Curriculum

Our mountain school curriculum is designed to make you a competent mountaineer. We believe this is best done in the mountains and not in a classroom or campus setting.

Leadership: Regardless of whether you are out with friends or if you are a guide, your leadership skills are an important ingredient of your success and safety in the mountains. Leadership development is an important part of the program and it is embedded in all sections. Students will be put in leadership positions during every section of the semester.

Backpacking & Adventure Hiking: Navigation and route finding in challenging terrain, river crossings, and camping skills will all be covered during this section. We are also keen advocates of the Leave No Trace principle which will be introduced in this section and which will remain a constant thread throughout the semester.

Rock Climbing: In the spring and fall, rock climbing is taught at one of the best climbing venues in Canada: Banff National Park or Skaha, BC. The huge variety of climbing makes both of these locations an ideal place to learn “sport” and “traditional” climbing techniques including leading and gear placements.

Ice Climbing: We have some of the best ice climbing in the world on our doorstep in Canmore. The Canadian Rockies are world-renowned for their ice climbing and we will conduct much of the training in the heart of it near the Columbia Icefields. We will teach you how to move on steep ice using all of the specialized equipment, advanced climbing techniques, and placing and removing ice protection. We will be covering “mixed climbing” and you’ll find ‘dry tooling’ a sure way to get you ‘pumped’.

Mountaineering: Training takes place in some of the most remarkable terrain in the world. We teach you how to climb on snow, ice, and alpine rock plus instruct you in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, route finding, and navigation. All of this is combined with the ascent of several peaks. The final mountaineering expedition gives you the chance to organize and lead the trip under the watchful eye of our certified guides.

Backcountry Skiing: As with ice climbing we have world-class backcountry skiing in the Canadian Rockies and in the Selkirk Range just to the west. Winter route finding, avalanche hazard assessment, glacier travel, and winter camping skills are all covered. Canada is a world leader in avalanche training and Avalanche Canada sanctioned certificates will be awarded on successful completion.

Rescue: We will introduce you to more rope rescue techniques and to the advanced skills needed to extract victims from remote settings and steep terrain.  This is invaluable knowledge to have in the mountains.

Wilderness First Responder: Part of the Semester is a professional-level wilderness first aid course. The Wilderness First Responder Certificate course is run and delivered by Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine, North America’s leading provider of wilderness first aid training.  This 80-hour program trains you to deal with the treatment and evacuation of casualties in a remote setting. You will be certified with the industry standard for outdoor professionals. For those looking to additionally use the certification for a worksite, the training will also include an Advanced First Aid component which will provide certification for the workplace that is recognized by Alberta Workplace Health and Safety. This training will offer mobility between Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Yukon.

Components of the Mountain Skills Semester

Mountain Hiking (Fall Semester Only)

Our introductory session for the semester will set the stage for travel in the mountains. This section will cover trip planning, navigational skills, map, compass, and GPS. Food planning and preparation, Leave No Trace ethics, camping skills, cooking skills, group travel, hazard recognition and risk management, bear and predator awareness. The bonds that will last a lifetime are forged during this trip.

Rock Climbing

The rock climbing section covers a broad spectrum of climbing techniques. We start with the introductory skills of site safety, risk assessment, rope management, belaying, and movement on rock, and then progress as skills and confidence build. Over the duration of this section, we will cover top-roped climbing, lead climbing, sport & Trad climbing, multi-pitch climbing, alpine scrambling, and rock rescue. This is a comprehensive skills section that moves at the pace of the individual climber and builds on both beginner and intermediate skills alike.

Alpine Mountaineering

Taking our previous skills we move to vast and steep glaciated terrain. Our comprehensive skills section on alpine mountaineering is campsite-based in view of the glaciers and peaks of the Columbia Icefields. It is here that you will learn safe travel techniques and crevasse rescue skills on the largest icefields in Banff and Jasper National Park. Skills days will be interspersed with long mountaineering days on such objectives as Mt. Athabasca 3,474m and others.

