Editor’s Note: This post on learning and levelling up in the mountains was originally written in 2019, but has been updated with current information as of February 2025.
Whistler is an incredible place to come and let your hair down. There are endless days of skiing, après and dining out. But did you know that it’s also an amazing place to grow and push yourself by learning new things?
There’s a variety of courses you can do here, from outdoor skills that will help you safely explore the mountains to creative classes and workshops that will develop your artistic side. From skills that take a couple of days to those that require weeks, even months, we’ve gathered a selection of what’s on offer if you’re open to learning something new in the mountains.
Outdoor Education
Avalanche Skills Training – Whistler Blackcomb
Backcountry skiing is undoubtedly very attractive, but without the right training, it can be dangerous. To the uninitiated, avalanches can seemingly come from nowhere. The Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course will teach you how to read snow conditions and terrain to keep you safe while adventuring.
Only experienced skiers and snowboarders should venture into the backcountry. So this course is only suitable for intermediates and experts comfortable in all snow conditions. All students will need alpine touring skis or a split board, with climbing skins, a 25-35 litre backpack and an avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel and probe).
AST courses are offered by Extremely Canadian and Mountain Skills Academy. When you’re ready to go beyond, there are also AST 2 courses and rescue clinics available.
Guide Training – Whistler Adventure School
The Ski/Board Guide Training Program from Whistler Adventure School lasts for six months and consists of 157.5 hours of training. Once completed, students will receive a Program Diploma and Canadian Avalanche Safety Levels 1 and 2, allowing them to pursue a career in guiding.
Whistler Adventure School also offers a Bike Guide program, that consists of 307.5 full-time hours over seven months. Another option is the local bike coaching company ZEP, which offers a four-week bike instructor program.
But be warned, find a job as a guide and you might never leave Whistler!
Crevasse Rescue / Glacier Travel
The terrain in this part of the world can be unforgiving. Any extended trip into the backcountry will more than likely require some time spent on a glacier. While stunningly beautiful, glaciers can also pose a risk, if not treated carefully, so Whistler courses are a great way to learn how to navigate them.
After completing the Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel course you’ll be able to travel across glaciers safely and access areas that were previously beyond you. You’ll also learn how to use ropes to ski safely and take part in crevasse rescues. Extremely Canadian and Mountain Skills Academy both offer these courses.
Creative Courses
Improv, Stand Up, and Public Speaking & Presentation Skills – Laugh Out LIVE!
Local comedy duo, Ira Pettle and Rebecca Parliament, the team behind the hilarious Laugh Out LIVE! shows, offer a series of classes. Get ready to laugh while you learn, release your inhibitions and let go of any shyness that might stop you from stepping onto the stage or stepping up at work.
Various Workshops – Arts Whistler
It’s a well-known fact that spending time in a beautiful setting such as Whistler can leave you inspired. Over the past 37 years, Arts Whistler has been busy bringing the joy of art and creativity to our idyllic town.
Aside from putting on exciting and intriguing exhibitions, they also run regular creative workshops. There are paint and sip nights, screen printing workshops, figure drawing nights, and everything in between. Keep an eye on their Events Calendar for upcoming events.
Various Workshops – Audain Art Museum
Do you like challenging yourself with new material? Then you have to check out the Audain Art Museum’s workshops and events.
Artists of all ability levels are welcome, and the range of workshops and classes throughout the year means there’s always something new to try. All you need to bring is yourself and a creative mind, as all supplies are provided for you (you’re welcome to bring your own materials if you have them). It’s a guaranteed good night out for you and your friends.
Various Workshops – Whistler Writers Festival
The Whistler Writers Festival is one of the highlights of the fall calendar here in Whistler. Not only do you get the chance to listen to some incredible Canadian and international authors, but you can also work on that memoir or kids’ book you’ve been thinking about writing.
Workshops on writing intriguing characters, developing strong narrative themes and how to pitch your concept are just an example of what’s on offer. And if you feel your idea is ready for publishers there’s a pitch event right at the festival.
Whistler Institute – Speaker Series and BCIT Courses
The Whistler Institute of Learning Society (Whistler Institute) is a charity funded by private donors that has a Speaker Series designed to stimulate discussion and inspire action around major issues facing the world, as well as a range of educational programs.
From events that discuss AI: Ethics, Empathy & Humanizing Technology, and Democracy and Science to their Indigenous Intercultural Awareness Course and part-time business & leadership courses, the Whistler Institute is another place to look for continuing education.
Various Workshops/Courses – Yogacara
The mountains have a restorative power and when you team this with wellness practices like yoga, it’s a perfect match. The team at Yogacara offer yoga teacher training courses as well as workshops on human design and fascia release.
As you can see, there are many ways to “level up” in Whistler, wherever your passions lie! Explore deeper through the events calendar, outdoor course providers and the arts and culture attractions.
If all these Whistler courses have got your mind racing, head over to Whistler.com to start planning your stay.
