Mountain Adventure Skills Training

Our 9-month MAST certificate program, based in Fernie BC, is held from September until the end of May (approximately) each year. The program is designed for adventure enthusiasts like you – individuals interested in becoming adventure professionals or proficient recreationalists. 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 program 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.

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Admission and Program Requirements

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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 or download the pdf version of the official program outline

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MAST Waiver

Advanced written acknowledgement (via email to fernie@cotr.bc.ca) to the terms of the MAST Waiver and Associated Program Waivers, such as Avalanche Canada, Fernie Wilderness Adventures, Island Lake Lodge, Recreational Canoeing Association of BC and more. These will be signed in person.

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

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Outdoor Industry Certifications (subject to change)

Canoe Guide Certification

Basic Tandem Lakewater Paddler

Basic Solo Lakewater Paddler

Tandem Moving Water Basic Paddler

Swiftwater Rescue Technician 3

Avalanche Skills Training 1

Avalanche Skills Training 2

Companion Rescue

Interpretive Guides Assoc. Basic Knowledge Course

CASI Snowboard Instructor Certification

CSIA Ski Instructor Certification

Wilderness First Responder Certification

Occupational First Aid

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How to Apply

Applications are accepted for the following year beginning November 1st of each year. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot.

Applications from qualified students are processed on a first come, first served basis. Do not delay submitting your application.

To apply for entry in the MAST program please complete the following steps:

1. Review the Admission Requirements

2. Apply online:

Apply online through the EducationPlannerBC (EPBC)’s application service.

• Enclose your secondary school transcript
• Enclose the $30 application processing fee ($100 if you are an International Student)
• An Admission Package will be forwarded when your secondary school transcript and application fee are received.

 3. A non-refundable commitment fee of $250 is required.

You are given details for this payment in your letter of acceptance. Tuition installment and deadlines will be detailed in your letter of acceptance.

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Application Fee:	$30.00
Tuition:	$10,607.82
Student Association Fee:	$80.50
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

_{*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.}

Tuition includes:

Season’s Pass at Fernie Alpine Resort included in tuition. We offer more skills courses included with tuition than any other Adventure Program!

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• All required and elective theory and field course fees.
• All activity specific equipment such as ropes, climbing equipment, crampons, ice axes, rafts, canoes, kayaks, paddles, swiftwater rescue equipment, canoe barrels, large dry bags for multi-day river tripping and dehydrators for meal preparation.
• Group equipment such as winter and 3-season tents, stoves and fuel, pots, food hangs, tarps.
• Transportation and accommodation during out-trips
• Textbooks for core courses, some which are signed out for the course (as with Risk Management or Small Business & Entrepreneurship), and others which will be yours to keep (as with Avalanche Skills Training 1 & 2)
• Rite in the Rain #311 Logbook
• Free access to Fernie campus climbing gym and computer lab

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Additional Student Costs:

• Personal Equipment – Required and Recommended
• Out-trip food. Students are responsible for food and personal costs during out-trips.
• Lodging and personal expenses. The MAST program is based in Fernie, BC. There is no student housing available.
• Possible equipment rental. Common rental items are mountaineering boots or a drysuit.
• Kayak pool winter rolling sessions at the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
• Canadian Alliance of Snowboard Instructors or Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Membership Fees should you choose to become a member.
• Gaia GPS annual premium membership at a cost of approximately $60/year.
• Additional #311 logbooks should you require more at a cost of approximately $12 each.

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Equipment Requirements:

The following personal equipment list is required by all MAST students. This list is provided here to give prospective students an idea of what personal equipment is required. A detailed equipment list is sent out to students upon acceptance and will provide equipment descriptions and direction to help with purchasing decisions. Students may wish to delay purchase of equipment until program confirmation. This equipment will, with care, last for many years.

View or download: Personal Equipment – Required and Recommended

Note:

• This equipment will, with care, last for years. Students may wish to delay purchase of equipment until program confirmation.
• This list does not include standard academic items such as texts, writing materials, etc.
• This list refers only to technical equipment; clothing and other daily necessities are not included.
• Students are urged to consider the most cost effective equipment purchases. Look for sale items, phone several shops and talk to experienced sales people.
• Students are required to have a personal laptop.

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

International Application Fee:	$100.00
One-time International Education Fee:	$100.00
Application Fee:	$30.00
Tuition:	$18,753.19
Student Association Fee:	$80.50
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00
Guard.me Insurance:	$270.00

Tuition includes:

Season’s Pass at Fernie Alpine Resort included in tuition. We offer more skills courses included with tuition than any other Adventure Program!

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• All required and elective theory and field course fees.
• All activity specific equipment such as ropes, climbing equipment, crampons, ice axes, rafts, canoes, kayaks, paddles, swiftwater rescue equipment, canoe barrels, large dry bags for multi-day river tripping and dehydrators for meal preparation.
• Group equipment such as winter and 3-season tents, stoves and fuel, pots, food hangs, tarps.
• Transportation and accommodation during out-trips
• Textbooks for core courses, some which are signed out for the course (as with Risk Management or Small Business & Entrepreneurship), and others which will be yours to keep (as with Avalanche Skills Training 1 & 2)
• Rite in the Rain #311 Logbook
• Free access to Fernie campus climbing gym and computer lab

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Additional Student Costs:

• Personal Equipment – Required and Recommended
• Out-trip food. Students are responsible for food and personal costs during out-trips.
• Lodging and personal expenses. The MAST program is based in Fernie, BC. There is no student housing available.
• Possible equipment rental. Common rental items are mountaineering boots or a drysuit.
• Kayak pool winter rolling sessions at the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
• Canadian Alliance of Snowboard Instructors or Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Membership Fees should you choose to become a member.
• Gaia GPS annual premium membership at a cost of approximately $60/year.
• Additional #311 logbooks should you require more at a cost of approximately $12 each.

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Equipment Requirements:

The following personal equipment list is required by all MAST students. This list is provided here to give prospective students an idea of what personal equipment is required. A detailed equipment list is sent out to students upon acceptance and will provide equipment descriptions and direction to help with purchasing decisions. Students may wish to delay purchase of equipment until program confirmation. This equipment will, with care, last for many years.

View or download: Personal Equipment – Required and Recommended

Note:

• This equipment will, with care, last for years. Students may wish to delay purchase of equipment until program confirmation.
• This list does not include standard academic items such as texts, writing materials, etc.
• This list refers only to technical equipment; clothing and other daily necessities are not included.
• Students are urged to consider the most cost effective equipment purchases. Look for sale items, phone several shops and talk to experienced sales people.
• Students are required to have a personal laptop.

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

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

• Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guide (including canoeing, rafting, mountain climbing, ski patrol, camp counsellor, camp program 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
• Accommodation, Travel, Tourism / Related Services Supervisor
• Work as an Entrepreneur

To Institution	Program
Algonquin College	Outdoor Adventure Ontario College Diploma The transfer agreement is extended and in effect until September 2026	Transfer Agreement
College of the Rockies	Adventure Tourism Business Operations Diploma	Transfer Agreement