Alpine Expedition

This is an opportunity to take the skills you acquired with the expert oversight of mountain guides to lead an expedition to one of the 11,000 ft. peaks of the Canadian Rockies. The Alpine Expedition is a group-led trip interspersed with instruction, coaching, and guide mentorship. This gives participants the chance to test skills and new knowledge in an expedition setting. This is one of the more challenging and rewarding trips and is the culminating trip of the Spring semester.

*Wilderness First Responder – Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine (RMAM)

This is an 80-hour theoretical and practical course on advanced wilderness first aid and medical emergencies. An industry-standard course, our advanced adventure medic program is approved and recognized by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, American Mountain Guides Association, Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC, and Alberta Workplace Health and Safety as the minimum requirement to progress into the outdoor recreation guiding profession. We schedule this section mid-semester to provide a break in between physically challenging mountain trips.

*Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1)

A two-day course based on the curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada. One day in the classroom covering the theory behind the weather and avalanche phenomena, coupled with a practical touring day introducing the skills of snowpack analysis, companion and group rescue, terrain recognition skills as well as safe travel practice. This is the primary basis of travelling safely in the winter mountain environment and is a prerequisite for professional avalanche training with Avalanche Canada.

On-Piste Ski Skills

During the winter portion of the semester, we will spend a day in Lake Louise or Banff at one of the ski hills tuning up ski skills with intensive coaching and practice. This day will help set the stage for the backcountry skiing portion of the semester.

Ski Mountaineering

Our backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering sections are designed to provide students with the skills they need to travel safely in the winter mountain environment. We cover the basic techniques required for winter camping and survival as well as the specific skills needed to safely traverse glaciers, ski mountaineer to climb peaks, and route find in avalanche terrain. Most students with intermediate skiing abilities can build their skills and progress on to ski instructor training at the end of this section.

Waterfall Ice Climbing and Mixed Climbing

Our intent for this section is to allow the student to learn and use safe winter climbing practices in order to become a proficient climber on frozen waterfalls and in mixed terrain. Many of the world’s best ice climbers have learned and progressed on the famous ice climbs of the Canadian Rockies. This section will introduce students to the technical skills required for top rope, lead, and multi-pitch ice climbing in this world-class area. Safe winter practices such as route finding, evaluating avalanche conditions and hazard management will be discussed. This is an excellent section in which students will progress according to their own comfort and physical ability levels.

*Avalanche Skills Training 2 (AST 2 – advanced avalanche awareness)

The Avalanche Skills Training 2 course focuses on advanced avalanche awareness and decision-making in complex terrain. While Rogers Pass in the Selkirk Mountains—renowned for its deep snowpack and world-class backcountry skiing—is a possible venue, there are many incredible locations that offer excellent learning opportunities. The final location will be chosen based on conditions to ensure the best learning environment.

In addition to avalanche safety, the course will integrate advanced backcountry ski techniques, ski travel, powder skiing, snow shelter building, and winter camping skills. This is the culminating trip of the Fall semester.

* Denotes a certification that the student will receive during the program which can be used for future employment in the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism field. Certification is subject to meeting the governing body standards.

Where Can the Mountain Skills Semester Take You?

One of the best ways to measure a program isn’t just what happens during the semester—it’s where it leads afterwards.

Our graduates have gone on to careers in guiding, outdoor education, avalanche safety, ski operations, expedition travel, and mountain leadership. Others simply leave with the confidence and skills to pursue bigger personal objectives in the mountains.

Wherever your goals take you, the Mountain Skills Semester is designed to give you the technical foundation, judgment, and experience to get there.

Jeff’s Story

When Jeff enrolled in the Mountain Skills Semester, he’d recently left a career in finance. He knew he wanted a life centred around the mountains but wasn’t sure what that might look like.

Seven years later, he’s living that vision as a full-time mechanized ski guide and is preparing for his first heli-ski guiding season.

“The tools gained through the course set me up for success. I don’t think I would have succeeded without the Fall Semester.”

