winter #2 Tuition $15,950
= $39,850 - $45,850 CAD + 5%GST
Tuition fees are due on the first day of each semester
Admission Requirements
Application Process
Due to the intimate nature of the Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma Timberline Academy can only accept a very limited number of students to this program. Applicants will be expected to take part in a 30-45 minute phone call to determine eligibility and discuss the details of the program.
Current Application Status: OPEN
Successful Applicants
Equipment
Timberline Academy will provide most safety gear, group gear and specialty equipment throughout the duration of the program. Students are expected to provide their own personal gear. Students will also receive pro deals from certain brands to help keep gear expenses low. Please review the basic gear guide below:
