Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures
ABOUT US
.bm-media-group-2 {
order:-1;
}
.bm-hero-81__footer {
margin-block-start: 0;
}Trusted Mountain Professionals Experience You Can Rely On
Since 1991, we’ve specialized in a wide range of mountain disciplines, including backcountry skiing, rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, hiking, mountain safety, and guided adventures. We’re proud of our strong reputation and the depth of expertise we bring to every experience.
Genuine Experts
Integrity, professionalism, experience, innovation, and unrivalled expertise define our team and organization. Owned and operated by seasoned IFMGA/ACMG-certified Mountain Guides, we are true mountain professionals committed to excellence across all the mountain experiences we provide.
Impeccable Safety Record
With over 20 years spent in the mountains with our clients, we are proud to maintain an impeccable safety record. Guest safety is always our top priority. Whatever your passion, ability level, or affinity for snow, ice, rock, or mountain travel, you can count on us to have the right course, adventure, and guide for you.
Mountain School
Industry-leading mountain skills courses, thoughtfully designed to build a strong foundation and support rapid progression.
Mountain Adventures
Guided mountain adventures and interpretive tours, including our signature Whistler and Squamish Via Ferrata experiences.
Guide Service
Experienced local guides delivering safe, challenging, and rewarding experiences through expert terrain choice and exceptional care.
Safety & Professional Mountain Guides.
Your safety is our top priority. Every adventure is led by certified professionals with deep local expertise.
Certified Guides
All guides hold ACMG and/or IFMGA certifications - the highest international standard for mountain professionals.
Safety-First Approach
All guides hold ACMG and/or IFMGA certifications - the highest international standard for mountain professionals.
Years of Experience
All guides hold ACMG and/or IFMGA certifications - the highest international standard for mountain professionals.
Local Knowledge
All guides hold ACMG and/or IFMGA certifications - the highest international standard for mountain professionals.
Certified Guides
All guides hold ACMG and/or IFMGA certifications - the highest international standard for mountain professionals.
MOUNTAIN SKILLS ACADEMY'S HISTORY
MEET THE TEAMMountain Skills Academy & Adventures traces its roots back to 1991. At that time the company was called Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau. The idea was to create a European-style guide service in the Coast Mountain Range based out of Whistler. This made a lot of sense, as Whistler was becoming a major tourist destination, even rated the No. 1 resort by American Ski Magazine in 1991.
WAG, as the company was affectionately known, was originally focused on backcountry skiing and avalanche courses. It grew to include ski traverses, ice climbing, and snowshoeing and later developed the summer guide services of mountaineering, rock climbing and Hiking. In 2006 we created and began operating the first Via Ferrata in Western Canada as well as running glacier tours.
Meanwhile, in the Canadian Rockies, the International Guide Bureau (IGB guides) was on a similar path. IGB guides focused on the private guiding of mountaineering, rock and ice climbing and backcountry skiing. IGB guide Eric Dumerac began a company offshoot; Mountain Skills Academy, that focused on its namesake, offering mountain skills. This was met with great success and appeal. Eventually, by 2009 the IGB ceased and the private guiding services were assumed by Mountain Skills Academy.
The mountain guides at MSA succeeded in two important things. They only offered privately guided mountain ventures that were selected for their high quality. As well, they developed a cutting-edge mountain skills program. To this day our program remains the world’s most complete offering of mountain skills and is widely regarded for its quality, customization, breadth and depth.
Finally, in 2015, Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau and Mountain Skills Academy rebranded under the strength of one banner; Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures. This bolsters our capability and our guests will now enjoy an even greater diversity of trips, courses and adventures.
We continue to serve as one of Canada’s leading mountain schools, adventure providers and professional guide services in the Sea to Sky Corridor and beyond.