Jeff also credits the instructors with recognizing each student’s individual goals and helping them build the skills to achieve them.

“Grant really keyed in on each student and what they were after and what they needed to work on to reach their next goal.”

Phil’s Story

Phil joined the program hoping to develop stronger mountain skills.

What surprised him most was the confidence he gained along the way.

Today he’s completing an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor program while adding kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and sailing instruction certifications to his resume.

“The program planted the seed for my current career shift. I started to believe in myself a lot more—that I could achieve things I had doubted for many years.”

When asked what he’d tell someone considering the Mountain Skills Semester, his answer was simple:

“An amazing opportunity that may well plant the seed for changes in your career or for the foundation of a future career.”

Whether your goal is to build a career in the mountain industry, prepare for professional training, become a more capable backcountry traveller, or simply challenge yourself in an unforgettable environment, the Mountain Skills Semester is designed to help you take that next step.

Where Our Graduates Go

Mountain Skills Semester alumni have gone on to:

• Professional ski guiding
• Outdoor education
• Climbing instruction
• Avalanche operations
• Search and Rescue
• Adventure tourism
• Parks and recreation
• Expedition leadership
• International mountain travel

Others simply become highly competent recreational climbers and mountaineers with the confidence to tackle objectives they once thought were beyond their reach.

Your Mountain Journey Starts Here

Whether you dream of becoming a guide, exploring glaciated peaks around the world, or simply becoming the most capable version of yourself in the mountains, every journey begins with learning.

The Mountain Skills Semester isn’t just about the next few months—it’s about where those months can take you.

Sample Spring Semester

(please note that the order of activities may vary based on conditions. You will receive the itinerary for your program prior to the start date.)

Orientation and Basic Ice Skills Day

Day 1: The Mountain Skills Semester kicks off at 9:00 am at the Yamnuska office, where we’ll gather as a group, get to know one another, and outline the goals and adventure-packed agenda for the weeks ahead. In the afternoon, we’ll head to a local ice climbing area to begin hands-on training—starting with the fundamentals of crampon and ice axe use, and getting our first taste of moving confidently on ice.

Introduction to Ice Climbing

Day 2-3: Two days of basic skills training near Canmore. We introduce movement skills on progressively steeper ice and start learning the rope safety techniques that we will apply throughout the program.

Objectives of this section will be:

Avalanche Skills Training – Level 1 – Classroom day

Day 4: Based on the curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada the Avalanche Skills Training level 1 (AST 1) will be the base for avalanche risk management for the remaining winter sections of the MSS. This day will cover avalanche theory in the Yamnuska classroom.

Objectives of this section will be:

Advanced Ice Climbing and Introduction to Mixed Climbing Skills

Day 5-11: Roadside seeps and frozen waterfalls have now become spectacular ice climbing challenges. For this section, we base out of the Rampart creek hostel where we have numerous options for both ice and mixed climbing. The pace is stepped up to incorporate the skills required to lead and multi-pitch climb. Mixed climbing skills will also be covered in this section.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 12-13: Days off in Canmore

Downhill Ski Skills

Day 14: Today will be spent at one of the local ski hills brushing up on downhill ski techniques and introducing safe skiing practices that can be used in the backcountry. Objectives will be adjusted for the groups’ ski ability.

Objectives of this section will be:

Avalanche Skills Training – Level 1

Day 15: Based on the curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada the Avalanche Skills Training level 1 (AST1) will be the base for avalanche risk management for the remaining winter sections of the MSS. The first day will be theory in the Yamnuska classroom.

