Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate

The Adventure Tourism and Business Operations (ATBO) program is ideal if you are passionate about adventure, sustainability, the environment, the outdoors and are interested in working in the Adventure Tourism industry.

This program starts in September each year. Part-time students applying in the Winter or Spring semester should select University General Studies as their program when applying.

• 1 year certificate program
• Credits can be used towards a tourism degree program
• Classroom study, lab work and six-week practicum

Certificate Program Requirements

Required Courses:

Plus three elective courses (6 credits) chosen from:

Note: A student who meets the prerequisites may choose instead to do any elective that is offered to the ATBO diploma students.

Total Credits for Certificate: 33

View official program outline.

Careers:

As a graduate of the certificate program you are qualified to secure positions in many entry-level positions such as lodge assistant interpreters, ski patrol, river rafting guide assistants, camp counsellor, office managers, service drivers & guides, river guides, assistant camp program directors and small business operations.

Certifications:

Our program includes the latest industry-developed training material, and includes BC provincially-endorsed programs’ standards. These include:

• Adventure Tourism – BC Standards and Certification for the Tourism Professional
• Marine Radio Operator License
• Commercial Recreation Management Plan
• Wilderness First Aid
• Business Plan Development

Possible Certifications

• Advanced Wilderness First Aid
• Aid in Obtaining a Class 4 Drivers License
• Swift Water Rescue-Rescue Canada
• Flat Water Canoe Instructors-BCRCA
• Alpine Ski Instructors-CSIA
• Snow Board Instructors-CASI
• Sea Kayak Level 1 Guide, SKGABC
• Sea Kayak Assistant Overnight Guide, SKGABC
• Apprentice Interpreter, IGA

Outdoor Technical Skills

• Backpacking
• White Water Kayaking
• Rock Climbing
• Technical Mountaineering
• Ice Climbing
• Winter Camping
• Tele-marking
• Back Country Ski Touring
• Canoeing
• Ocean Kayaking

Practicum

Some potential practicum placements include:

• Backroad Adventures BC Inc.
• Three Bars Ranch
• Panorama Resort
• Silver Star Resort
• Canadian Mountain Holidays
• Glacier Rafting Ltd.
• Crux Climbing Centre
• University Of Calgary, Outdoor Program Centre
• Reo Rafting Adventures
• Waskesiu Marina Adventure Center
• T’ai Li Lodge
• Parks Canada

ATBO – Year 1 – Required Courses

Students must complete all required courses listed below and a minimum of three elective courses.

Choose three (3) elective courses from the following:

Note: A student who meets the prerequisites may choose instead to do any elective that is offered to the ATBO diploma students.

Academic Requirements:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
• Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
• Recommended: Minimum 60% in either MATH 080, MATH 082, Foundations 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Essentials 11, Applications 11, Principles 11, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Foundations of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Geometry 12, or equivalent.

Non-Academic Requirements:

• 19 years of age prior to the start date of the program.
• Completion and submission of ATBO Program Admissions Package, which includes the ATBO Admissions Questionnaire, the ATBO Physical Fitness & Abilities Agreement, the ATBO Medical History Questionnaire, medical insurance, and the general program release and waiver.
• Students will be required to sign a general program release and waiver form before attending any outdoor activity.

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition and Fees for International Students

 Textbook Fees:

• Certificate program text book costs are approximately $800.00

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.

Equipment Requirements

The following is a required & recommended personal equipment list for all ATBO students.  

Review carefully – the exact items you will require will depend on what elective courses you choose to take, personal preferences, comfort in inclement conditions, and willingness to rent/share equipment.

It’s difficult for us to give an exhaustive list for all equipment required. You will learn much about outdoor equipment in the program, and you may find you may want different equipment than you once thought. A good approach is to show up with all the equipment on the required list, then be prepared with a budget to purchase more equipment after speaking with your instructors and registering for your electives.

That said, outdoor gear will always cost more than you expect – so plan accordingly.  Choose carefully – your equipment will, with care, last you for years. Additionally, if you purchase equipment that you think is suitable, and find out that it does not suit your needs, you can always re-sell it on buy and sell websites for others to enjoy.

