Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma

Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma

Upcoming entry dates for Year 1 students: January 8th, 2024, May 1st, 2024, October 21st, 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.

SAFETY & RISK AWARENESS

Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy strives to deliver high quality learning experiences in outdoor settings. All of our instructors are highly certified and experienced in their respective disciplines. The goal of our program is mitigate risk of bodily injury as much as possible but the nature of learning in these environments means that risk can never be fully eliminated. Participation in any program at Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy comes with inherent risks and injuries can happen. Therefore, every student or participant should attend programming knowing that reality that accidents can occur.

Program Structure

Adventure Guide Program

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 $16,450 

+ Summer Tuition $8,400 - $12,900

+ Winter #2 Tuition $16,950

= $42,300 - $45,800 CAD + 5%GST

Tuition fees are due on the first day of each semester

Admission Requirements

  • 18 years old of age at start of program
  • Must have some ski or snowboarding experience
  • Must demonstrate a desire to work in the outdoor adventure industry
  • Resume detailing past school & work experience

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

  • Pay $500 Application Fee
  • Receive Student Work Permit Guide (International Students Only)
  • Interview with winter practicum placement (November intake)
  • Airport pick-up
  • One night’s stay in Calgary
  • Transfer to Banff
  • Orientation Week October 17th - 21st or Janaury 6th - 9th

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:

  • Ski or Snowboard Gear
  • Ski touring or Splitboard setup (mandatory winter #2)
  • Ski helmet + goggles
  • Warm clothes for winter and summer
  • Two backpacks 40L - 70L (day pack + expedition pack)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Drysuit (Whitewater Guide School)
  • PFD (Whitewater Guide School)
  • Climbing shoes (Mountaineering Program)
  • Mountaineering boots (recommended)
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Begin your career in the Canadian Rockies!