Introduction to Back Country Skiing (Boarding)

Day 16-19: This is the first tent-based section of the spring semester. You will learn the skills of winter camping and cooking. The days will be spent completing the Avalanche Skills Training level 1 field components as well as beginning to refine route-finding and track-setting skills. Of course, we will aim to ski some of the snow that makes these mountain ranges famous. The first day of this section is a prep day in Canmore where we will prepare food, tents, stoves, and personal equipment. We will also cover ‘Leave no Trace’ practices, map and compass skills, and trip planning. Expedition planning is a key skill that is covered throughout the semester and students will be expected to do most of the trip meal, equipment, and route planning.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 20: Day off in Canmore

Avalanche Skills Training – Level 2

Day 21-26: Based on Avalanche Canada’s curriculum, the Avalanche Skills Training level 2 course provides advanced avalanche training in complex terrain. This section is focused on improving avalanche skills to a high level as we head into the steep and deep of the Rockies or the Selkirk Mountains. We look at the practical application of recognizing, evaluating, and mitigating avalanche hazards. The group will either be camping or using snow shelters. With the completion of this section, you will be well prepared to continue with the professional-level courses offered by Avalanche Canada or similar courses in other countries. Day one of this section will be a prep day and will also cover more avalanche-related material in the classroom.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 27: Day off in Canmore

Day 28: Navigation Skills: Digital trip planning and electronic navigation.

Ski Mountaineering

Day 29-35: This section focuses on skiing in glaciated terrain. Instruction on glacier travel and crevasse rescue will progress into student-led climbs on the peaks of the Wapta Icefields.

Refining winter camping and cooking skills will also be a goal. Day one of this section is a prep day.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 36: Day off in Canmore

Wilderness First Responder

Day 37-46: This 80-hour professional-level certification course is the benchmark first aid course for working in the outdoor industry. It includes extensive outdoor simulations and oxygen therapy. Those passing the exam are certified for three years. There will be a day’s break during the program which is needed for course study and exam preparation. This is a pass/fail course.

The following topics will be covered:

Course Break

Day 47-51: Your chance to take five days off and spend a little time on your own or plan a trip with some of your fellow group members. This is also a great time for keeners to go to the climbing gym to prepare for the next section. Many students plan their own mountain trips during the break to hone their skills.

Rock Climbing

Day 52-65: This is the longest segment of the spring Semester. As with the majority of the Mountain Skills Semester, the rock climbing section is a hands-on experience that will solidify your skills and knowledge. Having the basic technical skills from the ice climbing and ski mountaineering sections under our belts, we will quickly progress towards leading on both bolted and naturally protected routes. Multi-pitch skills and rock rescue will also be an integral part of this section.

Alpine rock scrambling will be covered and is an important facet of mountaineering that requires an ability to quickly choose the appropriate technique for every situation so as to maximize both speed and safety.  We will introduce peer short roping, natural belays, and other important alpine rock climbing techniques.

Rock climbing takes place in either the Rockies on a variety of types of stone or at Skaha in BC’s Okanagan Valley. A floating day off will be taken during the section and will be determined by the weather and student energy levels.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 66: Day off in Canmore

Alpine Mountaineering

Day 67-73: This is what the Canadian Rockies are famous for! Instruction on glacier travel and advanced crevasse rescue will progress into student-led climbs on the peaks of the Columbia Icefields area. Skills for climbing multi-pitch alpine ice routes will also be covered.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 74-75: Days off in Canmore

Alpine Expedition

Day 76-81: As a group, you will face the challenges of travelling and climbing in a new alpine region and putting to use the skills you have learned over the previous months. It is also a celebration of three months spent in the mountains. Areas used in the past have been: Mt Columbia, Ghost Valley Area, Mt Joffre, Mt Brazeau, Roger’s Pass, and others. Day one of this section will be a prep day.

Objectives of this section will be:

Course debrief day and graduation dinner in Canmore

Day 82: Individual interviews with the instructors to properly debrief the program and an opportunity to plan how to further develop your mountaineering skills and career. This will be followed by a celebratory graduation dinner where you will be congratulated and awarded your certificates from the program.

Depart

Day 83: The course is closed and students head their separate ways after a great semester experience. The friendships and bonds formed will no doubt last a lifetime.

Sample Fall Semester

(please note that the order of activities may vary based on conditions. You will receive the itinerary for your program prior to the start date.)

