Two-Year Diploma
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
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.
Application Status
OPEN
2024 Session
Upcoming entry dates
Year 1:
January 8th, 2024, May 1st, 2024, October 21st, 2024
Year 2:
October 17th, 2024 – August 31st, 2025
The Program
Curriculum
YEAR 1
WINTER SEMESTER
October intake
- CSIA Level 1 & 2
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid
- Avalanche Safety Training Level 1
- Avalanche Safety Training Level 2
- Wilderness Photography 1
- Risk MGMT & Guiding Leadership 1
- Conservation Management 1
- Indigenous Relations 1
- Ski Guide Training 1
- Group Ski Expeditions
- Winter Internship
January intake
- CSIA Level 1 & 2
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid
- Avalanche Safety Training Level 1
- Avalanche Safety Training Level 2
- Wilderness Photography 1
- Risk MGMT & Guiding Leadership 1
- Conservation Management 1
- Indigenous Relations 1
- Ski Guide Training 1
- Group Ski Expeditions
SPRING SEMESTER
October intake
Students pick two of three spring courses:
- Whitewater Canoe/Raft Guide School (May)
- Mountaineering Adventure Skills (June)
- Conservation & Local Ecology (May or June)
January intake
Students pick two of three spring courses:
- Whitewater Canoe/Raft Guide School (May)
- Mountaineering Adventure Skills (June)
- Conservation & Local Ecology (May or June)
YEAR 2
WINTER SEMESTER
Completed Winter Internship in Year 1
- CSIA/CASI Advanced Training
- Wilderness First Responder Bridge
- Avalanche Search & Rescue Level 1
- Canada Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
- Ski Guide Training 2 & 3
- Indigenous Relations 2
- Risk Management & Guiding Leadership 2
- Conservation Management 2
- Wilderness Photography 2
- Ski Touring Expedition
- Ski Mountaineering Expedition
Completed Summer Internship in Year 1
- CSIA/CASI Advanced Training
- Wilderness First Responder Bridge
- Avalanche Search & Rescue Level 1
- Canada Avalanche Association Operations Level 1
- Ski Guide Training 2 & 3
- Indigenous Relations 2
- Risk Management & Guiding Leadership 2
- Conservation Management 2
- Wilderness Photography 2
- Ski Touring Expedition
- Ski Mountaineering Expedition
- Winter Internship
SPRING SEMESTER- Summer Internship Related to Studies
- Summer Internship Related to Studies
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:
Fees
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.
Our Graduates
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Tristan
Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Tristan is a recent graduate of the OAG Diploma class of 2022
Upon graduation Tristan spent the winter working on Ski Patrol at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff.
Ski Patrol at a large ski resort such as Lake Louise is a very dynamic job and a great place continue to develop professional skills and experience in the adventure tourism industry!
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Hannah
Originally from the UK, Hannah is a recent graduate of the Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Hannah works year-round in the Alberta adventure tourism industry.
In winter, Hannah works as a Ski Patroller at one of Canada’s most iconic and busiest ski resorts; Sunshine Village. In summer, Hannah works as a Raft Guide for Canadian Rockies Rafting.
Hannah is a firmly established local in the Bow Valley and she ain’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Ben
Originally from the UK; Ben is a recent graduate of the two-year Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Ben works year-round in the Alberta adventure tourism industry.
Ben is going into his third winter season as a pro patrol at Mount Norquay Ski Resort in Banff. Ben helps to manage visitor safety across the mountain including avalanche hazard control. In summer, Ben is one of the lead guides at Whitewolf Rafting in Canmore. This past summer he helped to train some Timberline students during our Whitewater Canoe/Raft Guide School program.
A natural teacher and accomplished outdoorsman. You’ll see Ben chasing powder and that elusive PR this winter in Banff!
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Quynton Mccleary
Quynton “Big Country” McCleary is an Alberta based graduate of the Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Quynton spends his winters teaching skiing for @skibig3 and his summers as one of the more experienced raft guides at @canadianrockiesrafting. Quynton is always friendly face around Banff and has been a great pathfinder and role model for the students who have followed him!
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Danial
Our first ever graduate from Iran; Danial recently completed the two-year Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Danial works year-round in the Canadian adventure tourism industry.
In summer, Danial works as a hiking guide in Canada’s remote Yukon Territory and spends his winters as a ski instructor at Mount Seymour near Vancouver, BC.
Danial is a conservationist at heart and continues to build his life in the outdoors across Canada. A great teacher who inspires his guests.
Outdoor Adventure Guide Diploma
Saskia
Saskia is a dual Canadian – UK citizen and recent graduate of the OAG Diploma class of 2021
Saskia is a year round guide in Alberta’s adventure tourism industry. In the winter she works as a backcountry dog sledding guide with @snowyowlsleddogtours and as a whitewater raft guide with @whitewolfrafting in the summer!
We’re very proud that Saskia is one of the first OAG graduates to circle back and work with Timberline Academy. This past spring she helped lead our Whitewater Rafting Program and has been a mentor for many Timberline students entering the industry.
About Timberline Academy
Timberline Academy is locally owned and operated so our students can expect a positive, team-based atmosphere with a high level of on the ground support from the ownership team. We make the extra effort to engage our students in the community through weekly group activities, like Hockey, family dinners and by participating in local volunteering initiatives. Additionally, we help students secure part-time jobs while taking part in the program if they wish.
Learn more
Want to learn more about our international student programs?
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