Adventure Tourism Business Operations

The ATBO program is an adventure itself. As a student, you’ll complete academic courses geared to prepare you for the business component of the industry, but you’ll also take part in several field courses that will challenge you and let you learn from your own real-life experiences. What will the field courses look like if you enroll in the program? Well, that’s part of the adventure. There are many variables that will impact your own experience, but you can expect to venture out in many different environments, in a variety of weather conditions, and be faced with an array of challenges, and different group situations. But don’t take our word for it. A few of our former students share some of their most memorable moments. Check out their stories. This 2-year Diploma program starts in September each year and credits can be used towards a tourism degree program

Admission and Program Requirements

View admission requirements, program completion requirements and individual course information.

Note: The information for this program is currently set to display information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature from the “select calendar” drop-down.

View the pdf version of the official program outline.

ATBO Waiver

Please note participation in this program includes advanced written acknowledgement (via email – golden@cotr.bc.ca) and agreeing to terms of the ATBO Waiver, and associated program waivers from partners of and organizations outside of College of the Rockies. The waiver is also provided in the admissions packages sent out to applicants.

If you have any questions about the ATBO waiver, you can reach us at golden@cotr.bc.ca. The waiver is provided in advance to ensure you have ample time to review it, and if you so choose, to seek legal advice before signing the waiver in person if admitted to the program.

Certification

In addition to earning a college diploma, you may also be eligible to obtain a variety of recognized outdoor industry certifications. These may include:

• Advanced Wilderness First Aid – Slipstream Wilderness First Aid
• Swiftwater Rescue Technician – Rescue Canada
• Level 1 Ski Instructor – Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance
• Level 1 Snowboard Instructor – Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors
• Day Canoe Guide – Recreational Canoeing Association of BC
• Level 1 & Assistant Overnight Guide – Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC
• Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 & 2 – Avalanche Canada
• Interpretive Specialist – Interpretive Guides Association
• Field Leader Hiking – Outdoor Council of Canada

Tuition and Fees:

For the 2026/27 academic year (2026/SU, 2026/FA, 2027/WI, 2027/SP)

Year 1

Year 2

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

 Textbook Fees:

• Certificate program text book costs are approximately $800.00
• The second year Diploma program text book costs are approximately $450.00

Note:

• Tuition fees do not include living expenses. You are responsible for all living expenses.
• If you have applied for student loan funding and have not received confirmation of approval, you must make alternate arrangements for tuition payment.
• Students who are not eligible for government funding may wish to approach private lending institutions to discuss their student lines of credit.

Additional Costs and Supplies:

The College provides:

• Transportation during all out-trips
• All equipment except as noted on personal list
• Some shelter during out-trips which may include tarps or alpine huts
• Most certification and exam fees
• Free access to college computers and library services
• Seasons Pass at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

You can expect to incur the following expenses:

• Out-trip Food:
  You are responsible for food and personal maintenance costs during out trips.

• Accommodation:
  You are expected to have your accommodation situation settled by the first day of classes.

Tuition and Fees:

For the 2026/27 academic year (2026/SU, 2026/FA, 2027/WI, 2027/SP)

Year 1

Year 2

 Textbook Fees:

• Certificate program text book costs are approximately $800.00
• The second year Diploma program text book costs are approximately $450.00

Note:

• Tuition fees do not include living expenses. You are responsible for all living expenses.
• If you have applied for student loan funding and have not received confirmation of approval, you must make alternate arrangements for tuition payment.
• Students who are not eligible for government funding may wish to approach private lending institutions to discuss their student lines of credit.

Additional Costs and Supplies:

The College provides:

• Transportation during all out-trips
• All equipment except as noted on personal list
• Some shelter during out-trips which may include tents, tarps or Alpine huts
• Most certification and exam fees
• Free access to college computers and library services
• Seasons Pass at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

You can expect to incur the following expenses:

• Out-trip Food:
  You are responsible for food and personal maintenance costs during out trips.

• Accommodation:
  You are expected to have your accommodation situation settled by the first day of classes.

As a graduate of the ATBO diploma program here are just a couple of examples of career options you could pursue:

• Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guide (Enjoy the lifestyle you love while working in your dream career. Guide individuals or groups in such skills as canoeing, rafting, and mountain climbing, be part of ski patrol, a camp counsellor, camp program director, etc.)
• Tour and Travel Guides (Transport or guide individuals on tours of waterways, the backcountry, and more.)
• Park Ranger
• Trail Construction & Maintenance
• Ski/Bike Patrol
• Sea Kayak Guide
• Rafting Guide
• Outdoor Educator
• Small Business Owner
• Bike Guide
• Canoe Guide
• Rafting Guide
• Adventure Park Manager
• Backcountry Hut Custodian
• Snowmobile/ATV Guide
• Hiking Guide
• Climbing Guide
• Backcountry Ski Guide
• Avalanche Instructor

For three decades, our instructors have done more than teach — they’ve guided, inspired, and empowered a generation of adventurers. As seasoned explorers and mentors, they bring hard-earned wisdom, deep-rooted passion, and real-world experience to every challenge. Beyond mastering the wilderness, you’ll gain the business know-how and leadership skills to turn your love of adventure into a thriving career.

Don Webster – ATBO Program Coordinator

Dave Wan – Program Faculty

Gideon ‘Montana’ Smith – Computer and Natural Interpretation Instructor

Krista Polley – Program Instructor

Merrie-Beth Board – Program Instructor

Tamara Dykshoorn – Program Instructor

Hannah Rennie – Program Instructor

Jamie Whiteside – Program Instructor

Carla Demyen – Program Instructor

Kerry Brinkert – Program Instructor

Austin Bandl – Program Instructor

Jessie Paloposki – Program Instructor

If you require assistance with transfer forms or have a question about a transfer agreement, please contact the College of the Rockies Articulation Officer.