Orientation and Preparation day

Day 1: The Mountain Skills Semester begins at 9:00 am at the Yamnuska office, where we’ll meet our new adventure partners and set the stage for the journey ahead. Together, we’ll review the program’s objectives and map out the exciting weeks to come. In the afternoon, it’s all about preparation—organizing food, tents, stoves, and personal gear for our first expedition. We’ll also dive into essential ‘Leave No Trace’ practices, ensuring our adventures tread lightly on the wild places we explore.

Mountain Hiking and Navigation

Day 2 – 5: The first day of this section will build a solid foundation in mountain navigation before beginning our four-day hike. The majority of our hike will be off-trail to provide the best adventure and test for your navigation skills.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 6: Day off in Canmore

Rock Climbing

Day 7 – 16: This is the longest segment of the Fall Semester. As with the majority of the Mountain Skills Semester (MSS), the rock climbing section is a hands-on experience that will solidify your skills and knowledge. We will start from the basics of equipment familiarization, belaying and movement technique and progress to leading on both bolted and naturally protected routes.

Rock climbing takes place in either the Rockies on a variety of types of stone or at Skaha in BC’s Okanagan Valley depending on weather conditions. 2 floating days off will be taken during the section and will be determined by the weather and energy levels.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 17: Day off in Canmore 

Alpine Mountaineering

Day 18-24: Training at Columbia Icefields
What the Canadian Rockies are famous for! Instruction on glacier travel and crevasse rescue will progress into student-led climbs on the peaks of the Columbia Icefields area. Skills for climbing multi-pitch alpine ice routes will also be covered.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 25-26: Days off in Canmore 

Alpine Rock

Day 27-31: Alpine Rock Training Continued in the Bow Valley 
We’ll spend an additional 5 days honing our alpine rock skills.

Alpine rock scrambling will be covered and is an important facet of mountaineering that requires an ability to quickly choose the appropriate technique for every situation so as to maximize both speed and safety.  We will introduce peer short roping, natural belays, and other important alpine rock climbing techniques.

Day 32-33: Days off in Canmore 

Alpine Expedition

Day 34-39: As a group, you will face the challenges of travelling and climbing in a new alpine region and putting to use the skills you have learned over the previous weeks. This trip is student lead with coaching and feedback from your guides. The first day of this section will be a prep day for the trip. Areas used in the past have been: Mt Joffre area, Freshfields area, Mt Forbes, Mt Brazeau as well as others.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 40-41: Days off in Canmore

Wilderness First Responder

Day 42-51: This 80-hour professional-level certification course is the benchmark first aid course for working in the outdoor industry. It includes extensive outdoor simulations and oxygen therapy. Those passing the exam are certified for three years. There will be a day’s break during the program which is intended for course study.

The following topics will be covered:

Course Break

Day 52-56: Your chance to take five days off and spend a little time on your own or plan a trip with some of your fellow group members.

Avalanche Skills Training – Level 1

Day 57-58: Based on the curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada the Avalanche Skills Training level 1 (AST1) will be the base for avalanche risk management for the remaining winter sections of the MSS. The first day will be theory in the Yamnuska classroom and the second day is hands-on in the field.

Objectives of this section will be:

Downhill Ski Skills

Day 59: Today will be spent at one of the local ski hills brushing up on downhill ski techniques and introducing safe skiing practices that can be used in the backcountry. Objectives will be adjusted for the groups’ ski ability.

Objectives of this section will be:

Ski Mountaineering

Day 60-66: Adapting previously learned glacier travel skills into the winter ski setting will be the main goal of this section. The huts on the Wapta Icefields north of Lake Louise are the typical venue for this trip. Day one of this section is a prep day.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 67-68: Days off in Canmore

Ice Climbing & Mixed Climbing

Day 69 – 76: Waterfall ice climbing has a different ambiance and feel from the climbing we’ve done up to this point. Roadside seeps and frozen waterfalls suddenly become spectacular climbing challenges. For this section, we base out of the Rampart creek hostel where we have numerous options for both ice and mixed climbing. We spend the first couple of days learning and refining the basic skills used for climbing this unique medium and then the pace is stepped up to the skills of leading and multi-pitch climbing.