Required Personal Gear (required within the first week of class)

This is a required list for all students, and will be used on required courses. (Intro to Outdoor Skills, Backpacking 1 & 2, Avalanche Skills Training)

• Backpacking boots: Suitable for carrying heavy backpacks on uneven/rough terrain – should have a minimum of a partial shank, be completely waterproof, be high enough to provide protection from mud/snow. These should be completely broken in prior to the course start.
• Waterproof rainwear/outerwear:  Shell jacket & pants, waterproof/breathable, uninsulated.  Jacket should have a hood.  Should be sized to fit layers underneath and be suitable for being outside 6 – 8 hours in a rainstorm.  The right outerwear will not only be worn for backpacking, but also elective courses such as winter backcountry travel, mountaineering, etc.
• Base layers: Synthetic or wool lightweight layers that sit next to your skin for active activities outside.  Should wick moisture away from your skin and insulate when wet.  Combine several base layers together for warmth.  Typically, a variety are useful, including long/short sleeve, as well as different weights for different conditions.
• Insulative mid layers: Lightweight compressible down/synthetic jacket that packs down small for carrying but offers good warmth.  Should be sized large to fit over other layers. (down jacket, puffy, etc).  If you will be doing many of the winter elective outdoor courses, consider in addition a very warm lightweight down jacket.
• Headwear: Hats for sun, hats for warmth, hats for rain.  (Trucker, ball cap, toque, ski hat, etc).
• Socks: Hiking specific socks plus spares. (wool or synthetic)
• Sleeping Bag: Down or synthetic mummy style bag, lightweight and compressible with compression stuff sack.  Typically, one sleeping bag rated to -10 C. will be appropriate for most required field courses, but in order to be comfortable on the overnight winter camping trip, you may want to consider going to a sleeping bag rated to -20 C.  If you do not want to purchase a bag rated to -20, expect to either rent/borrow or buy a cold weather sleeping bag prior to the winter camping trip in December.
• Sleeping pad: Inflatable and packable backpacking style that also has reasonable R value for shoulder season/winter use.  Options exist to use ensolite/closed cell pads as well.
• Overnight Pack: Approximately 55L-70L in size, with waist belt and sternum strap. Effective and comfortable harness system. Avoid ‘travel’ backpacks in favor of something that is backpacking specific.  For future elective choices, consider packs that have features that would be good for mountaineering (carry ice axes), ski/snowboard touring (carry avalanche gear). 
• Day Pack: Approximately 25L – 40L in size, should have waist and sternum straps.  Will be used for a variety of day hikes as well as potentially carrying mountaineering/rock climbing and avalanche equipment.
• Compass:  Must have adjustable declination setting and flip up sighting mirror. (Silva Ranger or Suunto work well)
• Headlamp:  Many options exist here. Must be lightweight and powerful.
• Water bottle: 1 Liter size minimum.  Leakproof, ideally wide mouth.
• Personal eating utensils: Mug/bowl/spoon or any combination therein.  Must be lightweight, non-breakable, and easy to pack.
• Gloves: lightweight/waterproof gloves for use on backpacking courses.
• Sunglasses:  UV Blocking, decent quality plastic framed sport sunglasses.  Should be suitable to reduce intense glare from snow/water.
• Personal first aid kit:  Lightweight simple first aid kit for personal use only (bandaging, blister care, etc.)
• Pocket Knife:  Generally, a small simple blade or a multi-tool type blade will suffice.  No need for a large sheath knife – too heavy for backpacking.
• Log/Note Book:  Waterproof rite-in-the-rain, side bound (not coiled),
• Watch:  Simple watch with alarm for use in field in absence of cell phone.  Watch with Altimeter/barometer are also nice to have.

Recommended Personal Gear (not required but highly recommended)

• Lightweight Nylon/Sil Tarp: (3m x 3m minimum size). Very useful piece of equipment that you will use for sleeping underneath, setting up shelters, practicing first aid, etc.  Ensure it has strong, lightweight lines (4 mm) of at least 3 meters in length for each corner.
• Gaiters: If the weather is great for your backpacking courses, you will wonder why you bought these.  If there is snow/mud on your backpacking courses – you will be very glad you bought these.
• Stuff Sacks: A variety of waterproof, packable stuff sacks for your clothes/food, etc.
• Camp Stove & Pots: You will be cooking on these stoves for a variety of courses. (Intro to Outdoor Skills, Backpack 1 & 2, and most elective outdoor courses) If you don’t have one, you will need to share with someone who does.  Best stoves and pot sets are lightweight backpacking systems. (i.e. Jet boil, MSR, etc). 
• Tent: 3 – 4 Season Alpine or Backpacking Tent.  Owning or being able to share a 3-season backpacking tent is key for your comfort in the program.  Those students interested in pursuing more mountain activities may find a 4-season tent serves them well.  Some students will be content with sleeping under a tarp.
• Trekking Pole(s): Collapsible trekking poles for backpacking (2).  Old ski poles may work well as an economical alternative.

Note: Not every person needs to purchase a tent, stove, pot set because you may be able to share with other students, however these are important pieces of gear that you will be able to use for many years.

Additional Equipment Required FOR ELECTIVES

Climbing Gear: Our rock-climbing course(s) are electives so only purchase this equipment if you wish to take these courses. We do carry a supply of climbing helmets, ropes, crampons, carabineers, belay devices and harnesses. We do not provide any climbing shoes.

