Mountain Adventure Skills Training College of The Rockies

Overview

Throughout the Mountain Adventure Skills Training course from College of The Rockies you will be introduced to a broad range of skills, industry certifications, and technical knowledge through cohort-based learning, projects, field trips, and numerous outdoor field courses, spending approximately 60% of your time outside engaged in experiential learning. Prepare for employment in the field of Adventure or Adventure Tourism or continue studies toward a university degree.

We play and learn in the BC Rockies where you can experience mountain culture and engage in local adventure opportunities. Learn a range of skills from industry experts, including:

• Hiking,
• rock climbing,
• mountaineering,
• avalanche skills training,
• ski touring,
• winter camping,
• bushcraft and survival skills,
• canoeing, rafting, whitewater kayaking, and more.

With so much of our programme spent outdoors, it is highly recommended that you are a strong intermediate skier or snowboarder, are a competent swimmer, and have the fitness and skills to engage in the required and elective field courses.

The adventure industry is growing, and MAST graduates are sought after. After completion of the MAST certificate students may find employment in a wide variety of entry-level jobs in adventure tourism and recreation. Some of our graduates have gone on to become:

• Members of the Association of Canadian Mountain, Ski, Rock, and Hiking Guides;
• Entrepreneurs who own and operate adventure businesses;
• Managers of operations at adventure tourism organizations;

And can be found in the adventure tourism sector locally, regionally, and internationally

Career opportunities:

As a graduate of the MAST programme here are just a few examples of career options:

• Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guide (including canoeing, rafting, mountain climbing, ski patrol, camp counsellor, camp programme director, etc.)

• Outdoor Instructor  

• Environmental and Outdoor Educator

• Tour and Travel Guide (Assistant) (Transport or guide individuals on tours of waterways, the backcountry, and more.)

• Ski Patrol

• National and Provincial Park Ranger and Leadership Positions

• Industrial Outdoor Work (examples include avalanche professional, rope rescue)

• Tourism Industry Travel Guide

• Applied Leadership and Team Oriented Positions