Objectives of this section will be:

Day 77: Day off in Canmore

Avalanche Skills Training – Level 2

Day 78-83: This is the final section of the fall semester. Based on Avalanche Canada’s curriculum, the Avalanche Skills Training level 2 course provides advanced training in complex terrain. This section is focused on improving avalanche skills to a high level as we head into the steep and deep of the Rockies or the Selkirk Mountains. We look at the practical application of recognizing, evaluating, and avoiding avalanche hazards. The group will either be camping or using snow shelters. With the completion of this section, you will be well prepared to continue with the professional-level courses offered by Avalanche Canada or similar courses in other countries. Day one of this section will be a prep day and will cover more avalanche-related material in the classroom.

Objectives of this section will be:

Course debrief day and graduation dinner in Canmore

Day 84: Individual interviews with the instructors to properly debrief the program and an opportunity to plan how to further develop your mountaineering skills and career. This will be followed by a celebratory graduation dinner where you will be congratulated and awarded your certificates from the program. 

Departure

Day 85: The course is closed and students head their way after a great semester experience.

Course Location

The Yamnuska Mountain School is based in Canmore, Alberta, Canada in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains just minutes from Banff National Park. Section locations vary according to conditions but we typically range north to the Columbia Icefields, west to Rogers Pass in the Selkirk Mountains, and east along the edge of the Rockies in Kananaskis Country.  Most program locations are within an hour’s drive from our office which means more time spent in the mountains.

Canmore is a vibrant mountain community with lots of great local flavour and community events. It is also a Mecca for the outdoor recreation enthusiast with the possibility of participating in almost any mountain sport that you can imagine, from paragliding to white-water kayaking and of course mountain biking! Located just one hour West of the city of Calgary, living in the mountains doesn’t mean isolation from modern conveniences like an international airport and a city full of major shows, events, and sports teams. And as the eastern border of the massive Mountain National Parks system, the abundance of nature and wildlife viewing opportunities is unmatched!

Please plan on arriving in Canmore at least the day before the Semester begins. At an elevation of around 1,300m, most people do not suffer any effects from the higher elevation, however, it is nice to have a few days to get your bearings before we begin the program.

Transportation

During the program, all transportation is supplied in modern 12 – 15 passenger vans. You are welcome to bring your own vehicles, however, for most program components it is best to drive with the group to the daily training locations. During evenings, on free days, and during the course break, transportation is not supplied.

Instructor Ratios

The instructor ratio (number of students per instructor) has a very large impact on the quality of the program. Ratios are selected based on the difficulty and hazard associated with the teaching terrain. In most sections, the ratio is 1:6 which is fine for single pitch climbing, general mountain, and ski mountaineering terrain. On multi-pitch climbs and for the advanced alpine mountaineering sections, the ratio will drop to 1:2.

Accommodation

Accommodation is mixed throughout the course. During much of the Semester, you will be out in the mountains camping, staying in mountain huts, hostels, and even snow caving. Between trips, we will be based out of Canmore, Alberta, and accommodation is not included.  There will be approximately 40 nights where we will be based in Canmore and we can arrange budget hostel or hotel shared accommodation (with other MSS students) for these “in-town” nights for an additional cost.

We offer an option with fully equipped kitchens and lounge areas. Subject to availability.

Pricing:

Spring 2026: $2850 plus tax. Based at the Downtown Canmore Hostel, this venue is a great location within walking distance to all amenities and downtown Canmore.

Fall 2026: $2850 plus tax. Based at the Downtown Canmore Hostel, this venue is a great location within walking distance to all amenities and downtown Canmore.

