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 or workshops that will develop your artistic side.
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 who are comfortable in all snow conditions. All students will need touring skis or a split board, with climbing skins, and ski poles with powder baskets. Students will be provided with an Avaluator v2.0 (CAC).
AST courses are also offered by Extremely Canadian and Mountain Skills Academy. The latter also offers AST courses for snowshoers, hikers and ice climbers. When you’re ready to go beyond, there are also AST 2 courses and rescue clinics available.
Ski / Snowboard Guide Training – Whistler Adventure School
The 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 which will allow them to pursue a career in guiding. But be warned, find a job as a guide and you might never leave Whistler!
Crevasse Rescue / Glacier Travel – Extremely Canadian
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 / 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.
Creative Courses
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 mean 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 will you have the chance to go to readings by incredible authors, but you’ll also be able to take part in some of the many workshops.
You can learn how to quickly pitch your idea to publishers, how to come up with novel ideas, and much, much more! The Festival Pass gives you access to all readings and most workshops.
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.