• Rock Climbing Shoes, sized to fit, comfortable and broken in.

Paddling Gear: Our paddling courses are electives so only purchase this equipment if you wish to take the course(s).  We do provide a variety of Farmer John/Jane Wetsuits, spray tops, PFD’s, kayaks, canoes, and helmets.

• Neoprene booties with soles or socks with water shoes on top.
• Thin neoprene gloves and hat
• Personal drybag (5L).  For those wishing to complete the sea kayak electives, a complete set of drybags (5 – 10 L) is also recommended.

Ski/Snowboard Touring Gear: Our ski/snowboard course(s) are electives so only purchase this equipment if you wish to take the course. The College does not provide skis or snowboards.

• Alpine Ski or Snowboard equipment suitable for use on hill (for ski/snowboard instructor courses).
• Backcountry ski touring equipment or a suitable backcountry splitboard with fitted climbing skins (Winter Backcountry Travel, Avalanche Skills Training 2 elective courses).

This equipment is expensive – a reasonable alternative to purchasing is for students to rent from local providers in Golden for the duration of the course. 

Mountaineering/Ice-Climbing Gear: Our mountaineering/ice-climbing course(s) are electives so only purchase this equipment if you wish to take the course.

• Ice Climbing/Mountaineering Boots with 3/4 to full shank, waterproof, insulated and able to accept ‘lash on’ crampons.

This equipment is expensive – a reasonable alternative to purchasing is to rent from providers in Canmore for the duration of the course.

Avalanche Gear: We do provide avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels. If you are pursuing ski/snowboard touring we would recommend purchasing your own equipment so that you can use it on personal time and gain competency in it.

Mountain Biking Gear:  We do provide a bike if needed for our mountain biking elective course.  Students will still need to be able to provide:

• Mountain biking helmet, gloves, and shoes.

A note on personal outdoor equipment:  If you own your equipment and prefer to utilize it, every opportunity will be made to allow for its use if the item meets all appropriate safety standards.  Your instructors will review your equipment and let you know if they have any concerns with it.

Graduate Success Stories

James Major

“After 5 years working as a tour guide in Europe, I realized that it was the wilderness where I wanted to be guiding. But, I was woefully under-qualified for any adventure tourism jobs. I can’t tell you how happy I was when I discovered that the ATBO program not only existed, but that its status as a diploma program allowed me (a British citizen), to get a Canadian study permit and work permit so I could help support myself over the 2 year course. I took a gamble giving up a good career to come back to school, but so far it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.” Read more about James on our blog.

Greg Snell

In 2013, Greg beat out more than 600,000 applicants to win one of six spots in Australia’s “Best Job in the World” contest as Kangaroo Island’s wildlife caretaker. For six months, Greg swam with great white sharks, hung out with kangaroos and helped to conserve the pristine natural environment of
the island. After leaving Australia, Greg went on to his next best job in the world – launching an online documentary series called Travel Global Think Local. The travel series focuses on community projects that encourage empowerment, and sustainability and the actions of people who are making the world a better place.

Steve Cloke

Steve Cloke was always active and interested in outdoor recreation. As he grew older,that interest developed into work opportunities. Loving the industry, he decided to pursue a diploma that would give him the professional skills needed to thrive. “I researched several programs and this one was the perfect blend of small business studies and guide training,” says Steve. “I was interested in learning about the business side of the industry and not just the hard skills so this program was a great choice.” Through his practicum, Steve began guiding for 1000 Islands Kayaking in Brockville, Ontario. He is now the General Manager of the company and has helped the company grow from 10 boats to a fleet of 85.

Meet Your Instructors

Dave Wan, Program Coordinator

I initially earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Melbourne, Australia but spent a lot of my free time with the local SCUBA diving and bushwalking (back packing, rock-climbing, white-water kayaking, and skiing) clubs. I was first drawn to outdoor adventure sports for exactly that reason – the adventure. I also appreciate the challenge, the personal development, and the connection to the outdoors. My passion for outdoor adventure inspired me to complete a post-graduate diploma in Outdoor Education.

I have continued to pursue outdoor adventure because of the friendships and close personal bonds that are developed with others. You are often responsible for each other’s safety and that creates a long-lasting, deeply caring connection. Outdoor adventures became such an important part of my life, after a decade working in the field, I completed a master’s degree in Outdoor Education.

In 2006, I joined the College as coordinator and instructor for the Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) program, held at the Golden campus. I am very close with my students and get great joy from sharing my love of adventure sports with them and from helping them succeed. If you’re thinking of enrolling in the ATBO program, I look forward to having the opportunity to get to know you.

Away from work, I continue to be active. Adventure sports are what I do for work, what I do for play, and are what I do with my family. I’m exactly where I want to be, doing what I want to do and surrounded by the people I love. Life is good.