Dietary Restrictions – PLEASE NOTE: Our kitchen and the full-time chef can accommodate many different kinds of dietary restrictions, allergies, and food preferences. For those with specific menu requirements that need supplemental food items or individual pack-outs, there is a food surcharge. This would include Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut Allergies, etc. This option does not cover gourmet or fully organic meal packages.

Spring 2026: $920 for the out-trip portion

Fall 2026: $965 for the out-trip portion

Equipment and Clothing

We are in a continental or inland climate that varies greatly in temperatures and weather. During the Fall Semester temperatures range from +20 Celsius through early September to -25 Celsius in late November and early December. Snow starts falling in mid to late October. We can, however, get early mountain snowstorms in September. During the Spring Semester, the temperatures in March can be down to -20 Celsius and gradually warm to summer-like days in June. Snowstorms switch to rain about mid-April. Bottom line is to be prepared for every type of mountain weather imaginable.

All group camping and all technical gear are supplied with the exception of ski gear, rock shoes, and climbing boots. Reasonably priced climbing boot rentals can be arranged during the course but you must make your own arrangements for backcountry ski gear rentals. We recommend Gear Up Sports (403-678-1636) for rentals. You will need to bring your own outdoor clothing and footwear, backpack, sleeping bag, and ski gear. Download Gear List (.pdf)

There are several outdoor stores in the area from which you can buy gear and clothing during the Semester. Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Vertical Addiction (both in Canmore) offer students a 10% discount.

Request an MSS Package here.

Before applying for the Semester you need to open and read the Semester Application Form and Booking and Cancellation Policies. This outlines the payment and enrollment process. You will need to download this form, complete it, and return it to us (mail or email), even if you book online or by phone.

• Minimum enrollment is 6 students, an amended program may be offered should enrollment be less.
• $500 refundable gear damage deposit is required from all students.
• Tax Receipt issued for tuition costs.
• Ski Ability – you need to be an intermediate skier/boarder able to link together parallel turns down most intermediate slopes at the ski hill.
• Age restriction – students must be at least 18 years old for our Spring semester and 19 years old for our Fall semester.

Click here for Personal Information and Experience Form
Click here for the medical form

You can apply for this semester by calling us or online by using the button below.
Along with all relevant receipts, we will send you a full trip logistical kit (containing meeting times, a list of what to bring, and info on how to get here) and a sample copy of our waiver (see sample waiver) which we will ask you to sign when you meet us.

Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here.

Following interim acceptance of your application, you will also need to download the applicant questionnaire for you to fill in and our medical form to complete and return to us.

The Simpson Group offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for both Canadian and International Travelers. Other providers offer similar services and we encourage you to select an appropriate level of coverage. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. The two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider are Medical and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

Insurance Risk 
One of the ways to mitigate risk is by purchasing appropriate insurance. Simpson Group Insurance Services who are travel & health risk specialists, work with technical and high-risk insurance solutions both in medical and non-medical spheres.  We highly recommend that you review your insurance needs to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip. Simpson Group have a team standing by to answer any of your questions.

Emergency Medical Evacuation
While there is typically no charge for search & rescue in the National and Provincial Parks for active pass holders, costs such as air & ground ambulance after the rescue are not covered by your park pass. The chance of a large bill associated with this risk is a real possibility.

For Canadians
A common myth is that healthcare across provinces is fully covered. There are many things which do not carry interprovincial agreements. Ambulance services, medical evacuation, and some services which one province charges more than another you’d be responsible to pay the difference.

For Internationals
A common myth is that healthcare in Canada is free. Although it is less expensive than US healthcare, charges for non-residents can still be very high. Proper medical health insurance is essential if you were to get injured. Most coverages exclude rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing and the like. Simpson Group can make sure all those risks are well covered.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons, business, family, flight delays, injuries, and other unplanned events.  For these eventualities, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment. We can assure you that circumstances do arise that prevent guests from participating in trips or courses and trip cancellation & interruption insurance is a relatively easy way to manage your level of risk of unforeseen events.

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend Simpson Group Insurance Services.  For more information and to purchase a plan, visit Simpson Group’s website.