Don Webster, ATBO Faculty

Don has spent the last twenty years working as a guide, educator and outdoor professional across five continents.  From 2009 – 2016 he was Convenor of the Advanced Wilderness Leadership Certificate at Capilano University.

He has a diverse skill set in the adventure tourism industry, including expertise in: program management, guide training, curriculum design, sea kayaking, wilderness skills, risk management, and backcountry recreational conflict management.

Credentials: Certificate in Adventure Tourism Business Management (COTR), Diploma in Adventure Guiding (TRU), Bachelor’s Degree in Adventure Tourism Management (TRU), Master of Arts in Environment & Management (RRU), Guide Examiner (SKGABC).

Notable Experience: President, SKGABC; Chair, Adventure Tourism Articulation Committee; Adventure Programs Representative, Link BC; Director, Tourism Squamish; guiding, instructing and consulting internationally in Alaska, Patagonia, Australia, China, Antarctica, Oman, Norway, and Greenland.

Gideon ‘Montana’ Smith, Computer and Natural Interpretation Instructor

Gideon ‘Montana’ Smith, Computer and Natural Interpretation Instructor Gideon completed a geology program at Cambrian College (now the Sault College) in Ontario.  He worked professionally for four years as a field geophysicist and topographic surveyor in various parts of Canada.

He then completed an archaeology program at the University of Calgary.  After working in archaeology for several years, Gideon returned to the field of geology, and worked with the Geological Survey of Canada for eight years.  While with the Geological Survey he participated in two field expeditions, one to the high arctic, and one to the Rocky Mountains on the northern edge of Jasper Park.

Gideon has participated in archaeological projects throughout Alberta and in the Northwest Territories.  During trips to Mexico he has also extensively photographed some 25 Mesoamerican archaeological ruins.

Gideon moved to Golden in 1990, and began teaching with College of the Rockies in 1991.  An earth sciences background, along with field work, and many years experience hiking, mountain climbing, ski-touring, and canoeing have given Gideon a wide knowledge of the natural environment.

Over the years he has also worked as a professional ski patroller, and has acquired expertise in computer spreadsheet and database design.

Glen Reisenhofer, Backpacking Guide/Instructor

Glen Reisenhofer, Backpacking Guide/Instructor Glen Reisenhofer has been climbing, hiking, skiing and backpacking all over North America since 1982. However, his favourite place to play is in the Columbia and Rocky Mountains of Canada. Somehow, Glenn managed to find the time to finish a science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Calgary.

The lure of the mountains changed his direction and prevented Glenn from getting stuck in a laboratory. He started guiding officially in 2004. Glenn received his backpacking certification in 2005 from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

He also went on to become a professional interpreter with the Banff based Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association.

Glenn is a freelance photographer and writer with 36 published articles and various published photographs. Glenn is often found at the crags or in the great outdoors with his partner Colleen and daughter Elsa.

Careers, Certification and Practicum

Careers

As a graduate of the certificate program you are qualified to secure positions in many entry-level positions such as lodge assistant interpreters, ski patrol, river rafting guide assistants, camp counsellor, office managers, service drivers & guides, river guides, assistant camp program directors and small business operations.

Completing the diploma program qualifies you to seek work as an entrepreneur, to seek entry into mid-management positions in the tourism industry, to work as a recreation or program coordinator, as an assistant guide, for Parks Canada and more.

Certification:

Our program includes the latest industry-developed training material, and includes BC provincially-endorsed programs’ standards. These include:

• Adventure Tourism – BC Standards and Certification for the Tourism Professional
• Marine Radio Operator License
• Commercial Recreation Management Plan
• Wilderness First Aid
• Business Plan Development

Possible Certifications

• Advanced Wilderness First Aid
• Aid in Obtaining a Class 4 Drivers License
• Swift Water Rescue-Rescue Canada
• Flat Water Canoe Instructors-BCRCA
• Alpine Ski Instructors-CSIA
• Snow Board Instructors-CASI
• Sea Kayak Level 1 Guide, SKGABC
• Sea Kayak Assistant Overnight Guide, SKGABC
• Apprentice Interpreter, IGA

Outdoor Technical Skills

• Backpacking
• White Water Kayaking
• Rock Climbing
• Technical Mountaineering
• Ice Climbing
• Winter Camping
• Tele-marking
• Back Country Ski Touring
• Canoeing
• Ocean Kayaking

Practicum

Some potential practicum placements include:

• Backroad Adventures BC Inc.
• Three Bars Ranch
• Panorama Resort
• Silver Star Resort
• Canadian Mountain Holidays
• Glacier Rafting Ltd.
• Crux Climbing Centre
• University Of Calgary, Outdoor Program Centre
• Reo Rafting Adventures
• Waskesiu Marina Adventure Center
• T’ai Li Lodge
• Parks Canada